Bathroom Fixture Finishes You May Not Have Considered
From rose-gold taps to wooden spouts, bathroom fixtures are stealing the limelight from bathtubs and basins
For some time now, we’ve seen tapware in bathrooms dominated by chic, minimalist designs, with black fixtures and fittings making an early break away from the stainless-steel pack. Now, new and exciting finishes are creeping onto the market, revitalising bathroom fixtures with materials such as copper, rose gold and brass, and propelling these fittings to the forefront of bathroom design. So, whether you’re considering an entire bathroom reno or simply some striking updates, look towards these game-changing fittings for the ultimate in contemporary style and designer flair.
Similarly, brass fixtures work just as well in contemporary bathrooms that showcase modern tile designs and sleek designer fittings. The warmth of brass marries perfectly with a natural palette and other earthy elements such as timber and stone, and will give your space a welcoming and homey feel.
Copper
The deep, muted tones of copper work beautifully with slick, glossy surfaces such as marble. Copper also has an old-world, nostalgic feel that encapsulates that raw, factory-luxe look that’s bang on trend right now.
Metallic bathroom fixtures to inspire you
The deep, muted tones of copper work beautifully with slick, glossy surfaces such as marble. Copper also has an old-world, nostalgic feel that encapsulates that raw, factory-luxe look that’s bang on trend right now.
Metallic bathroom fixtures to inspire you
Rose gold
In contrast to these subtle, muted metals, rose gold is bright and glistening, transforming tapware into jewellery for the bathroom. With its warm, luxe glow, rose gold is more contemporary than the garish gold finishes we remember from ’80s bathrooms, and lends itself to a glamorous feel if paired with other opulent surfaces, such as granite and limestone.
In contrast to these subtle, muted metals, rose gold is bright and glistening, transforming tapware into jewellery for the bathroom. With its warm, luxe glow, rose gold is more contemporary than the garish gold finishes we remember from ’80s bathrooms, and lends itself to a glamorous feel if paired with other opulent surfaces, such as granite and limestone.
Pink gold
Love the glow of rose gold? You’re sure to adore pink gold too, which is the new take on this finish. Stepping into the next realm of designer tapware, pink gold has a playful edge – its finish is brighter than rose gold, but is contemporary and high-brow.
Tap: Webert
Love the glow of rose gold? You’re sure to adore pink gold too, which is the new take on this finish. Stepping into the next realm of designer tapware, pink gold has a playful edge – its finish is brighter than rose gold, but is contemporary and high-brow.
Tap: Webert
Antique gold
Like most trends, these bright metals don’t suit everyone, so if the sheen of rose and pink gold is too reminiscent of nouveau-riche powder rooms, antique gold will slow down the pace and bring a calm, vintage feel to your relaxing retreat. Don’t be fooled, however, as antique gold can still be lifted to contemporary heights by marrying it with sleek, urban materials, such as concrete.
Like most trends, these bright metals don’t suit everyone, so if the sheen of rose and pink gold is too reminiscent of nouveau-riche powder rooms, antique gold will slow down the pace and bring a calm, vintage feel to your relaxing retreat. Don’t be fooled, however, as antique gold can still be lifted to contemporary heights by marrying it with sleek, urban materials, such as concrete.
Brushed gold
A brushed gold finish is a great compromise if you like the idea of gold but don’t want the vibrancy of the shinier options. Brushed gold has a natural affinity with matt finishes and works brilliantly with black.
A brushed gold finish is a great compromise if you like the idea of gold but don’t want the vibrancy of the shinier options. Brushed gold has a natural affinity with matt finishes and works brilliantly with black.
This innovative wall-mounted gold tap makes a striking statement above a similarly toned basin, particularly when paired with decadent gold-leaf designs. This is the ultimate look if you’re after glitz, glam and sophistication.
Karbon tap: Kohler
Browse more bathroom tapware
Karbon tap: Kohler
Browse more bathroom tapware
Concrete
The natural rawness of concrete has been a favourite in urban bathrooms for a while, but is moving beyond vanities and basins and into tapware. Concrete tapware brings a cool vibe to any bathroom, but to ensure the temperature isn’t too frosty, combine these concrete fixtures with raw timbers in warm, honey tones.
Concrete taps and basin: Wood Melbourne
The natural rawness of concrete has been a favourite in urban bathrooms for a while, but is moving beyond vanities and basins and into tapware. Concrete tapware brings a cool vibe to any bathroom, but to ensure the temperature isn’t too frosty, combine these concrete fixtures with raw timbers in warm, honey tones.
Concrete taps and basin: Wood Melbourne
Wood
The Isla wooden spout is another smart design from Wood Melbourne that uses 80-year-old reclaimed blackbutt timber to encase a solid brass spout. Each spout is individually created for a unique aesthetic and is finished in a splash-proof wax.
The Isla wooden spout is another smart design from Wood Melbourne that uses 80-year-old reclaimed blackbutt timber to encase a solid brass spout. Each spout is individually created for a unique aesthetic and is finished in a splash-proof wax.
Black
A regular favourite on many bathroom designers’ radars, black fixtures are a bold choice, yet still subtle and sophisticated when teamed with the right mix of materials. As in fashion, black tapware goes with pretty much everything and will inject a smart, graphic look into any style of space.
A regular favourite on many bathroom designers’ radars, black fixtures are a bold choice, yet still subtle and sophisticated when teamed with the right mix of materials. As in fashion, black tapware goes with pretty much everything and will inject a smart, graphic look into any style of space.
The organic styling of this slim turn-me-on tap will bring instant drama to your bathroom to take it from drab to fab.
Tap: Gessi
Tap: Gessi
Black can be overpowering if used in large quantities, so balance the dark tone with plenty of light, bright textures and surfaces. However, black will certainly pack a bold punch and liven up a simple space.
Why we’re going nuts for black tapware
Why we’re going nuts for black tapware
Brushed metal
Gentle brushed-metal fittings are ideal if you’re after a subtle, low-key look and you want other design features in the room to sing out. The contemporary tones suit classic bathrooms, but will similarly add a heritage vibe to modern spaces.
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Browse more contemporary bathrooms
Gentle brushed-metal fittings are ideal if you’re after a subtle, low-key look and you want other design features in the room to sing out. The contemporary tones suit classic bathrooms, but will similarly add a heritage vibe to modern spaces.
TELL US
What bathroom fixtures have grabbed your attention? Tell us in the Comments below.
MORE
Browse more contemporary bathrooms
The time-worn look of brass is warm and inviting, and the perfect partner for a classic or traditional space. In bathrooms with stark white walls, brass fittings bring colour and texture to an otherwise cold space, and add a touch of nostalgia that complements the original features in period homes, such as cornices or sash windows.