Q I'm installing new faucets and towel bars in my master bathroom. The finish on the faucets and accessories will be brushed nickel. But my tub mixing valve, drain, showerhead and toilet handle are all chrome. How do I address all that, and does this mean changing the entire mixing valve in the wall as well? I don't want to make this a big job.
A The toilet handle, showerhead, shower arm and tub-drain trip lever should not be a big issue to replace, because they are normally easy-to-install plumbing accessories. The mixing valve may be a little tougher, depending on the make, model and age of the valve.
Contact the manufacturer and see if it has a brushed-nickel-finish trim kit available for your mixing valve. If so, you should be able to replace just the exposed trim, and keep your present valve body in the wall. If not, you may have to change the entire mixing valve, and that can end up costing you a lot.
Brushed nickel is now a great choice. It has a warm appearance, and because the finish is "brushed," the faucets and towel bars will have a soft matte finish that can help hide water spots and fingerprints.
Brushed-nickel finishes for plumbing fixtures have been around for decades, but the earlier versions did not hold up as well as chrome. So nickel finishes went away for a while, but with new durable plating technology available, brushed nickel is coming back strong.
Here are three more popular finishes to keep in mind if you're buying a new faucet:
Oil-rubbed bronze: This rich, dark color has hints of copper. Along with its smooth, hand-brushed finish, an oil-rubbed bronze faucet can add visual interest to any kitchen or bathroom. This finish can be a wonderful choice for a log cabin or other type of house that calls for a rustic look.
Vibrant polished brass: This finish is a shiny gold-looking color that can add an elegant note. It's also available for toilet handles. It especially stands out when installed on white plumbing fixtures.
