If you have a classic bathroom with timeless flair, congratulations — your space won't be going out of style anytime soon and you'll have a washroom that you'll love for years to come. However, perhaps in the midst of all those tried-and-true accents you want to add a few modern details here and there, to keep things looking fresh and current.
As luck would have it, there's one easy way to do this: polished chrome bathroom fixtures. In the world of bath and shower fittings, matte black, brushed nickel, and brass are the trendy finishes at the moment. But that shouldn't discourage you from polished chrome. This lustrous finish will always be a fan favorite thanks to its ability to work with just about any style you pair it with.
Video of the Day
Video of the Day
Need more convincing? Scroll on for eight polished chrome fixture ideas that will make your decision easier.
1. Pair polished chrome fixtures with white tile.
For a classic look that also communicates a modern edge, we say pair a polished chrome shower faucet and showerhead with white tile. Here, Ashley of Calmly Chaotic crafted a look that's perfectly refreshing.
Get the look: Delta In2ition Two-in-One 4-Spray 3-inch Dual Wall Mount Fixed and Handheld H2Okinetic Shower Head in Chrome, $148.60
2. Or, welcome a bold color instead.
Yes, we said that polished chrome looks amazing with white tile (and it really does!), but maybe white just isn't your cup of tea. The good news is that since chrome is a neutral finish, it actually pairs well with just about anything, even bold hues like pink as seen in this bathroom designed by Melanie Lissack Interiors.
3. Consider a freestanding design.
Just because your bath has some throwback ambiance that doesn't mean you can't go contemporary in some places. For example, in this bathroom design by Sarah of Making Joy and Pretty Things, a freestanding bathtub spout in polished chrome looks like a piece of art all on its own.
Get the look: American Standard One-Handle Freestanding Tub Faucet With Handheld Shower in Polished Chrome, $530.40
4. Create visual interest with dark grout.
Since polished chrome is a finish that's a bit on the cool side, it looks stunning when meshed with subway tile shower walls flaunting a dark grout. That's what Garrett and Cathy of The Grit and Polish paired with their shower trim, and the result is subtle yet eye-catching.
5. Fully embrace the look.
To make your shower look really consistent, look no further than an entire shower system showcasing polished chrome. From the single handle faucet to the handshower, Lindi and Russel of Love Create Celebrate have mastered the art of cohesion.
6. Mix metal finishes.
If you want to push your classic bathroom in a slightly modern direction, we say mix metal finishes, and mix them freely. For instance, in this setup belonging to Kim and Scott of Yellow Brick Home, the gilded wall sconce looks flawless next to the polished chrome shower fixtures.
7. Continue the look throughout.
But maybe you're a purist at heart. If that's true, you'll want to go with a chrome finish throughout the entirety of your bathroom, from the faucets to the rain shower to the cross handles to even the cabinet hardware, all witnessed in this calming design created by Leah of Kitchen Door Diaries.
Get the look: Delta Square 8-inch Chrome Rain Showerhead, $105.46
8. Make a soaking tub shine.
If you're going all-in with a freestanding soaking tub (the ultimate luxe feature), we recommend completing the look with a polished chrome tub filler and faucet. In this bathroom styled by Peggy Haddad Interiors, the telephone faucet and handshower elegantly steal the show.
Get the look: Delta Cassidy Floor Mounted Tub Filler With Personal Handshower Less Handle and Valve in Chrome, $941.85