Selecting a tapware finish is one of the most defining decisions in a home. Beyond colour, the finish influences durability, maintenance, light reflection, and how your space will feel years from now. At Faucet Strommen, tapware is engineered and finished with longevity in mind, but choosing the right finish for your project still requires thoughtful consideration.
Here’s what to keep in mind.
1. The Overall Style/Vision
Your tapware finish should complement the overall style of the home.
Modern & Minimal
Finishes to consider:
Switzrok Matte Black
Brushed New Nickel
Brushed Chrome
Brushed Graphite
These cooler finishes emphasise clean lines and restraint. Brushed surfaces soften reflection and add a subtle, tactile quality.
Warm & Textural
Finishes to consider:
Raw Brushed Brass
Antique Brass Light
Discovery Bronze
Brushed Admiralty Brass
Brushed Terminus Copper
Ideal for spaces featuring natural stone, timber, or layered materials. Warm metals add depth and softness.
Classic & Enduring
Finishes to consider:
Chrome
Polished Liberty Gold
Polished New Nickel
Polished finishes, especially chrome, remain some of the most versatile and timeless choices — highly reflective, bright, and universally adaptable.
2. The Finish Type
At Faucet Strommen we use four different types of finish technology. This refers to the materials used for the finish and the way it is applied.
Zirnium DMF and Chrome
Exceptional hardness and durability.
Consistent and does not change over time.
Organics
Can be variations in colour and tone.
Will tarnish and change with time.
Switzrok
Smooth matte finish.
Chip resistant.
Choosing the right finish type for you space is as important as visual appeal.
3. Daily Use and Maintenance
Different rooms experience different conditions.
Kitchen
Frequent handling
Exposure to oils and acids
High water usage
Bathroom
Soap residue
Toothpaste splashes
Every finish has maintenance considerations:
Chrome and polished finishes: Shows fingerprints and water marks easily, but very easy to wipe clean
Switzrok Matte Black and Switzrok Matte White: Low reflection, does not show fingerprints, easy to wipe clean
Brushed Finishes: Hide fingerprints and water droplets better than polished finishes
Organic Finishes: Develops a natural patina over time. Exposure to water droplets can leave tarnish marks. High use areas will tarnish faster than low use areas.
4. Lighting Conditions
Lighting dramatically changes how a finish appears.
Warm lighting enhances brass and gold tones
Cool lighting complements chrome and grey tones
Polished finishes reflect and amplify light
Matte finishes absorb light and feel softer
Whenever possible, view physical samples in the actual space before committing.
5. Environmental Considerations
In coastal or high-humidity areas the salt air can accelerate tarnishing in organic finishes. Use of the products outdoors will also mean they will age faster than indoors.
Always confirm suitability for your specific location.
6. Future-Proof Your Investment
Tapware is not a short-term fixture. Consider:
Will this finish complement permanent surfaces like stone and tile long term?
Does it align with the architectural character of the home?
Is it timeless or trend-driven?
While trends shift, quality endures. Chrome and brushed nickel have demonstrated decades of relevance, while matte black and brass tones have established themselves as modern classics.
Choosing a tapware finish is a balance of:
Aesthetic intention
Performance and durability
Maintenance expectations
Environmental suitability
Long-term design vision
The right finish enhances not only the tapware itself but the entire space.
With considered selection and premium craftsmanship, your tapware will remain as beautiful in years to come as the day it was installed.
