Choosing a finish for the faucets and fixtures in your home can be a little tricky. With home design rapidly changing, it can be difficult to decide between a finish that will look best now based on current design trends, and a finish that will look best long term. If only there were a finish that could do both! Faucets and fixtures are an investment for your home and you should want them to look stylish for life. It's not easy (or inexpensive!) to change the faucets and fixtures so make sure to choose your finish color wisely. You want to make sure your plumbing fixtures will not only look great now, but will also be able outlast current home design fads and not become outdated. The Chrome finish is not only stylish and state-of-the-art, but perfectly suited for a modern, traditional, or classic contemporary kitchen and bathroom home design! Our guide will cover the history of Chrome, answer many FAQs about Chrome, and show you lots of beautiful examples of Chrome finish fixtures and the stunning effect they can have on the rooms in your home. Use our all inclusive guide to help you make the best finish choice for your kitchen and bathroom!
With proper care and maintenance, the average Chrome plated fixture will last for generations. To expand the life of your Chrome fixtures, daily cleaning with water and a soft cloth, and monthly cleaning with white vinegar and Chrome polish is recommended. Delta Faucet's Chrome fixtures include a Lifetime Warranty that covers both the function and the finish of the fixture for a lifetime!
The three most popular silver style finishes are Stainless Steel, Brushed Nickel, and Chrome. Stainless Steel typically has a muted silver look with a matte yellow undertone. The finish known as Brushed Nickel is sometimes interchangeable with the name Stainless Steel as they both have the same matte and brushed silver appearance. Chrome is a highly polished and intensely shiny silver finish, and is the most versatile of the the three.
Chrome plating is a process by which a thin layer of melted Chromium is electroplated onto a metal object.
As a natural cleaner, vinegar is one of the most recommended substances for care and cleaning of Chrome finished faucets and fixtures. Vinegar is tough enough to combat even the most difficult mineral deposits and food stains, as well as gentle enough to protect the Chrome finishing. It is recommended to dilute vinegar with water 1-1 for every day cleaning, but undiluted vinegar may be used for tougher deposits and water spots.
Chrome's highly polished shine is naturally very easy to keep clean. Water spots may be removed with a simple 1-1 water and vinegar solution and a soft cloth. For harder mineral deposits, a soft bristled tooth brush may be used in conjunction with the vinegar solution. Wiping the Chrome fixture with a soft cloth after each use will also prevent water spotting.
Not at all! Chrome is one of the most classic finishes for faucets and other home fixtures. It is extremely versatile, and is suitable for both a modern and contemporary home design. Choosing Chrome for your Bathroom Faucets or Kitchen Faucet is one of the best ways to ensure a neutral and long lasting design that pairs easily with each home renovation.
Choosing the finish for your kitchen faucet should depend on the design of your kitchen. Stainless Steel and Chrome are two of the most durable finishes for high traffic faucets in the kitchen. For a more versatile and classic design, Chrome is recommended. Chrome is suitable for both a modern or traditional kitchen / bathroom design, including the popular farmhouse style. Stainless Steel is a smart choice for a contemporary kitchen design. Delta's Stainless Steel finish blends well with traditional Stainless Steel kitchen appliances.
Due to Chrome's ultra shiny appearance, this finish is typically very easy to keep clean. It is recommended to wipe your Chrome fixture with a soft cloth after each use for daily cleaning and water spot prevention. Natural cleaners such as vinegar and fresh lemon are also recommended for water spot and mineral deposit removal. Commercial Chrome polish is recommended for use monthly to keep your Chrome fixture looking shiny and brand new. Be sure to follow all manufacturer directions when using Chrome polish in order to protect the quality of the finish.
Photograph source: splitsecnd.com
Chrome finished fixtures, accessories, and other hardware pieces have been incredibly popular for many generations! Traditional Chrome is highly durable, making it well suited for fixtures in outdoor spaces such as car parts and exterior home finishings. Nothing is more stylish and eye catching than a vintage automobile with a shining Chrome bumper, hub caps, and light casings! Because of Chrome's highly polished and reflective appearance, Chrome is ideal for these high-use fixtures that are exposed to many different natural elements as the mirror-like finish is super easy to keep clean and spot resistant. Traditional home designs of the 1940's and 50's showcase the high point for the use of Chrome in the home. These classic and contemporary home designs highlight the bright and polished luxury feel of Chrome, while keeping with Chrome's high durability.
