There are many metal finishes to choose from for your lighting, hardware, and decor accents, and nickel is one of the most popular. The silver metal is beloved for bathroom and kitchen finishes, from cabinet pulls to faucets to lighting fixtures because it’s timeless. However, there are different nickel finishes to choose from. Two of the most popular finishes are brushed and satin nickel, but they’re often confused for one another. Home Depot often lists hardware as “brushed satin nickel,” combining the two terms. But they’re not exactly the same, nor are they interchangeable. It’s important to get your design details right, so we’re here to explain the differences between brushed vs. satin nickel.
To further explain the intricacies of brushed and satin nickel, we’ve enlisted the expert help of Will Zhang, director of product design and innovation at at the hardware maker Emtek. Keep reading to learn about brushed and satin nickel finishes so you can make a well-informed decision.
What Is Satin Nickel?
Satin nickel has a glossy, almost reflective finish. There’s a slight sheen and a luminous quality to satin nickel, very similar to stainless steel. “Satin nickel is more often associated with brass base hardware or plumbing products,” Zhang says. “It tends to be a bit brighter and glossier (but not reflective, like a polished finish) than brushed nickel and is less likely to have a texture. It is often very smooth and easy to wipe clean.” Satin nickel is most commonly seen in a warm-toned silver, and it’s a very popular and cost-effective choice for hardware, door knobs, and bath and kitchen fixtures. According to Electro-Chemical Finishings (ECF), a manufacturer of hardware, satin nickel is also beloved for not showing fingerprints.
What Is Brushed Nickel?
As the name suggests, brushed nickel looks as though someone “brushed” the metal with a paintbrush to give it a slightly grained look. “The brushing gives it a more handcrafted appearance, and the added texture allows more interplay of light and shadow on the part, making it more visually interesting,” according to ECF. Brushed nickel looks more matte than satin nickel due to the textured surface.
Brushed vs. Satin Nickel: What’s the Difference?
While subtle, the differences between brushed and satin nickel finishes are noticeable and real. Read on to understand the intricacies.
Appearance
Although on first glance brushed and satin nickel may look the same, the appearance is actually quite different.
Satin Nickel
Satin nickel is usually slightly lighter in tone with no visible grain or lines. Satin nickel is glossy but not reflective.
Brushed Nickel
Brushed nickel has a clear graining in one direction and may be slightly darker than satin nickel. Brushed nickel is more matte and has less of stainless-steel-like finish.
Durability and Maintenance
Both satin nickel and brushed nickel finishes are adept at hiding water spots, smudges, or dirt, according to ECF. Both materials can be cleaned with household cleaners or standard metal polishes. However, satin nickel is better at hiding fingerprints and oil smudges.
Cost
The cost difference between brushed nickel and satin nickel is slight. “Typically, satin nickel is more associated with premium-priced products, while brushed tends to be associated with more accessibly priced items, although the terms are often used interchangably by retailers,” Zhang explains. “For hardware specifically, both finishes are usually highly durable and easy to match with other items in your home, like lighting or plumbing fixtures.”
Which Nickel Finish Is Right for You?
If you’re looking for a nickel finish that is light, seamless, and simple, we recommend satin nickel. It looks cleaner than brushed nickel and has the bonus of hiding fingerprints. Brushed nickel is great for a more handmade appearance. The textured metal is beautiful in a farmhouse or industrial setting where craftsmanship is highlighted. Brushed nickel is also a bit more matte and slightly darker, which are two elements to keep in mind when making your final decision.
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Kate McGregor is House Beautiful's Digital Editor, writing in-depth , design inspiration stories, and . With over five years of experience writing commerce and search-optimized content for brands like Domino, Real Simple, and Architectural Digest’s Clever, Kate has developed a passion for uncovering the personal stories that often lie behind the inspiration for people’s spaces. She previously worked as the assistant market editor at ELLE Decor where she identified top products and brands in the industry and interviewed emerging designers about their thoughts on the latest . Kate holds a bachelor’s degree from Belmont University. When not researching the specificities of begonia plant care, you can find Kate scouring vintage markets for the ideal wrought-iron chair, knitting yet another cardigan, or reading historical nonfiction.
