It's really amazing how something as small as bathroom fixtures can affect the feeling of the room. A faucet that flows with light fixtures, cabinetry, walls, and floors can be the perfect finishing touch. On the other hand, a poor choice in fixtures can throw off the entire scheme, making it feel slightly awkward. When picking out a faucet, do you need to worry about it matching the doorknob? We've found the answer for you.
Bathroom faucets do not have to match the doorknobs, but they certainly can! Matching the faucet with the doorknob would ensure that the room looks cohesive. On the other hand, it is perfectly acceptable for the faucets to be different from the doorknob, as long as you make sure to pick a faucet that complements the rest of the decor.
We're excited to help you navigate these decisions, so we've put together this handy guide. These styling recommendations are based on research from the experts, so rest assured you can make a great decision. Please keep reading for more info on choosing faucets and doorknobs, how to mix and match bathroom hardware, and answers to other commonly asked questions.
Matching the Bathroom Faucet to the Doorknob
In many homes, doorknobs are installed by the builders. The homeowner, resident, or designer will choose a finish that will be installed throughout the home. The idea is that the home will look tied together, and then other decorative options will be chosen based on that finish. Additionally, this is the most cost-effective option.
If this is the case for your home, it makes sense to leave the existing doorknob on your bathroom door. Then, you can decide whether or not to match the faucets to the knob. Changing one doorknob can make the home's design appear haphazard and disorganized.
This is especially true because doorknobs are sold in sets that contain each knob for both sides of the door. So, when you change a doorknob for decorative purposes inside the room, you're also changing the knob on the outside of the room. You have to decide whether or not it's worth it for the home's cohesiveness.
Another factor is that oftentimes, as long as the home has original doors, the door hinges will coordinate with the knobs. If you change the knob, make sure that it doesn't clash with the door's hinges.
The alternative -- residents choosing doorknobs and other finishes room-by-room -- is known as a split finish. This is a more expensive route, but gives the resident plenty of customization. If your home already has split finishes, it's much simpler to change one doorknob.
Select the Bathroom Faucet Based on Room Styling
Keep in mind that the faucets in your bathroom are more important than the doorknob in most cases. The faucets are more noticeable and have the ability to alter a decor scheme drastically. They also need to be functional; if the faucet operates poorly, it's a big deal. When choosing a faucet, focus on the bathroom in its entirety.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Are you aiming for a warm or cool theme?
- What color of light fixtures will you use?
- Will you match the drawer fixtures with the faucet?
- Do you want the fixtures in the bathroom to blend in (silver) or stand out (gold or other colors)?
Mismatched Faucet & Doorknob
This bathroom doorknob is brass, while the faucet on the sink is a silver metal. It appears that this designer chose to let the doorknob fit into the decor scheme of the rest of the house instead of the bathroom. There's nothing wrong with this and is often how pre-fabricated homes are laid out.
Matching Faucet & Doorknob
Matching doorknobs with the faucet is the easiest way to make sure the hardware complements each other. For instance, the two bathrooms below match a square, stainless steel doorknob with a similar faucet. This works well because the silver knob ties into the cool color scheme. In both of these situations, silver plays a significant role in the decor.
Base your selection on the answers to these questions. Curious about other bathroom hardware? Read this article next: Does Bathroom Hardware Have to Match?
Should bathroom fixtures match door hardware?
Once you've decided which faucet to use, then decide to mix or match the doorknob and other fixtures. Right now, mixing finishes is a hot option. But, coordinating all of them will last for years and is unlikely to ever go out of style.
Keep in mind that bathrooms are often white-dominated: the shower, tub, toilet, and sink are often made out of porcelain or ceramic. Plus, there's usually a big mirror reflecting all that white, multiplying its effect. If you're looking for places to add color without being overwhelming, metal fixtures are a great start. This method also gives the room variety. Instead of a sea of white and silver, you can add splashes of gold to mix things up.
As usual, when decorating, any "rules" can be broken if it's what you prefer. Choose your favorite look and go with it -- it's your home! Want to update the look of your bathroom cabinets? Here's a great article full of advice for restaining them: How To Restain Bathroom Cabinets [5 Steps]
What is the most popular color for doorknobs?
At this point, the most popular color for doorknobs is silver. Materials such as nickel, chrome, and steel are excellent choices because of their versatility. Silver is a safe bet because it can complement so many decor schemes. It can blend in with most doors and frames and is easy to coordinate with other hardware.
Gold colors such as brass or bronze are also popular, but they don't necessarily work with every decor style. They are a great, subtle way to provide color for a room. If that's what you're aiming for, go for it!
What is the difference between brushed nickel and satin nickel finish?
Brushed nickel and satin nickel are very similar in appearance, though they're made and treated differently. Both are silver in color with a matte finish. It should also be noted that both of these materials are actually nickel plating over zinc or brass fixtures. Thus, the entire piece isn't made out of nickel, which would be much more expensive and difficult to make.
As its name implies, brushed nickel is finished by using a metal wire brush to create abrasions. These abrasions go the same direction over the entire fixture and diminish the shine of the plating. The width and depth of these abrasions can be varied, which is why some brushed nickel looks more golden or streaky than others. Nowadays, the brushing process is automated but still intricate.
Click here to view this doorknob on Amazon.
Satin nickel, on the other hand, uses a process called electrolysis for its plating. Electrolysis is a chemical method of changing an element by electric current. This process gives satin nickel its matte finish and explains why satin nickel is cheaper than brushed: the process is more streamlined.
Click here to view this doorknob on Amazon.
When distinguishing between the two metal finishes, look for specific brush abrasions. If you can see actual marks where a wire brush passed over the nickel, you can assume it's brushed nickel. If the matte surface looks smooth and unadulterated, it's probably satin nickel.
In Closing
Your home's decor decisions are completely up to you! If you want a cohesive, put-together look, make sure the doorknobs and faucets in your bathroom match each other. This is the safest option for those who aren't design-inclined or who want a classic look that will never go out of style.
When selecting a faucet or doorknob, make sure it flows with the rest of the decor. This is more important than matching each other exactly. Right now, brushed nickel or other silver metals are popular choices for doorknobs. They're versatile, supporting almost every decor scheme.
Hopefully, this article has helped you make an informed decision about the hardware in your bathroom. Good luck!