There are many different processes in creating Chrome finishings, but the most popular is traditional electroplating of liquid chromium. During this process, metal fixtures, such as brass based faucets, are dipped into a vat of melted down chromium. There is then an electric current pulsed throughout which hardens the chromium onto the surface of the metal fixture. This type of Chrome plating is most typically used for automobile parts, metal home faucets and fixtures, and other fixtures that are in contact with natural elements. For less expensive fixtures such as plastic faucets, children's toys, and other home fixtures manufacturers often use a less invasive procedure which involves vacuum metalization of an imitation chromium, followed by a clear coat protective overlay. The clear overlay protects the Chrome from potential damaged caused by normal use, such as hard water damage with faucets and shower fixtures. When properly cared for, this type of Chrome finishing is just as stunning and long lasting as traditional Chrome plating.
Chrome has long been one of the most popular choices for finishes of faucets and fixtures in the bathroom. A gorgeously designed contemporary master bathroom with navy blue walls highlights the ultra shine and classic style of these beautiful Chrome fixtures. The image above features fixtures from the stylish Delta Tesla Collection in Chrome finish. The Delta Tesla Chrome Single Hole One Handle Faucet has a uniquely modern design with its single handle, while the Chrome finish keeps this space feeling fresh and inviting. A Delta Chrome Tesla Tub and Shower Combination Faucet is the perfect center piece for this stunningly tiled shower stall. The highly polished Chrome finish Shower Fixtures sparkles against the white tile and glass sliding shower door. Including Chrome finished bathroom accessories and light fixtures add slight modern accents throughout this beautifully contemporary master bathroom!
When most people think of Chrome home finishings, they imaging a more traditional and classic vintage home design. The Delta Ara Collection and the related Arzo Collection in Chrome are proving this outdated thinking wrong! With modern square edges and clean lines, these gorgeous Chrome faucets and fixtures stand out as the perfect eye catching center piece in this stylish and state-of-the-art master bathroom. The Delta Chrome Ara One Handle Faucet's sharp 90-degree angle seamlessly bends over the edge of the white porcelain sink, while the single handle allows for ample counter space. The large Chrome showerhead Shower Only Faucet not only acts as a uniquely rectangular shower chandelier, but the overhead mount offers a relaxing rain shower experience. The Chrome finishing is a perfect choice to complement the stunningly unique gray scale tile of both the shower stall and the back splash wall, while not taking over the space. Chrome really is one of the most versatile finishes!
Here we highlight another extraordinary modern Chrome bathroom design! The Delta Pivotal Collection Single Handle Bathroom Faucet has one of the most modern and cutting edge designs on the market. A beautiful porcelain counter top sink deserves an equally appealing faucet. Delta's Chrome finish shines as the sharp lines of this Pivotal Single Handle bathroom faucet spout extends over the sink to provide a waterfall effect. Chrome is the perfect finish choice to add unique innovation to an upscale contemporary master bathroom design. The highly polished and mirror like finish complements the shine of the hexagonal back splash tile, while nevertheless remaining the center piece of the space. In this instance, Chrome is the ideal modern finish that this bathroom design needs!
Delta's Chrome finish is the perfect choice in a high traffic space like a family bathroom. Multiple users typically means more opportunity for mess, water spots, and increased risk for damage. Chrome finished bathroom sink faucets and fixtures are highly durable and up to the challenge! Due to the ultra polished shine of the finish, Chrome is highly resistant to water spotting and finger prints. The Delta Trinsic Collection of Chrome finished faucets and accessory fixtures is a perfect choice for this family bathroom as it is highly functional and stylish. The uniquely shaped Trinsic Single Hole Bathroom Faucet adds a modern flair to the space, while the Chrome finish keeps the bathroom feeling classic. Including a Delta Trinsic Chrome Tub and Shower Combination Faucet is a great way to make sure every member of the family gets the functionality they need while keeping with the modern and functional design of this bathroom. The Trinsic Chrome Open Towel Ring, Trinsic Chrome Towel Bar, and a Trinsic Chrome Toilet Paper Holder in Delta's stunning Chrome finish add performance and sophistication to the shared space. For a more in-depth look, check out our Ultimate Guide to Delta Trinsic Collection!
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Chrome finished faucets and fixtures are the perfect choice for a contemporary bathroom with modern touches! In this particular master bathroom, the accent of Chrome cabinet hardware against the rustic wooden vanity adds a classic touch to the space, while complementing the other Chrome pieces throughout the design. A stunning Modern Chrome widespread lavatory faucet with an extremely high arc is a unique choice for the counter-top mounted sink as creates a dramatic effect while keeping with the widespread style of classic bathrooms. The addition of a large round mirror complements the farmhouse style, while the Chrome frame shines against the stark white wall. Continuing with Chrome faucets and fixtures in the beautifully tiled shower stall by adding a Chrome Finish Full Custom Shower System keeps the space feeling clean and state-of-the-art. This design is the perfect combination of modern innovation and classic style for a relaxing home spa feel that will last a lifetime!
