Bath Faucet

Bath Faucet

While reading through my usual group of discussion forums this morning, a thread was developed about the trendiness of granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. I am, of course at the age when I remember avocado green and harvest gold and how we all raced to redo our kitchens to those colors thinking that they would always be in the vogue. I don’t know if any of you have seen an avocado appliance lately but for my part I can’t believe that we bought it. Likewise remember when kitchen and bath faucets came only in one finish – Chrome? You could have it any finish you wanted as long as it was chrome! Chrome is probably still the choice most people make for both the kitchen and bath today probably because its less expensive and from my viewpoint a lot easier to maintain (have you ever tried to keep fingerprints and grunge from stainless steel?), there are many other newer finishes that are popular with homeowners.

Popular faucet manufacturer, Moen, offers some 20 different colors and finishes and offers that Brushed Nickel has recently assumed the number two spot in consumer preference. Also coming on strong are Old World finishes, including Oil Rubbed Bronze, Antique Nickel and Wrought Iron. It’s estimated that total non-Chrome finishes now represent approximately half of all faucet sales.

Driving the need for a wide variety of finishes are the changing consumer tastes and a desire for individualization in design. Cruising any discussion forum, today, you will find numerous questions and opinions regarding which finish works best. Customers are demanding variety, even when it comes to something that was once taken for granted, such as the finishes of kitchen and bathroom faucets. As they become more educated on the choices, a greater demand is placed on faucet manufacturers to satisfy their needs for options, diverse finishes and styles.

The following are just some of the more popular finishes available today:

1. Chrome
: Ever popular, timeless, durable and easy to maintain, it blends with a wide variety of decorating styles.

2. Brushed Nickel
: This sleek, upscale, contemporary look is quickly growing in popularity not only for its aesthetic appeal, but also for its durability.

3. Oil Rubbed Bronze
: This Old World finish incorporates a copper base with dark brown lowlights to create an authentic weathered finish. But even now manufacturers are having to reformulate their ORB finishes because they have changed with age and have caused many disappointed customers. Also individual manufacturers finish vary making it difficult to match to differing brands.

4. Antique Nickel
: A distressed metal appearance creates a highly sought-after, weathered look with striking black and gray accents to create a nostalgic look and feel.

5. Wrought Iron
: This dark, elegant finish is reminiscent of years gone by and works well with cherry cabinets and black or stainless appliances.

6. Polished Nickel
: Warmer in tone than Chrome, this finish is timeless and coordinates with a variety of décors.

7. Painted Finishes
. Although rarer in today’s market there are still available faucets in many different colors to match the kitchen décor. We replaced an “almond” (remember that one?) Kohler with the chrome that we have now.

As consumer demand for personalization increases, finish options will only continue to grow as well as the increased customer demands for products. As the trends change and the old finishes become passé the manufacturers have the opportunity to sell more products even though the existing faucet may be in great working order. Call me old fashioned, but I think I will stick with chrome. It’s timeless, easy to keep clean, goes with everything and less expensive. As to those stainless steel appliances and granite countertops I jumped on the bandwagon for, I guess I will have to keep them until I can afford to donate them to the thrift store with the avocado green ones they replaced. I’ll be back soon with some more words of wisdom but for now I have to go and see of I can wipe this mornings fingerprints off the refrigerator and stove, they are driving me crazy.
About the Author:

Im a retired disabled accountant with vast knowledge in the DIY area having built several houses and worked on my own projects for 30+ years. I spend most of my days reading and responding to over 30 forums and discussion groups.
I currently author and manage a blog site for a friend's builder supply business. I include personally written articles on the subject of home and home repair along with featured specials on products offered by the company

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Newst Trends in Faucets Finishes