Although we replaced the countertop in the kitchen and re-did the back splash a couple of years ago, we kept the original faucet because it was in okay condition and, frankly, we were desperate to save cash wherever we could. We’re of the “don’t replace things that work fine” mentality. Unfortunately, now the faucet is getting corroded and worn out, but it looks like I will have the opportunity to review a Pfister product, so an update is in our future! We’d like to keep the pull out or pull down feature (ours pulls out), but the Hubs and I are divided on whether to get a stainless steel finish (to complement our silver light fixture and cabinet pulls) or black (like our main floor bathroom faucet). Help us?
My case first: I like the black because our sink is brushed inside and stainless on the edge and I’m worried a chrome faucet will be like our current chrome faucet and not match exactly. Plus the cabinet pulls and light are a brushed silver and that adds up to just a boatload of different silvers. I think the black would be graphic and fun, and look great with the black accents in the kitchen and adjacent rooms. I found two pretty and practical styles: the Cagney pull down faucet (left) and Shelton pull out faucet (right), both from Pfister.
Because it’s a more unusual choice and you might not have seen one in action yet, here are a few beautiful kitchens sporting sharp black faucets.
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| Sköna Hem; Flea Market Trixie; The Blade |
Hubby’s case: I think Hubby prefers the stainless steel and chrome finishes because they pair more subtly with the existing finishes, plus it’s a more traditional choice. Our kitchen is not super modern, so I think he wants to make sure the faucet suits the look of our kitchen. He’s also not convinced a stainless sink and black faucet work together. He pointed out that two of the sinks in my inspiration shots are white. He’s sharper with this whole decorating thing than I thought! He likes the Lita pull-down model . . .
. . . but honestly, right now we have quite a few more silver faucets short listed than black, making it tricky to decide!
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| Selia; Avanti; Mystique; Pasadena |
As a refresher, here’s a quick recap of the kitchen, including the newest additions. But please don’t look too closely at the first photo – the sink is not clean!
Help us decide and cast your vote in the comments! Black or silver? And, which style? Anonymous comments always welcome 🙂
P.S. I haven’t been asked (or paid or perked) to write this post. I just need a little help making this decision before selecting a faucet to review. Thanks so much for your input!
black all the way!
Thanks for voting for my choice 😉
Hi! My fave is the first silver one. Re-sale I think 'traditional' color is the way to go… but if you fall in love with your black faucet you can always replace it with an inexpensive silver one when you list… I see why you like the black one as do I! But my vote goes with the brushed. Try finding photos on houzz with black faucets and stainless sinks!
Re-sale is very important to us – it's looming (in about a year or so). I am partly so excited to review a faucet to help the house sell, so I think the re-saleability of the traditional finish is a good point.
I wanted to let you know I did look on Houzz a bit, as well as we have a black faucet in our showroom with a stainless steel sink. However, any black faucets you see with stainless sinks are undermount. Do you think it'd look odd that since yours is a drop in the black on the stainless? Just wanted to point it out 🙂 BUT either could look awesome!
I think that is a good point. With the under mount it is less busy but sitting directly on the edge of the silver sink emphasizes how different they are . . . I can always table this idea for the next house and pick the sink and faucet together!
I was just looking around and had realized that 🙂 I know either way it is 'sitting' on the sink and you'll see the difference.
I love that paper towel holder, where did you find it?
I bought it at HomeSense in 2007. I don't remember the original brand, sorry, but they always have a good selection of paper towel holders.
Thank you!
Én a feketére szavazok! 🙂 Jól menne a felette lógó kép keretéhez is. StÃlusra pedig: the Cagney pull down faucet!!!
Ez az én kedvencem is!
Black. Contrast is nice and it would pick up a lot of your details in the kitchen. I understand not wanting to mis-mstch the sink though. Any chance of getting a black sink??hint hint
Haha, nope! The sink we did buy new when we re-did the counters and back splash. But in hindsight, black would look so good . . . I am so sick of spots on the stainless. Sigh.
Oh, goodness… that's a hard decision! I think I prefer the chrome, but I'm not sure I could actually pin-point why… I think I agree, that the black and stainless combo won't look as sharp as you might hope. That said, I love the kind of edginess of the black, the unusual-ness of it… One thing to consider – what is your water like? If you have hard water, will your black faucet end up covered in splashes of silt and build-up? Chrome isn't immune, but would it hide it better?Either way, I don't think there's a wrong answer to this one. No matter which decision you make, I think it will look awesome!
