When it comes to the finish for your glass shower door or mirrored cabinet, it's important to do your research on the materials you're considering. In recent years, one option many homeowners and architects have been leaning towards is Iron Matte Black!
In this blog post, we'll be discussing the benefits of an Iron Matte Black shower door finish and how they can complement your bathroom space. So, if you're in the market for a new shower door, read on for everything you need to know!
What Is Iron Matte Black?
Iron Matte Black is a powder coating that is applied to metal surfaces to create a durable, protective finish that is resistant to corrosion and wear. It is often used on shower doors or other metal fixtures to accent or compliment other fixtures in a bathroom. This matte finish is a flat surface with no gloss and can soften the rough look of black in a bathroom.
It has grown in popularity in recent years due to its traditional Tudor look and feel, and its ability to blend seamlessly with modern and contemporary designs. It’s also very easy to integrate the frame into virtually any design to elevate the look.
What Products Offer Iron Matte Black?
At GlassCrafters, we can customize just about any of our glass shower doors, medicine cabinets, and framed wall mirrors to have the Iron Matte Black finish. If you are interested in a certain product but are unsure if it is available in this finish, please do not hesitate to give us a call.
The Pros and Cons of Iron Matte Black
Here are some pros and cons to consider before choosing Iron Matte Black for your bathroom fixtures.
Pros
- This is a durable finish that can withstand everyday wear and tear
- Unique and eye-catching
- Makes a statement in your bathroom
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Fading and discoloration aren’t noticeable
- Fingerprints and other smudgy residue aren’t visible
Cons
- It may not suit everyone’s aesthetic
- It does require more care than other finishes
Is Iron Matte Black Right for Your Bathroom?
We hope this article has helped give you a better understanding of choosing Iron Matte Black for your shower door and other fixtures. If you have any additional questions about this finish, our team of experts are happy to help. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can help you create the perfect bathroom for your home.
If you’ve ever shopped for a new shower door with a stainless steel finish, you may have noticed that there are two different types of finishes available: polished and brushed. But, what exactly is the difference between the two?
Keep reading, and we will explore polished vs. brushed stainless steel!
What Is the Difference Between Polished and Brushed Stainless Steel?
Polished stainless steel gets created by using a grinding wheel to buff out any imperfections from the surface of the metal. This results in a shiny, reflective surface that is best suited for appliances and fixtures that will see regular use. They’re also easy to clean and maintain.
Brushed stainless steel, on the other hand, has a dull, matte finish that is created by using a brush to abrade the surface of the metal. This type of finish is often used on metal trim and architectural elements that don’t require a high degree of shine. It is also popular in industrial applications where a durable, low-maintenance finish is desired.
How Do You Care for Each Type of Stainless Steel?
To care for Polished Stainless Steel, simply wipe it down with a soft cloth and warm water. For tougher stains, use mild dish soap or a cleaning solution designed specifically for stainless steel. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the finish.
To care for Brushed Stainless Steel, wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. If there are stubborn stains, use a mild cleaner or vinegar solution. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the brushed finish too.
What Are the Benefits of Polished Stainless Steel?
There are several benefits to choosing polished over brushed:
- Polished Stainless Steel has a higher resistance to corrosion and staining than brushed stainless steel. This means that it will stay looking new for longer and is easier to clean.
- Its timeless look will never go out of style. Whether you are looking for a modern or traditional look, polished stainless steel is a great option.
What Are the Benefits of Brushed Stainless Steel?
On the other hand, there are several benefits to choosing brushed stainless steel over polished:
- Brushed stainless steel has a more matte finish than polished stainless steel, which can be beneficial if you are looking for a less reflective surface.
- Brushed stainless steel is more durable and resistant to fingerprints, smudging, and scratching than polished stainless steel, which is great if you have kids.
- It also has a more modern look that can complement your bathroom design.
Key Takeaways:
- Polished Stainless Steel is a shiny, reflective surface that is created by a grinding wheel to buff out any imperfections.
- Brushed Stainless Steel is a dull matte finish created by abrading the surface of the metal with a brush.
Polished vs. Brushed Stainless Steel: Which Is Right for You?
When it comes to choosing Polished vs. Brushed Stainless Steel, it comes down to personal preference. If you want a shiny, sleek look for your shower door, then Polished Stainless Steel is the way to go. However, if you prefer a more matte finish, then Brushed Stainless Steel may be a better option for you. Ultimately, the choice is yours!
Are you ready for a stainless steel shower door finish? Contact GlassCrafters today to get started!
Updating your shower door finish can transform the entire look of the room, making a dramatic impact without requiring you to overhaul the whole space. Cool metals are always in style, and nickel remains an intelligent choice.
This leads us to today's main question: should you pick Polished Nickel or Brushed Nickel debate for your shower door? The short answer – there is no winner! Both finishes can be beautiful in their own right. The key is understanding what they look like and how to best use them, which we'll share in this post!
What Is Polished Nickel?