The master bathroom is a functional home oasis! Delta's Chrome finish is an excellent choice for adding elevated luxury in a master bathroom with a broad spectrum contemporary design. The dual Delta Tesla Collection Centerset Faucets are just modern enough with their sharp 90 degree angled arc, while the Chrome finish gives these state-of-the-art faucets a slight traditional feel. Using large white subway tiles in the shower keeps the master bathroom design feeling classic and somewhat rustic. The inclusion of a Tesla Collection Tub and Shower Combination Faucet in Chrome is the perfect choice in keeping with the traditional elements of the room. Tesla's rounded square shower control and large rain showerhead provide a stylish effect, while the ultra polished Chrome finish shines as both a functional fixture as well as a work of shower art! In addition to Chrome's stunning visual appeal, Chrome is also highly durable and spot resistant due to it's high shine. Chrome may be the ideal choice for any space!
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Chrome finished fixtures and accessories are the perfect choice for a rustic modern master bathroom like the one pictured here! The highly polished luster of the Chrome finished faucets, mirror frames, and light fixtures smoothly complements the shiny visage of the stunning marble shower stall and vanity counters. Installing twin rustic farmhouse style vanities adds a slight vintage and warm feeling to this modern master bathroom. The designer was smart to include lighter toned floor tiles in this design as they shine in conjunction with the Chrome cabinet hardware, door handles, and accessory fixtures.
In a family bathroom, Chrome finished fixtures are durable enough to stand up to the toughest every day use while remaining a spot free and sparkling center piece! Delta's Lahara Collection Single Hole Bathroom Faucet is the perfect choice for a multi-functional family space as the simple one handle design is easy enough for even the youngest user. The mirror-like Chrome finish of the stylish faucet complements the shine of the porcelain pedestal sink, adding an effortless luxurious feeling. Continuing the smart Chrome finish throughout the space with a Chrome Towel Ring and Chrome mounting hardware on the large round mirror keeps the space looking clean and stylish. One of the most unique features of this family bathroom is the use of Delta's Temp2o technology in the large Chrome hand shower! This innovative technology allows you to see the temperature of the water directly on the hand shower to ensure a precise and safe shower experience every time, perfect for families with young children. With state-of-the-art innovation and gorgeously durable faucets and fixtures, this Delta Chrome bathroom is perfect for every family!
Nothing suits a modern eclectic master bathroom better than Chrome finished faucets and fixtures! This eye catching space includes multiple fixtures from Delta, all of which blend seamlessly because of the classic polished shine of the Delta Chrome finish. The Delta Zura Collection Modern Single Handle Vessel Sink Faucets boast a unique angled shape that adds slight modern touches to the large modern above-counter style double sink. A Chrome Zura Free Standing Tub Filler with Hand Shower mirrors the twin Vessel Sink Faucets perfectly. The stunning Chrome finish carries over into the large double shower stall to seamlessly blend the Delta Ara Shower Collection Custom System with Integrated Diverter for a complete feel. The addition of a unique Delta Universal Pendant Rain Can Shower Head and Universal Hand Shower further advances the home spa shower feeling of this modern space. In a gorgeous and multiple-fixtured master bathroom such as this, Chrome is the ideal choice as the ultra polished shine of the finish looks great. This is another spectacular example of Chrome's functional versatility!
If you couldn't tell by now, we think Delta has one of the most stunning Chrome finishes on the market! The highly polished, clean silver tone of Delta's Chrome is eye catching, yet classic enough to seamlessly suit nearly any home design. Here we see the Delta Vero Collection of Chrome bathroom fixtures featured in this uniquely tiled modern master bathroom suite. The Chrome Vero Vessel Sink Faucets boast a one-of-a-kind rectangular shape that smoothly curves over the large glass vessel sinks. The Chrome finish of the Vero Open Towel Ring complements the lighter gray tones of the exceptionally tiled back splash accent wall perfectly, while still shining like the graceful and functional art fixture the Vero collection is known for. With the addition of a large Delta Chrome Vero 24" Single Towel Bar mounted against the complementary green wall, this modern bathroom is both stunning and practical, while the Chrome finish is versatile enough to last a lifetime!
