Brushed chrome and polished chrome are both chrome-plated finishes, but they look quite different once fitted. Brushed chrome has a soft, matt texture, while polished chrome is bright and mirror-like.
What Does Brushed Chrome Look Like?
Brushed chrome is finely textured during manufacturing, which scatters light across the surface. This gives a subtler, more contemporary look, and it shows fingerprints and dust less readily than a polished finish.
What Does Polished Chrome Look Like?
Polished chrome is buffed to a high shine, reflecting light like a mirror. It tends to suit more traditional or formal interiors, and pairs well with polished chrome door handles, taps and light fittings.
Practical Differences to Consider
Polished chrome shows fingerprints and smudges more visibly than brushed chrome.
Brushed chrome is generally more forgiving in busy areas such as hallways and kitchens.
Matching existing brassware and ironmongery in the room will usually settle the choice.
Which Should I Choose?
There's no right answer — it comes down to the level of shine you want and what else is fitted in the room. If you're unsure, ordering a single sample switch in each finish is the easiest way to compare them in situ.
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