Updating or designing a bathroom? One of the most overlooked yet impactful details is the hardware. From towel bars to faucets, cabinet handles to showerheads, the hardware you choose ties the entire space together. Not only does it add function, but it also elevates the room’s style. But with so many finishes, styles, and options available, how do you choose the right bathroom hardware? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the best decision.
1. Match Your Style
Before diving into finishes and features, think about the style of your bathroom. Is it modern, traditional, rustic, or transitional? Hardware should align with that aesthetic.
- Modern bathrooms often feature sleek, minimal designs with straight lines and chrome or matte black finishes.
- Traditional bathrooms pair well with more ornate hardware in finishes like brushed nickel, brass, or oil-rubbed bronze.
- Rustic or farmhouse bathrooms often feature vintage-style hardware with distressed or natural finishes like wrought iron or aged bronze.
- Transitional bathrooms combine elements of both traditional and contemporary design, so you can mix finishes and styles more freely.
Choosing hardware that complements your style helps create a cohesive and intentional look.
2. Coordinate Finishes
The finish of your bathroom hardware sets the tone for the space. It’s a good idea to keep all the metal finishes (towel bars, faucets, cabinet pulls, etc.) consistent unless you’re intentionally mixing for contrast. Here are popular finishes to consider:
- Chrome: Shiny, affordable, and easy to clean; works well in modern spaces.
- Brushed Nickel: A soft, warm tone that hides fingerprints and water spots.
- Matte Black: Sleek, bold, and on-trend; great for modern or industrial designs.
- Oil-Rubbed Bronze: Rich and traditional, perfect for classic or vintage-inspired bathrooms.
- Brass/Gold: Warm and luxurious, great for adding a touch of glam.
If you’re mixing metals, keep it intentional—like black hardware with brass accents—or use one finish as dominant and the other as an accent.
3. Think About Function
Aesthetic matters, but functionality is just as important. Consider how the hardware will be used and who will be using it.
- Towel bars vs. hooks: Hooks take up less space and work well in high-traffic bathrooms. Towel bars are great for neatly hanging full-sized towels.
- Toilet paper holders: Choose between open-ended designs for easy roll changes or traditional spring-loaded ones for a more secure fit.
- Grab bars and safety features: If designing for aging-in-place or accessibility, opt for ADA-compliant hardware.
- Cabinet pulls and knobs: Choose styles that are easy to grip and feel comfortable in your hand.
Make sure every piece of hardware is placed in a location that’s easy to reach and makes sense with the bathroom’s layout.
4. Measure Before You Buy
Take accurate measurements before purchasing hardware. For example:
- Make sure towel bars will fit on the wall space you have.
- Double-check the hole spread on your vanity to get the right size faucet.
- Confirm cabinet handle dimensions and spacing.
Bringing home hardware that doesn’t fit can be a frustrating and an expensive mistake.
5. Invest in Quality
Hardware gets touched and used daily, so it’s worth investing in durable materials. Solid brass, stainless steel, or zinc alloy hardware is more likely to stand the test of time than cheaper, plastic alternatives. Look for brands that offer warranties, especially for moving parts like faucets or hinges.
In Closing
Bathroom hardware might seem like a small detail, but it plays a big role in both the function and design of the space. By considering your style, coordinating finishes, prioritizing function, and investing in quality, you’ll create a bathroom that looks polished and feels comfortable to use every day.
We have a wide array of hardware to choose from. Let us know how we can help!
