Differences in Satin and Nickel Chrome

Nickel Finish

• Nickel is desirable for its subtle appearance and durability. It is less shiny than chrome, which means that it also hides scratches and spots a better than chrome does, according to the Kitchens.com website. On the other hand, it is also often more expensive than chrome.

Chrome Finish

• Chrome is also durable. Standard or polished chrome is shiny and reflective. Easy to care for, it is less expensive than nickel and adds a sleek, modern touch to a kitchen or bathroom when used on hardware and faucets. Sometimes chrome is layered over nickel to create a distinctive, layered finish.

Satin Nickel

• Satin, or brushed, nickel has a subtle pattern of fine lines. The finish has a dull sheen and lends an old-fashioned feel to the object. Satin nickel finishes are slightly more "beige" in color than satin chrome finishes and are often used on antique-style light or bathroom fixtures.

Satin Chrome

• Also called brushed chrome, this finish, like satin nickel, features a grainy or finely lined appearance. This effect is created by mechanically polishing the finish. This more muted appearance is attractive to homeowners who want a modern yet more subtle look than polished chrome.