If you’ve been keeping up with our shower door finish series, Polished Nickel actually shares a lot of the characteristics of Polished Chrome. Polished Nickel has a high-shine metallic finish with pale gold undertones making it a great choice when designing a shower door. The elegant, sophisticated, and eye-catching sheen it provides has many homeowners preferring it over other finishes. The brilliant finish also boasts impressive scratch and corrosion resistance allowing it to hold up to years of wear and tear.
However, it's important to note that Polished Nickel can show fingerprint marks and water spots. For this reason, you may want to avoid it in high-touch areas. Please note that commercial cleaners can dull the shine, so stick to a mild vinegar/water solution to remove hard water spots and restore the material's luminous finish.
If you want to upgrade to something with a warm tone, this is an ideal choice!
What Is Brushed Nickel?
As its name implies, Brushed Nickel has a more matte, "brushed" appearance. A wire brush is used to create this effect, which adds texture and visual interest to any fixture. Increasingly, homeowners are gravitating toward Brushed Nickel to give their spaces a more rustic, hand-crafted appeal. This finish also hides water spots and fingerprints well, so you don’t have to worry about smudges and spots showing up, making it perfect for bathroom fixtures.
Brushed Nickel is also incredibly versatile. The classic look works with modern and traditional home decor, making it a great choice for all design aesthetics.
Key Takeaways:
- Polished Nickel has a high-shine finish with a pale gold undertone, but may be prone to water spots.
- Brushed Nickel uses a wire brush to create a more matte “brushed” look, and hides fingerprints well.
Polished Nickel vs Brushed Nickel: Which to Choose?
Now that you know a few of the main differences between Polished Nickel vs. Brushed Nickel, which one sounds best for your project? There isn't a right or wrong answer, and it's completely up to you! There are benefits to choosing each material, and they can both beautify your space.
At GlassCrafters Inc., our team can help you select the perfect finish to complete your shower door and transform your bathroom space. Contact us today to learn more, or set up a consultation!
Bathroom remodels are one of the most popular home improvement projects, especially since the pandemic. There's nothing nicer than a newly redone bathroom, and nothing more depressing than an old bathroom design with outdated fittings.
But, before you press go on your bathroom design, it's important to give some thought to your finishes. Should you go with polished chrome fittings or brushed chrome? Your fittings choice can have a big impact on your design.
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about polished chrome vs. brushed chrome!
The Difference Between Brushed vs. Polished Chrome
If you're unfamiliar with the terms, brushed chrome refers to chrome that has been finely distressed with a wire brush. This takes away the shine of the chrome plating and gives it a matte or satin finish.
Polished chrome doesn't go through this step. It has a high-shine, reflective finish covering the base metal.
Design Considerations
If you're trying to decide between brushed chrome or polished chrome fixtures for your bathroom, one of the first things to think about is the overall design theme you're going for.
If you've yet to create a design plan for your new bathroom, you can start by creating a simple mood board. This way you can see how brushed and polished chrome will look combined with your other finish choices.
Polished Chrome
For decades, polished chrome was the number one choice for bathroom fittings. After falling from grace for a few years, it's now becoming a trendy design choice once again.
Polished chrome pairs very well with designs that are all about sleek luxury. Polished chrome can also be perfect for bathrooms that have a minimalistic design style. It's also a good choice for retro-themed bathrooms.
Brushed Chrome
With its softer finish, brushed chrome can also pair well with minimalistic bathroom spaces, especially if you're going after a more organic, wabi-sabi feel.
Additionally, brushed chrome can be a good option if you want your metal fittings to blend in rather than stand out. It can also be perfect for industrial bathroom designs, one of the hottest bathroom trends of 2022.
Maintenance
Maintenance is another thing to think about when considering different metal finishes for things like shower doors.
Brushed chrome and polished chrome are both highly durable. However, the one drawback to polished chrome is that its reflective surface isn't very forgiving of water spots.
If you want your metal shower door handles and faucets to be gleaming at all times, you will need to wipe them down regularly.
If you don't want to worry about wiping away water spots and fingerprints, a brushed finish might be the better option.
Key Takeaways:
- Brushed chrome is finely distressed with a wire brush to take away the shiny look.
- Polished chrome is a high-shine, reflective finish.
Are You After the Best Finishes for Your Bathroom?
It's important to choose high-quality bathroom fittings that will look good for years to come. Polished chrome and brushed chrome are both long-lasting choices, provided there aren't any shortcuts in the manufacturing process.
Here at GlassCrafters Inc, we pride ourselves on supplying luxury, high-quality, custom bathroom fittings. As well as full-service measure, deliver, and install capabilities. If you want the best finishes for your bathroom, from custom shower enclosures to mirrors and medicine cabinets, contact us today.
Can you believe the oldest mirrors date back to 4,000 BCE and were made of polished obsidian? There have been many innovations in mirrors since those ancient times. Now, there are so many types of mirrors that it can be a bit overwhelming to choose the right one.
