Understanding Nickel Finishes in Interior Design
The smallest details often have the greatest influence on a space. A handle is touched daily and seen at close range, becoming far more than a functional element — it becomes part of the atmosphere.
Our collection is designed with that understanding. Clean lines, balanced proportions and refined silhouettes ensure each piece feels natural in the hand and harmonious within its setting. Craftsmanship sits at the core, with finishes chosen not only for appearance, but for how they interact with light and evolve over time.
Within our finish palette, Brushed Nickel and Polished Nickel share a similar refined silver tone, yet their surface texture creates two distinct impressions, one softly diffusing light, the other reflecting and enhancing it. The difference is in the detail.
Brushed Nickel: Soft, Subtle, Practical
Brushed Nickel is created by brushing the nickel-plated surface to produce a fine, linear texture. This diffuses light rather than reflecting it sharply, resulting in a soft, muted sheen.
The finish feels composed and understated. It absorbs brightness instead of amplifying it, making it particularly well suited to interiors where calmness and clarity are key.
When we recommend Brushed Nickel
We often advise specifying Brushed Nickel in:
High-traffic residential kitchens and family homes, where durability and ease of maintenance matter.
Care environments and assisted living settings, helping to reduce glare while contributing to a softer, more comfortable atmosphere.
Layered, neutral schemes, allowing timber, painted cabinetry and tactile materials to take centre stage.
Contemporary interiors seeking subtlety, rather than shine.
The brushed texture helps to disguise fingerprints and light wear, making it a practical choice without compromising on refinement. It supports the wider scheme rather than drawing attention to itself, ideal where harmony is the priority.
Credits: Sculleries Of Stockbridge
Polished Nickel: Light-Enhancing and Refined
Polished Nickel offers a smoother, mirror-like surface, reflecting light with clarity and depth. While often compared to chrome, it carries a slightly warmer undertone, giving it a softer and more nuanced appearance.
Where Brushed Nickel diffuses light, Polished Nickel captures and enhances it, creating a finish that feels elevated and luminous without appearing stark.
When we recommend Polished Nickel
Polished Nickel works particularly well in:
Boutique hospitality and luxury residential projects, where detail and light play a central role in shaping the experience of the space.
Darker colour palettes, as the reflective surface introduces contrast and visual depth.
Spaces featuring marble, rich paint tones or mixed metals, with a warmer silver that complements layered materials beautifully.
Statement kitchens and dressing rooms, where hardware becomes part of the overall design narrative rather than simply a finishing touch.
Credits: The Iron Bath Company
Explore our Ranges
Whether you're developing a private residence, hospitality project or specialist environment, our team can advise on finish selection to ensure both performance and aesthetic alignment.