Gunmetal vs Brushed Nickel: Which Finish Is Best for Your Bathroom or Kitchen Fixtures?

When it comes to fittings and fixtures, the choice between brushed gunmetal vs. brushed nickel goes beyond looks. Each finish offers a distinct style, comparable upkeep, and overall feel, and the right choice can elevate your space in all the right ways.

Brushed gunmetal's deep, moody tone brings a bold, contemporary edge​​ ideal for modern kitchens and bathrooms. By contrast, brushed nickel offers a lighter, more timeless look that blends seamlessly into both classic and contemporary designs.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each finish to help you decide which one best suits your home.

Brushed gunmetal brings depth and character to spaces. Known for its deep grey tone and matte texture, it works beautifully in modern, industrial, or minimalist interiors. It pairs effortlessly with natural materials like concrete, timber, and stone, adding contrast without overpowering the space. From tapware to cabinetry hardware and shower fittings, this finish is popular for those with a more refined, understated look.

Better still, it’s low-maintenance, helping to hide fingerprints and water spots more effectively than high-shine surfaces. It's stylish, practical, and a wise choice for busy homes and commercial spaces.

Brushed nickel offers a soft grey tone with a gentle sheen. It’s a stylish alternative to chrome that brings a sense of warmth and subtle elegance. It’s a timeless choice for tapware, cabinet handles, and other fixtures in kitchens and bathrooms, especially in homes with a traditional, coastal, or pared-back aesthetic.

Its versatility makes it easy to pair with natural materials like timber and marble, adding polish without dominating the space. Practical and aesthetically pleasing, brushed nickel is hard-wearing, low-maintenance, and resistant to tarnishing, making it a reliable option that suits a wide range of interiors.
 

Gunmetal vs brushed nickel isn’t just a matter of colour, it’s also about style, function, and longevity. Therefore, the right finish should suit your design aesthetic and the specific space it's intended for. 

ABI’s gunmetal and brushed nickel fixtures feature a PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition)-treated finish for added durability and scratch resistance. The PVD process delivers exceptional durability and results in a pure, high-performance finish.

Both finishes are easy to care for with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or microfibre sponge. A mild cream-based cleanser or diluted toothpaste can be effective for stubborn marks. To minimise watermarks and surface rust, it is recommended to regularly clean these low-maintenance finishes to prevent buildup and dry them after each use. 

Brushed gunmetal's rich, dark finish adds depth and minimises the appearance of fingerprints and water spots. At the same time, brushed nickel fixtures have a lighter, more reflective finish that tends to show smudges and watermarks more easily. Nevertheless, both finishes are ideal for high-traffic or humid areas such as bathrooms.

Often linked with modern design, gunmetal fixtures bring a strong, contemporary edge to bathrooms. With their dark, matte finish and cool undertones, gunmetal fixtures are ideal for making a substantial visual impact in bathrooms and kitchens. Helping enhance modern, industrial, and minimalist interiors, a gunmetal faucet pairs beautifully with materials like white quartz, concrete, and natural wood. Gunmetal brings a sense of sophistication and edge to any space. 

Brushed nickel bathroom taps, by contrast, offer a softer, more subtle finish ideal for clean, cohesive interiors. Their warm tone and subtle texture ensure this versatile finish accommodates family-friendly kitchens and bathrooms where durability meets timeless style. Brushed nickel complements light colour palettes and textured surfaces, helping to create calm, inviting spaces without dominating the scheme.

When it comes to interior design trends, both gunmetal and brushed nickel are growing in popularity, each for distinctive reasons. Gunmetal responds to the growing demand for darker, matte finishes that make a statement and lend a touch of drama to modern interiors. At the same time, brushed nickel remains a staple in design due to its adaptability and enduring appeal, especially for homeowners seeking finishes that offer both style and long-term versatility. Choosing between them often comes down to the desired mood of the space, whether bold and contemporary or soft and timeless.

The undertone of each finish plays a key role in how it interacts with surrounding colour schemes. With its cool undertones, brushed gunmetal complements whites, greys, and deep blues effectively and provides a strong visual contrast when paired with warmer wood tones. This contrast can help balance a space and highlight both materials. Brushed nickel’s warm undertones complement creams, soft blues, and natural textures, helping create a cohesive, balanced look in softer design palettes.

From look and feel to upkeep and where they work best, brushed gunmetal and brushed nickel each bring benefits, which can be tailored to your style and how you live. Their unique qualities can help you choose the right fit for your space. Here’s a quick recap of what each finish has to offer:

The choice between gunmetal and brushed nickel will depend on several key factors, from your personal style to how the space is used. Both are highly regarded finishes that can add great dimension to kitchen and bathroom fixtures.   

If you're after a bold, modern look, gunmetal brings a moody, sophisticated edge that works beautifully in contemporary or industrial-style spaces. Its darker, cool-toned matte finish creates strong contrast and works exceptionally well with white, charcoal, or wood accents.

On the other hand, Brushed nickel offers a refined, adaptable look that suits a wide range of styles—from traditional to modern. Its warm undertones and soft sheen make it ideal for creating a cohesive, calming aesthetic, particularly when paired with natural textures and neutral colour schemes.

Ultimately, the right finish comes down to what best suits your space, from style and upkeep to your long-term design vision. Whether it’s the bold depth of brushed gunmetal or the classic versatility of brushed nickel, each has its own unique impact.

Check out the blogs below for further interior design inspiration: (links in comments)

Belvedere: Bringing Hollywood-Style Luxury Living to the Gold Coast

​​Blanca: A Reimagined Queenslander Home Where Arch French Doors and Marble Stone Honour Its Heritage

Harper: Earthy Tones and Tasmanian Oak Define This Beautiful Tiny House in the Currumbin Valley