Are you unsure which option would best fit your bathroom design vision? Keep reading to learn all about flat versus beveled-edged frameless medicine cabinets from GlassCrafters Inc.
What Are Flat Polished Mirrors?
A frameless flat mirror is suitable for many different bathroom styles. The utility and versatility allow these frameless mirrors to be hung vertically or horizontally to streamline your day-to-day beauty routine. It features a straight edge that is stunningly simplistic to blend well with any decor.
From industrial to contemporary decorating styles, a frameless flat mirror can complement your bathroom space and enhance the general atmosphere.
What Are Beveled Edged Mirrors?
A frameless beveled mirror, on the other hand, has a ¾” beveled edge that adds an extra dimension of personality to any mirror without sacrificing its function. By utilizing the strength of a 4mm mirror, our glass experts craft a precise ¾” beveled edge on the mirror.
When deciding on the exact look of your beveled mirror, it's important to know that you can get a more dramatic angle on the beveled glass if you incorporate a steeper bevel. The width of the beveled frameless mirrors is also something you should consider. Before you choose any wide bevels, it's helpful to look at the differences.
You'll be glad to know that a beveled mirror hand cut with pumice can pair well with a wide variety of decorative styles, including chic and glam.
Key Takeaways:
- A frameless beveled mirror has a ¾” beveled edge that adds an extra dimension of personality to any mirror without sacrificing its function.
- A frameless flat mirror offers utility and versatility that is suitable for many different bathroom styles.
Are You Ready to Elevate Your Bathroom Space?
When someone wants to elevate their bathroom, people come to Glasscrafters Inc. We've been a reliable provider of high-quality mirrors, shower doors, and architectural glass for decades. Please don't hesitate to contact us today. We look forward to being of service!
Whether you're a homeowner looking to remodel, or an architect coming up with plans for a new home build, the shower is the most distinctive feature that can give your bathroom that "Wow" factor every time you walk into it. Here are five different types of shower doors from GlassCrafters to fit your personal style and home aesthetics.
Contemporary
The Contemporary aesthetic refers to the current style of architecture. Contemporary showers built 20 years ago were current for their time, just as showers built 20 years from now will be contemporary for their time. One feature of contemporary design is lots of large plates of glass, whether for windows or shower doors.
- Equalis Series™ - features sliding doors on a frameless bypass with cladded stainless steel
- Acero Series™ - features luxury tempered glass and stainless steel
- Matrix Series™ - an engineering marvel with its stainless steel rollers, concealed ball bearings, and floor-to-ceiling glass panels
- Majestic Series™ - features solid brass pivot hinges, Reducing bulky metal headers or channels
- Royal Series™ - features a cost-effective hinge system that surpasses the quality, design, and function of other brands
Transitional
A transitional aesthetic blends together elements of both traditional and contemporary architecture. The traditional style relies on natural textures and familiar shapes, while the contemporary style leans into sleek lines and exposed wood and metal elements.
Our Equalis Series™, Regal Series™, and Acero Series™ can fit nicely within a transitional design scheme for your bathroom.
However, our Metropolis Series™ is a much better choice for a truly transitional-style shower. Its late 18th-century Euro style combined with modern metal finishes is the perfect blend of old and familiar, with new and luxurious.
Minimal
The minimal aesthetic keeps things as simple as possible, without any ornamentation or embellishment. The Majestic & Royal Series™ from GlassCrafters is the perfect choice for a minimal design scheme, with their frameless panels and glass-to-glass hinges.
Traditional
If you've thought, "This feels familiar" when seeing an architectural design feature, then you've probably seen the traditional style. This design uses recognizable, familiar symbols from a specific culture.
Our 18th-century Renaissance-styled Metropolis Series™ of shower doors is one of the best examples of a traditional shower door that we have at GlassCrafters. It looks and feels familiar because the geometric grid pattern of the doors and frames has been a cultural staple for hundreds of years. Another great example is the Regal Series™ which features mirror-like decorative plated finishes.
Art Deco
Ornate, geometric, and consistent design features help create an Art Deco aesthetic. This aesthetic wasn’t named until the 1920s in Paris, but the design features were around long before that. Our Metropolis Series™ shower doors work great in an Art Deco design with their influenced Tudor window architecture and geometric, grid-style paneling on the shower doors. Another option would be the Regal Series™ due to its mirror-like decorative plate finishes.
Key Takeaways:
- The Majestic Series™ and Matrix Series™ fit great with a contemporary aesthetic.
- The Equalis Series™ and Acero Series™ both have the perfect blend of traditional and contemporary to fit in with a transitional aesthetic.
- The Metropolis Series™ and Regal Series™ shower doors are a perfect fit in an Art Deco, Transitional, and Traditional aesthetic.
Get Your Dream Bathroom Aesthetic
If you are ready to turn your bathroom into a luxury experience, contact us at GlassCrafters! We’re prepared to talk to you about your design goals and have the perfect style to meet your needs.
