Couldn’t agree more about matte black—it’s like a magnet for every fingerprint in the house. I tried it once and spent more time cleaning than actually using the faucet. Chrome or brushed nickel just makes life easier, especially if you’ve got kids or, in my case, a partner who never notices smudges.
On toilets, I’ll add Toto to the list. Pricey, but I’ve seen them last forever and the flush is oddly satisfying. And yeah, those “designer” models with the mystery parts are a nightmare. Had to special order a gasket from Italy once... never again. For faucets, I’ll stick with Moen or Delta too—parts are everywhere and you don’t need a PhD to swap out a cartridge.
Had to special order a gasket from Italy once... never again.
That’s wild. Didn’t realize toilets could be so high-maintenance. I was tempted by a fancy matte black faucet, but after seeing how fast it turned into a fingerprint art project, I bailed. Brushed nickel for the win—way less drama.
I was tempted by a fancy matte black faucet, but after seeing how fast it turned into a fingerprint art project, I bailed.
I get the appeal of brushed nickel—definitely less hassle with fingerprints. But honestly, I’ve had a different experience with matte black. Yeah, you’ll see smudges if you’re looking for them, but a quick wipe every now and then keeps it looking sharp. Plus, it really pops in a modern bathroom. I swapped out all the fixtures in one of my flips last year, went with matte black everything, and buyers loved it.
That said, I totally get the “fingerprint art project” vibe if you’ve got kids or messy roommates. Still, I’d take a little extra cleaning over the water spots that seem to stick to brushed nickel like glue. Maybe I’m just stubborn, but I’d rather deal with a microfiber cloth than hard water stains that never really go away.
Anyway, just my two cents. Sometimes the “drama” is worth it for the look you want.
I hear you on the “fingerprint art project” thing—matte black does seem to attract every smudge in the house. But honestly, I’ve had brushed nickel in my 1920s place for years and those water spots are relentless. Like you said,
Same here. I guess it’s just picking your battles. Either way, you’re not alone in the struggle. Sometimes the look is worth a little extra effort, especially if it fits the vibe of your space.“I’d rather deal with a microfiber cloth than hard water stains that never really go away.”
“I’d rather deal with a microfiber cloth than hard water stains that never really go away.”
Honestly, I’m with you there. I swapped out a bunch of fixtures in one of my flips last year—went with matte black for the kitchen and brushed nickel in the bathrooms. The black definitely shows fingerprints, but at least it wipes clean. The nickel? Those water spots just laugh at me. I’ve tried every cleaner out there and they still come back. At this point, I just pick what looks best for the space and accept there’s always gonna be some kind of maintenance.