What’s the difference between polished nickel and chrome?
A designer weighs in.
Amy Wadhwani is an interior designer atNFM.
Credit:Courtesy of Arditi Design, Photography by Kyle J. Caldwell
But choosing a finish based on good looks alone isnt always wise.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing between these two popular finishes.
But its also at home in modern kitchens with a cooler color palette.
It also works well with basic neutrals like white, gray, or black.
Polished nickel also pleases the eye, although the veneer offers more sheen than shine.
Cleaning is easy with a vinegar and water solution or a little liquid soap and water.
Wadhwani says all you need is a microfiber cloth and an all-purpose cleaner to clean chrome.
Durability and Longevity
Both chrome and polished nickel stand up well to scratching and corrosion.
It pays to take care of either finish if you want them to last.
Chrome tends to look dull when damaged and is difficult to repair once broken or cracked, says Wadhwani.
To eliminate scratches on polished nickel, she recommends gently sanding the finish.
Nickel plating tends to use more sustainable practices, including low or zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
That said, some manufacturers instead look to composite electroless nickel coatings, which.
