Satin Nickel Vs. Brushed Nickel: Which Finish Is Right For You?

At a glance, satin nickel and brushed nickel may seem indistinguishable. Truthfully, they’re very similar: They both showcase a timeless, silver-like sheen perfect for kitchen and bathroom finishes, including faucets, light fixtures, and cabinet handles. In fact, interior designer Bambi A’Lynn Bratton points out that some home decor retailers even market them under combined names that can be confusing, blending the terms “satin” and “brushed.”

However, for those with a discerning eye, the distinction between satin and brushed nickel is significant. Ultimately, your choice of finish can impact the overall look of the room. According to Bratton, one finish is notably more elegant while the other lends itself to a more rustic kitchen or bathroom.

In addition to their similar—but not identical—appearance, both satin nickel and brushed nickel are known for being low-maintenance. 

“The main areas that I use those nickels are in kids bathrooms and kitchen faucets, because it's easier to maintain,” Bratton explains. “It's easier to care for because it's not a living finish, like a polished nickel or an unlacquered brass.” 

So which finish is right for you? Here’s what an expert designer has to say.

Satin Nickel

Satin nickel plating has a smooth, velvety texture and non-reflective finish that Bratton compares to “a more matte version of polished nickel.” Usually a warm-toned shade of silver, satin nickel is cost-effective compared to living finishes and known for not showing fingerprints. While this finish is versatile to suit many different home decor styles, it is most often used to complement modern spaces.

Bratton prefers satin nickel over brushed nickel, saying that the satin finish is “more refined, but only slightly.”

Brushed Nickel

Brushed nickel on the other hand, has a matte, slightly textured finish that gives it a distinctive brushed look. This texture suits a softer, more rustic room, as the brush marks create a hand-crafted quality while maintaining a touch of elegance. It is also a good finish for effectively hiding fingerprints, water spots, and wear and tear.

The Difference Between Satin Nickel And Brushed Nickel

The primary difference between satin nickel and brushed nickel is the texture. Satin nickel is slightly smoother and glossier while brushed nickel is recognizable for its slightly rougher feel and appearance. The contrast is subtle, but significant enough to suit different home aesthetics. While satin nickel shines in modern spaces, brushed nickel is perfect for a rustic room. 

Both types of nickel are about equally durable, but the rougher texture of brushed nickel is better at disguising signs of long-term use and wear and tear like slight nicks or scratches. However, while brushed nickel might have a slight leg-up in terms of durability, satin nickel evens the playing field with a slight edge in the maintenance category. Both metals are pretty low-maintenance and excel at hiding fingerprints, but smoother finishes are typically easier to clean. Brushed metal might take the tiniest bit more elbow grease.

Compared to many other finishes such as brass and copper, both satin nickel and brushed nickel are generally more affordable. Still, brushed nickel is likely going to be slightly more cost-effective because of lower production costs. While the price difference between the two isn’t massive, it can still make a difference, especially since home improvement projects can add up quickly!

Choosing The Right Finish

When it comes to satin nickel and brushed nickel, there is no wrong choice—only options that may be slightly better suited for your space. The differences in appearance, durability, maintenance, and cost are minimal, so at the end of the day, it comes down to the details and personal preference.

For most projects, Bratton defers to satin nickel in modern and traditional style homes for its timeless and versatile finish. For homes that lean decidedly more rustic, or for folks that don’t want shine in their finishes, brushed nickel is the better choice. 

Despite how much she loves satin nickel though, Bratton says that she would never design a room in which every single finish matched. Mixing metals, she explains, is the best way to style any finish—satin nickel and brushed nickel inclusive. 

“If everything is the same finish, it can look a little stark or sterile,” Bratton says. “So if I do satin nickel plumbing fixtures, then I'll try to add brass in the light fixtures or the cabinet hardware.”