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The traditional farmhouse style is one of the most timeless kitchen designs! A large arcing Chrome kitchen faucet is the perfect fixture to pair with a large white apron front sink. The high arc allows for ample space to clean even the largest pot in the deep sink. This design is a wonderful example of how well a Chrome faucet combines with modern Stainless Steel kitchen appliances. The highly polished shine of the Chrome stands out as a center piece of the space without taking away from the state-of-the-art appliances. This spacious kitchen features a light blue tiled back splash with a unique water-like pattern. The complementary dark blue countertops that run the length of the cabinetry heighten the effect. The slight shine of the teal counters highlight the sparkling Chrome faucet and Chrome cabinet hardware.
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A modern farmhouse style is one of the most popular and timeless designs for the kitchen! With all white cabinets and light gray marble counter tops, this design is classically stunning with style that will last generations! In traditional home designs such as this, Chrome finished faucets and fixtures is the perfect choice. In this design, the use of a high arcing Chrome single handle kitchen faucet both emulates the farmhouse style as well as adds a uniquely polished shine to the stark space. The extreme functionality of the single handle allows for ample counter space, which is a must in high use kitchens like this. Including dual large Chrome light fixtures above the eat-in dining space gives this gorgeous kitchen added elegance for a more expensive feel. This truly is a dream home kitchen!
Using Chrome finish in the kitchen is a bold design choice. Stainless Steel is often the standard choice for most kitchens, in keeping with the popularity of Stainless Steel kitchen appliances. In our opinion, Chrome is a superb choice for kitchen fixtures! The highly polished shine of this Delta Cassidy Chrome Single Hole Kitchen Faucet sparkles as a kitchen center piece, without taking away from the gorgeous Stainless Steel sink. The inclusion of a uniquely tiled back splash seamlessly complements the bright silver appearance of the Chrome kitchen faucet. Delta's Cassidy Collection is a modern take on the popular farmhouse style. With it's pull-down sprayer, this Chrome Cassidy kitchen faucet is highly functional and extremely sophisticated. In a modern kitchen design like this, choosing this stylish Chrome kitchen faucet gives the space a classic feel that will last a lifetime!
Delta Faucet's collection of Chrome kitchen faucets are both stunning and highly functional. This Delta Esque Chrome Single Handle Kitchen Faucet features a a large squared spray head that provides ample water flow for a high spray function. The faucet head also doubles as a pull-down sprayer for multi-functionality. Delta's Chrome finish is highly polished, making this finish a popular and timeless choice. The mirror-like shine of this Chrome kitchen faucet illuminates the reflection of the white tiled backsplash against the unique black granite counter tops. The inclusion of large Chrome cabinet handles continues the modern touches throughout the space. Installing a Chrome soap dispenser directly into the counter top not only adds convenient functionality, but also doubles as a stylish focal point! Delta's Chrome Kitchen Collection has the perfect faucet for every kitchen design!
The Peerless brand of kitchen faucets made by Delta Faucet, feature the bold designs and stunning finishes that Delta is known for, but without the high end price tag! This kitchen showcases the Peerless Precept Single Handle Kitchen Faucet with Side Sprayer. The high arc spout not only allows for ample space in the large double basin sink, but it also highlights the ultra polished shine of the Chrome finish. The lustrous gleaming silver finish complements the gray tones of the concrete counter tops and the reflective appearance of the black tiled back splash. This gorgeously modern Chrome single handle kitchen faucet includes a separate hand sprayer for dual functionality as well as a traditional feel. Peerless's attractive Chrome finish has a slight industrial feel that pairs perfectly with classic Stainless Steel kitchen appliances and tools. In true Delta style, Chrome Peerless faucets are stunning!
Image Source: Hunker.com
Chrome finished faucets and fixtures may be the easiest to keep clean! Here we share our best tips for keeping your Chrome fixtures looking brand new!
Chrome has had numerous uses for generations, in both residential and industrial settings. The highly polished shine of Chrome finished faucets and fixtures is ideal for traditional, contemporary, and modern home design. Chrome finished fixtures for the kitchen and bath are incredibly durable and easy to care for. These stunning fixtures will last a lifetime, and are versatile enough to adapt to any home design style trend. Give Chrome fixtures a try, and share a picture of how you incorporated this gorgeously classic finish in your home!
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Co-founder, FaucetList.com, Plumbing Industry Experience: 25+ years
Nick Kuzmin has been working with or around plumbing products for over 25 years. This lifetime of experience has given him a large amount of useful and practical knowledge on almost all plumbing related topics which he freely writes about and shares online. Nick co-founded FaucetList.com with his father Jim in 2011.
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