Yes, you can mix hardware finishes in the bathroom. However, there’s a right way to do it that adds dimension to your bathroom rather than making the space feel like it clashes.

The trick is to select finishes that complement each other, rather than compete for space or attention. For example, if you have black faucets in your shower and bathroom vanity, you could potentially pair them with gold or brass hardware to provide depth and an Art Deco-inspired look.

It’s common for bathroom hardware to be sold in sets, including coordinating towel bars, drawer pulls, and more.

Because of that, bathroom hardware sets have a broad range of price points. They may range from $20 or less for budget-friendly styles to thousands of dollars depending on the material, brand, and quantity you need for your project.

However, these are the two extremes. Most bathroom hardware sets cost roughly $100 with all pieces included, before factoring in installation costs.

With as many options as we have, choosing bathroom hardware is a bit of an art. However, following these guidelines will help you find the hardware that’s best for your space:

• Decide on a specific type: For example, knowing whether you want cabinet pulls or knobs will help you narrow down your options tremendously.
• Count it out: Determine the number and size of towel bars and rigs, as well as tissue holders, to meet your family’s needs.
• Choose bathroom hardware with plumbing fixtures in mind: While not everything has to match, it helps to coordinate your bathroom hardware with your faucets and shower head to create a cohesive look.
• Take style into account: Select the style of hardware that best matches your design style and personal taste.
• Consider the finish: In addition to a variety of colors, most bathroom hardware is available in satin, brushed, polished, and antique varieties, all of which have different lusters. Choosing the right finish will help bring together the whole bathroom.
• Know where and how to install: As simple as installing bathroom hardware may seem compared to some of the plumbing work that needs to be done during a bathroom remodel, there are some tricks to know. For example, knowing where to find the studs in your wall can make it easier to properly install a towel bar or toilet paper holder. Also, consider the proper location and installation of cabinet hardware (pulls, knobs, etc.) before drilling holes in the drawers and doors.

Brass vs. Gold Hardware

While brass and gold bathroom hardware do look similar, there are some differences between the two. Gold tends to be shinier and yellower, while brass is a more subtle choice. Gold will also never react to the oxygen in the air or acid in cleaning products, whereas brass is more likely to tarnish or corrode if not cared for properly.

Here is a breakdown of the pieces that are included in a typical set or that you should be looking for separately if you plan to buy each item:

• Cabinet and drawer pulls and knobs for bathrooms: Imparting a sleek, sweeping design, drawer pulls coordinate well with bathroom vanities, while knobs are a no-fuss classic choice. These tend to be placed horizontally and come in larger sets for placing on multiple vanity drawers.
• Towel bars & rings: Unique to bathroom hardware sets, it’s also essential to include at least one towel bar in your bathroom. Half- or 3/4-bathrooms may only need one towel bar, but full baths may require more, depending on how many people are using them.
• Toilet paper dispensers: The most essential part of any bathroom hardware set, toilet paper dispensers can typically be connected to the bathroom vanity, cabinet, or even the wall to act as part of a matching set that you’ll use every day.

Here are just a few examples of the bathroom hardware finishes we have available:

This list isn’t exhaustive—there are also different variants, such as satin, brushed, and polished finishes available for some of our products.

Here are a few of the style possibilities for bathroom hardware.

• Contemporary: Black or dark bronze finishes are common in a contemporary style, with silver making an occasional appearance as well.
• Traditional: Impart that classic airy, bright feeling with gold, nickel, or chrome bathroom hardware.
• Rustic/farmhouse: Exude the warmth and coziness of a rustic farmhouse with wood and bronze hardware, or opt for a neutral finish, like nickel.
• European: Gold, brass, chrome, and nickel are popular hardware choices for European-style bathrooms.
• Coastal: Keep your summer at the seaside going year-round with light wood bathroom hardware, or opt for nautical colors, such as blue or white.
• Transitional: Marry the elements of contemporary and modern styles with wood bathroom hardware or hardware finished to match the color of your cabinets.
• Decorative: Go bold with gold hardware in a more decorative bathroom style.

Under the right conditions, bathroom hardware can last for decades before they need to be replaced. However, wear and tear is a common factor, and it can cause your drawer pulls to become tarnished, scratched, or dented after years of use.

However, homeowners who like to keep their bathrooms on trend may find themselves replacing hardware every few years.