| My husband and I are renovating our lower level bath. | | | | With a few exceptions, most hardware is made of |
| It's a budget makeover and to stay on budget we're | | | | metal. "Metal Finishes," an article on the Chown |
| keeping the existing shower and vanity. Right now | | | | Website, says satin finish has a low luster and is |
| we're shopping for a brushed nickel sink faucet and | | | | made by dry buffing, or scouring the metal, and |
| matching towel bars. We knew what we wanted, | | | | applying a protective coating. These tips will help you |
| but when we went to the home store we became | | | | find nickel hardware for your bath. |
| confused. Brushed nickel looked a lot like satin nickel. | | | | 1. Allow enough time because choosing hardware |
| Fortunately, a staff person was re-stocking shelves | | | | often takes more time than you think. |
| and we enlisted her help. "What's the difference | | | | 2. Choose hardware -- shower head, faucets, towel |
| between satin and brushed nickel?" I asked. | | | | bars, toilet paper holder -- made by the same |
| "You see brush marks on brushed nickel," she | | | | manufacturer. |
| explained, "but you don't see them on satin." | | | | 3. Compare items side-by-side to make sure the finish |
| Customers are at a disadvantage, she went on to | | | | matches. Ask for help if you need to take an item |
| say, because the hardware industry hasn't | | | | out of the box. |
| standardized nickel finishes, and "there's a big | | | | 4. If you're buying hardware for older cabinets, bring |
| difference from one manufacturer to another." | | | | a paper template with you that has the screw holes |
| Though you can combine shiny, satin, and brushed | | | | clearly marked. Look for handles with the same |
| nickel, the staff person said you have to do it | | | | distance between screws. |
| carefully. | | | | 5. As a staff person to check the computer and see |
| Are you shopping for nickel bath hardware? | | | | if the hardware you like is in stock. In stock isn't the |
| Coordinating the finish will give your bath a designer | | | | same as in store. The hardware may still be on the |
| look. According to "Water Works," an article in the | | | | loading dock. |
| 2009 issue of "Find It! Kitchen and Bath Source | | | | 6. Find out when back-ordered hardware is due. |
| Book," matching the hardware creates a "uniform | | | | Prepay for the hardware to make sure you get what |
| scheme." Though the popularity of brass, antiqued | | | | you want. |
| brass, and rubbed bronze is increasing, the article | | | | Don't be afraid to ask if nickel hardware is going on |
| says "cool-tone chrome, nickel, and stainless still have | | | | sale soon. Home stores know shoppers are looking |
| many fans." | | | | for bargains and will be glad to share this information |
| Nickel hardware continues to be popular because it | | | | with you. One staff person told me to come at 9 |
| goes with many decorating styles. Bath hardware | | | | a.m. Now that's what I call customer service! |
| should blend with the overall design of your home. | | | | |