Interior decor is rated by how it makes you feel. Some minute details might not be in harmony, and an unsettling feeling will creep in. For example, can you mix satin nickel with brushed nickel, you might ask? We researched this question and found answers.
Yes, you can mix satin and brushed nickel in the kitchen, bathroom, or living room. A well-thought-out design or arrangement is key to avoiding a chaotic feeling or look.
Mixing metals is alright, but there are some rules to using this design choice. Read on as we point out which tips to consider and how to mix and match metal finishes.
Mixing Satin And Brushed Nickel
Lately, homes have immensely changed in size. Studio and minimalistic apartments are the "in" thing. Therefore, door handles, faucets, lampshades, or curtain rails should be in sync from one room or space to another.
Brushed and satin nickel finishes are in the same metal family. The similarity of these two finishes makes them compatible in interior decor, although they give different results.
Nickel Finishings
Nickel is a naturally occurring, lustrous metal. It has been in use for a long time, and its copperish champagne shades make it attractive.
Nickel undergoes different finishes on its surface to improve its appearance, tarnish resistance, or wettability. Brushed and satin finishes are the most popular.
Brushed Finish
This finish leaves the surface of the metal rough to touch. It somewhat dims the luster of the metal and gives it a dull look.
To achieve the finish, abrasive chemicals are used to cut the surface. The cuts are never too deep, and they reflect the nature of the belt or wire brush and the technique used.
Satin Finish
For comparison, the satin finish has no visible abrasions. The surface is even and doesn't reflect light.
The effect is achieved via a process known as electrolysis, which is followed by a lacquer treatment. The dull velvety look makes the satin finish ideal for plumbing and hardware.
Choosing Between Brushed And Satin Nickel - What to Do?
When decorating your home, you will need plumbing and hardware that makes the most of the interior decor. Fixtures with a distinct look complete the picture of your home.
Before settling on what to purchase, here are a few pointers to keep you on the right track.
- The finish shouldn't show marks, scratches, or stains. It's important when picking sinks and faucets for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Compliment your decor with a traditional rustic or modern chic look. You don't want your revamped bathroom, kitchen, or living room to look cheap and tacky.
- The plumbing, hardware, and fixtures should be easily available and affordable. For example, purchase a matching brushed nickel shower set.
Other Finishes That Go With Satin Or Brushed Nickel
Any fixtures should go with the walls, ceilings, and floors of the space. You can achieve a seamless look by matching brushed nickel with bold colors such as purple or deep blue.
Neutral colors are another option to create a calm, relaxing effect with brushed nickel. you can also pair satin nickel with ivory or light brown perfectly.
Has Brushed Nickel Gone Out Of Style?
Refinement is one of those things you add to your interior with brushed nickel. So, brushed nickel hasn't gone out of style. On the contrary, this is a preferred look for many modern fixtures in bathrooms and kitchens.
Brushed Nickel Lighting In Living Rooms - What to Do?
Brushed nickel light fixtures work well because they reflect light and make any space seem brighter. You can find almost all types of lighting for your taste and design.
Chandeliers, track lights, or accent lights in brushed nickel fit in with decors with neutral and warm colors.
Can You Mix Satin Nickel And Shiny Chrome?
No, you cannot! Mixing metals with two different undertones doesn't give a cohesive look. Chrome and nickel are in the same color family.
Use bold colors when mixing metals in the same space. Chrome works with cool color schemes, whilst nickel works with warm ones.
Satin Nickel vs Brushed Nickel
Many reviews show that both finishes are popular, and neither takes the lead. Satin nickel is cheaper, but brushed nickel has a more lustrous look.
The satin finish needs little maintenance compared to brushed nickel. Brushed nickel and satin nickel are popular, so they are common in different industries and applications.
Is Stainless Steel Better Than Nickel?
Stainless steel is not better but different from nickel. The main difference between the two is: Nickel is a pure metal while stainless steel is a metal alloy.
Stainless steel contains iron, nickel, and chromium in different quantities. Nickel doesn't oxidize fast and is used to create corrosion-resistant alloys.
Maintaining Satin And Brushed Nickel Fixtures - How to Do It?
You should clean and maintain fixtures, plumbing, and hardware made of brushed or satin nickel. However, how do you go about this without damaging the finish?
Satin Nickel
Dirt and smudges will show on satin finish faster, so it requires frequent cleaning. To prolong and brighten satin nickel, you should:
- Use a soft rag to wipe off dust or moisture.
- Clean with warm soapy water when necessary.
- Use water and vinegar mixture for hard-to-remove stains.
- Scrub with a soft brush.
- Don't use harsh abrasives and chemicals to scratch the surface.
Brushed Nickel
The crafted look of brushed nickel hides smudges, water spots, or fingerprints relatively well. Moreso, cleaning can be a breeze if you:
- Don't use harsh cleaning agents.
- Don't use bleach.
- Wipe fixtures using soft rags or sponges.
- Use mild cleaning agents.
- Use paste wax and buff to shine.
- Clean the fixtures constantly to avoid the build-up of rust, dust, and mineral deposits.
Nickel Decorative Objects
Sometime, metallic decorative items for interior decor covered with nickel, which is also known as nickel electroplating. The coating will give the metal item resistance to corrosion and wear.
Have a look at this Nickel Bathrobe Hanger On Amazon
You can use nickel decorative items in bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, or living rooms.
Check out this Satin Nickel Switch Plate on Amazon
Design Rules To Follow When Mixing Metals - How to Do It?
Designers have some secret weapons they share with homeowners who want to design their homes. These design rules and ideas will result in a harmonious and clean look.
Ideally, you should:
- Use two or three types of finishes.
- Pick a dominant metal for your home decor to assist your theme color.
- Consider your taste but also mix warm and cool shades. You can match opposites harmoniously.
- Incorporate into your decor, multiple metals purposefully. The look should be well thought out.
- Pay attention to the metal textures and undertones that you pick.
Use these simple rules to achieve the vibe and style you want in your home.
Can You Spray Paint Over Satin Or Brushed Nickel?
The answer is a resounding yes! Spray paint sits almost on every metal. However, after spray painting any nickel surface, let it dry thoroughly. For the paint to stick properly, use an acidic primer to condition the metal properly for painting.
Here's Nickel Paint & Primer In One on Amazon
How To Paint Over Brushed Or Satin Nickel?
Redecorating on a budget is another way to liven fixtures, hardware, and plumbing. Painting any nickel finish doesn't take a lot of time and energy. You can paint a different color or stick to the brushed or satin nickel look.
Start work by assembling the necessary tools, safety gear, paint, and primer. Remember to spare a weekend for the DIY project. Put a protective covering on other pieces of furniture to avoid getting paint on them.
The process:
- Wear protective gear before commencing work.
- Unmount the removable fixtures.
- Prep the surface using a degreaser. Use a rag to apply it.
- Either sand the fixture (satin nickel finish) or apply an acidic primer (brushed nickel) to help the paint stick.
- Apply or spray paint the first coat and let it dry. Apply a second coat and give it 24 hours to dry.
Watch this video to see the results you should expect.
Final Thoughts
Have a well-thought-out theme and color scheme before you start decorating. A brushed or satin nickel finish and texture blend well. And many homeowners seek this look.
You can add a third bold finish of a different metal in the decor. Experiment with your color scheme, but remember, less is more in home decor.
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