The list of available faucet finishes throughout the market is extensive. Each brand has a different take on each hue, although some are identical between brands. The contributions of each brand create a swirling pool of dozens of faucet finish choices. So, which one should you choose?
Perhaps you’re debating between black and stainless steel. These are excellent options, but each has its own merits. Here’s what you should know.
Black Faucets
For the most part, stainless steel comes in its classic, silvery hue. However, quite a few black stainless steel faucets are available on the market. This black finish offers many of the same benefits as traditional stainless steel, but there are a few extras due to the color variation.
For example, smudges, fingerprints, and dirt are painfully apparent on the shiny surface of a stainless steel faucet. However, black stainless steel hides these smudges well due to the dark color, so if you have kids (who always leave fingerprints on faucets throughout the house), black stainless steel is an excellent option.
Pros
To help you decide between black and regular stainless steel, here are a few upsides of black stainless steel:
- Coordinates well with trending color schemes
- Durable material
- Resistant to fingerprints and smudges
- Hides dirt better than traditional stainless steel
- Works well as a statement piece
- Different options are available, including matte black, high-shine finishes, etc.
Cons
On the flip side, here are a few downsides to consider:
- Black tones can vary throughout the industry, so mixing and matching from different brands can be tricky
- Acrylic coating is susceptible to scratching
- Pricier than traditional stainless steel
Are Black Faucets Too Trendy?
The current trending color scheme pairs well with black faucets, so they’ve been all the rage these past few years as modern designs have made their mark. While some folks warn against choosing a black faucet, as trends come and go, others argue this finish is timeless.
Black faucets pair well with almost any color scheme – you can create a contrast, making the faucet the focal point, or you could blend the faucet with similar hues to create a darker palette. Ultimately, the choice is yours.
However, if you like the dark, sleek looks of black faucets, by all means, integrate them into your home. It’s your house, so you can do as you please with the color palette (just because it isn’t trending doesn’t mean you can’t have it).
Stainless Steel Faucets
Stainless steel faucets are a staple in millions of homes throughout the United States. The bright, metallic surface of stainless steel creates a sleek, eye-catching look in any space. It creates a bright, clean appearance when paired with lighter color palettes. With darker palettes, the finish becomes the bright point in a sea of contrast.
Either way, stainless steel faucets work. Their versatility keeps this finish relevant, and although it isn’t the most popular finish these last few years, it remains a go-to pick for many homeowners.
Aside from regular stainless steel, most brands offer a few additional stainless steel finish choices. For example, you can find satin stainless steel (more matte appearance), arctic stainless (bluer undertone), and finishes with spot-free technology (similar appearance to traditional).
Pros
Like black stainless steel fixtures, traditional stainless steel faucets have a few unique pros and cons. Here are a few upsides of conventional stainless steel:
- Durable, long-lasting composition
- Easy to maintain
- Versatile – can go with almost any color palette
- Numerous variations of traditional stainless available
- Hygienic due to nonporous surface
- Less pricey than black stainless steel
Cons
On the other hand, here are a few drawbacks of stainless steel fixtures:
- Requires regular cleaning and maintenance
- More expensive than alternative materials
- Certain finishes can clash with other styles
Which One Should I Choose?
Black and traditional stainless steel faucets are both solid choices, regardless of which one you choose. Each option has its merits, so the decision ultimately falls to you. However, certain aspects of each finish might sway you one way or the other.
For example, suppose you’re working with a slightly limited budget or already have stainless steel fixtures (hardware, faucets, appliances, light fixtures, etc.) throughout your home. In that case, traditional stainless steel might be the better option.
Or, if you prefer the dark, sleek looks of black stainless steel and aren’t worried about scratching the finish, black stainless steel is an excellent choice. Remember, it’s your home, so the option is yours! Have fun with it – mix and match finishes to your liking, create a complementing or contrasting palette because, at the end of the day, you’re the one that’ll be around it the most.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do Black Faucets Look Good With Stainless Steel Faucets?
Black faucets complement stainless steel faucets well. Black and stainless are perfect choices if you want to mix and match finishes. Some folks argue against mixing metals, but the option is ultimately yours. Several complementing finishes can create a dimensional appearance, giving the space a bit of variety.
Usually, it’s best to incorporate each finish throughout the space instead of in a single fixture. For example, you might add the same finish for drawer or cabinet pulls, sink accessories, etc. So, if you use both finishes, try incorporating each hue throughout different areas of the space.
Where Can I Buy Black Stainless Steel Faucets?
If you’re sold on black stainless steel as the perfect finish for your home, all you need to do is find the model you like. You can shop for black stainless steel faucets online, as this is usually where you’ll find the most options. You can easily ship the faucet right to your doorstep (or mailbox) if you shop online.
Or, if you prefer shopping in person, check your local hardware and home improvement stores. Large home improvement stores, such as Lowe’s and Home Depot, usually have a selection of black stainless steel faucets, although it’s more limited than what you’ll find online.
Where Can I Buy Stainless Steel Faucets?
As mentioned in the last answer, you can buy stainless steel faucets in-store or online. If you choose to shop in-store, you’ll likely have fewer choices than online. However, since stainless steel is a standard pick for many shoppers, you may find more stainless steel faucets than black stainless steel faucets in-store.
If you decide to shop online, you can look for different variations in design and finish (matte, arctic, spot-free, etc.). Stores may carry specific options, but they’ll likely be limited.