| If you're remodeling your bathroom, choosing | | | | and chrome, brushed-nickel fixtures don't register |
| your fixtures could seem like the least of your | | | | water spots and fingerprint smudges as well-so |
| worries. But your fixtures make a big difference | | | | you won't have to constantly wipe them down to |
| in how your bathroom will look when it's finished. | | | | maintain that shiny look. They don't tarnish, and |
| A well-planned choice will provide the perfect | | | | rarely show scratches. However, the nickel plating |
| accent to your bathroom, while a less well-suited | | | | can wear down over time. |
| set of fixtures will lessen the impact of your | | | | Bronze. No two bronze fixtures are alike, as the |
| decoration. In addition, some metals are more | | | | forging process gives the metal irregularities that |
| high-maintenance than others-and how often you | | | | make them unique. Bronze fixtures are often |
| need to clean can make a significant day-to-day | | | | coated with finishes that are exposed to the |
| difference. Here's a breakdown of the most | | | | environment-they can rub off where the fixtures |
| common types of fixtures on the market. | | | | are often touched, darken where they are not, |
| Chrome. Chrome was made popular in the 1930's, | | | | and change color when exposed to some |
| and it remains one of the most popular choices | | | | materials. Those who like bronze love this "living" |
| for bathroom fixtures today. Modern chrome | | | | aspect of the fixtures. |
| fixtures are usually made with a layer of chrome | | | | Copper. Copper fixtures give a stunning, unique |
| electroplated onto an underlayer of brass. The | | | | look that goes well with antique décor. |
| reasons for its popularity are numerous: it's a | | | | Copper is naturally antibacterial; while bacteria can |
| lovely silvery color, it's tarnish-resistant, and it's | | | | live for days on stainless steel and other metals, |
| usually an economical choice. However, chrome | | | | they can survive on copper for only a few hours. |
| must be cleaned often to keep that beautiful | | | | Many people prefer copper for its antibacterial |
| shiny glow. In addition, it can show some wear | | | | properties. It will tarnish to a light green color, |
| and tear over time. | | | | which can be removed with the proper cleaning |
| Stainless steel. Stainless steel isn't as shiny as | | | | products or prevented with the right coating. |
| chrome, but it's rugged, long-lasting, and | | | | Copper tends to be on the pricier side. |
| affordable. Stainless steel plates won't tarnish or | | | | If you're interested in a new look for your |
| corrode, and they're made from a solid mix of | | | | bathroom but don't have the budget for a |
| chromium and steel alloys-no plating involved. | | | | full-scale redesign, changing your fixtures is a |
| Many people love stainless steel because it goes | | | | great way to change the look of your bathroom |
| with a wide variety of decors. It does have its | | | | for less. Update tired stainless steel fixtures with |
| drawbacks, however. It can get scratched, and | | | | shiny chrome or smudge-free brushed nickel. Add |
| may rust at the site of the scratch. It loses its | | | | an antique feel with copper, or a pricier look with |
| shine over time as well. | | | | brass. For a bigger change, switch your towel and |
| Brass. Brass gives a beautiful and distinct look. It's | | | | shower curtain colors or change movable furniture |
| not an adaptable metal like stainless steel-brass | | | | such as shelves and cabinets. This will make it |
| stands out, and it won't go with every bathroom | | | | possible to update your bathroom's look without |
| design. Still, if you want to make a statement | | | | breaking your budget. |
| with your fixtures, brass just might be the right | | | | However, it's also important to make sure that |
| choice for you. Brass fixtures are made from a | | | | the fixtures you choose don't clash with your |
| single metal, with no mixing or plating. This means | | | | décor. If you prefer clean lines and a |
| that, unlike electroplated fixtures such as chrome, | | | | smooth, contemporary look, choose a silvery, |
| the top layer can't erode over time. They're | | | | shiny metal such as stainless steel, nickel, or |
| usually a more expensive choice, however, and | | | | chrome. Copper and bronze are ideal for antique |
| they do tarnish. | | | | bathrooms, and can definitely give your bathroom |
| Brushed nickel. These tend to be more expensive, | | | | a one-of-a-kind look. Take your time shopping for |
| but they're also easier to take care of. Brushed | | | | fixtures, and you're sure to find some that fit |
| nickel is made of a layer of nickel electroplated | | | | your décor and lifestyle. |
| onto a layer of brass. Unlike brass, stainless steel, | | | | |