SINK FIXTURES DRIVING ME NUTS LATELY
Sometimes the “boring” options are only boring until you realize you’re not scrubbing them every other day.
This is so true. I used to be all about those “statement” fixtures—matte black, gold, even tried copper once. They look amazing for about a week, then it’s fingerprints, water spots, and weird streaks I can never quite get rid of. I totally get the temptation to go for something flashy, but honestly, I’ve started to appreciate the “boring” picks way more. Stainless isn’t going to win any design awards, but it doesn’t make me want to pull my hair out either.
Funny thing, I thought oil-rubbed bronze would age gracefully, but it just ends up looking patchy in the spots you actually use. Maybe there’s a secret trick to keeping those fancy finishes looking good, but if there is, I haven’t found it yet. You’re definitely not the only one feeling this pain—sometimes practical is just the way to go, even if it feels a little less exciting at first.
SINK FIXTURES DRIVING ME NUTS LATELY
I hear you on the oil-rubbed bronze—mine started looking uneven after just a few months, and I was honestly surprised by how much upkeep it needed. Stainless might not have the same wow factor, but it’s hard to argue with how forgiving it is day-to-day. There’s something to be said for not having to wipe down the faucet every time someone uses it. Sometimes the “safe” choice really does save your sanity.
Had a client who insisted on matte black fixtures—looked amazing for about a week. After that, every fingerprint and water spot showed up like a neon sign. Stainless isn’t flashy, but honestly, it’s the only finish I recommend if you want to keep your sanity.
Stainless isn’t flashy, but honestly, it’s the only finish I recommend if you want to keep your sanity.
I get where you’re coming from—matte black is tempting, especially when you first see it in a showroom. I went with brushed nickel in my kitchen because I was worried about the same thing. Even that shows water spots sometimes, though. Stainless does seem easier to wipe down, but I still wish there was a finish that actually stayed looking clean longer than a few days... Maybe the “maintenance-free” fixture is just a myth?
Maintenance-Free Fixtures: Wishful Thinking?
I’ve specified a lot of finishes over the years, and I have to agree—there’s no such thing as truly maintenance-free. Even stainless will show fingerprints and smudges, especially if you have hard water. Matte black looks great at first but tends to highlight soap residue and scratches over time. Honestly, it often comes down to how much daily upkeep you’re willing to tolerate versus the look you want. Sometimes I wonder if we’re all just chasing an impossible standard...