The water is a good thing to consider. It leaves terrible water spots and doesn't taste awesome, that's all I know. I'll have to find out. But you're right – any new faucet will look 100X better 🙂
black for sure!! and I prefer the first one you pictured… it'll look amaaaaazing! will tie in to the black on the other side of the room, too. Sorry, handy hubby! 🙂
I LOVE the first one. Love, love, love. Yay for Team Tanya!! Black would look sweet in your kitchen, too, because it's white and you have a black and white floor too.
Tanya, I have to go with your hubby on this one, especially if there's a plan to move in your future. Home buyers are notoriously conservative and you can't go wrong with stainless. There are also lots of brushed stainless options, so it will tie in nicely with your cabinet handles. I have Price Pfister in my home and they're excellent products!
Yes, we plan to move in a year and that is a worry. But then, our half bath has a black faucet so a potential buyer would have to already have to dig that look . . . But then again, maybe one faucet isn't a deal breaker but two is. Home buyers sometimes seem reluctant to do any work on a home. Thanks for letting me know how awesome the Pfister products are. I'm excited for getting one!
I think a black faucet would look the best!
Thanks for voting for my pick!
I agree with hubby! If you were replacing your sink… I think the black faucet would be killer with a white or black sink. Otherwise, I'm a fan of matching when it comes to stainless steel.
Ever since he pointed out the sinks are white in my inspiration photos, I've started to wonder . . . Thanks for your input!
Black for me – and one of the pics in your inspiration photos has a lot of steel/silver with a black tap. Looks cool 🙂
The bottom right inspiration shot even has wood cabinetry like our kitchen. To this Hubby said: "the faucet looks the worst in the bottom right photo". I think black pairs well with steel accents too.
I love the Cagney in black! However, I agree with your husband; I think it will look strange with a silver sink. If you're not going to replace the sink somewhere down the road, then any of the silver/chrome options would be nice.
Isn't it a beautiful faucet? I love the shape and features. Nope, sink is staying because we bought it new just a year or two ago. It sounds like silver is the more popular choice for our style of sink . . . Thanks for chiming in, I appreciate it!
I just put in a black kitchen faucet (Moen Arbor) with a black sink and countertop and white walls, so I may be a little biased. I agree with you about the contrast of a black faucet being better than a stainless one that doesn't match. If you go with silver, I'd definitely choose a brushed stainless rather than a shiny chrome.
Ooooo. I cannot wait to see photos of your newly done space. When can we see??? I check the other day but no photos yet! Just a pile of curbside stuff I would have driven to Texas for, lol.
Even taking re-sale into consideration, I think the black would look fab! Plus, how many buyers would really be turned-off by a black faucet? I don't think it's too far out there for mainstream tastes. On the other hand, stainless would look just fine so I don't think you can go wrong either way. (But I seriously like that first black faucet!)
I still LOVE the black faucet, even with great points raised against it but, you're right, literally ANY faucet from our short list will look fabulous compared to our sad little worn out one.
I really like the black faucet. I think it makes the sink pop some.
I think it would be dramatic! Especially against the white tile.
Oh I am sorry Tanya but have to go with the hubs on this one.1. Resale value (BIG) I am sure you watch the Canadian makeover shows2. It would stand out like a sore thumb in black.3. Flow, your whole kitchen is stainless knobs and light accents, it is important to keep things flowing and not distract the eye4. You hubby makes a good point all the inspiration photos have accents that make it work.Yes the black looks yummy but why not go with a brushed steel to make it modern yet still flow with your current look. I think your future buyers would thank you for it.Amy
I need honesty!! Especially because resale is at the forefront of ALL of our decisions! Black might stand out more in this room than our half bath (with the black faucet) because there the fixtures and hardware are black too. That's a great point!
my vote is brushed stainless….it will make the space feel cohesive. I think black will look like you are trying too hard…sorry, just being honest.
I WANT honesty!! We need our house to appeal to as many folks are possible when we go to sell, so thanks – I really appreciate you chiming in with an honest opinion 🙂
What is the color of your countertop? Curious if I have it here at work! We have: Nevamar, Arborite, Formica, and Wilsonart (all from Floform).
Good question. I don't remember and I'm not sure I still have the sample. I'll see if I can rustle up the invoice.
I like the one your husband picked better for your kitchen.
The Lita? Yeah, it's growing on me. Looks great with the light fixture – similar, very simplistic and modern style. Could it be that he's got great taste???
I love the idea of the black, but I think future buyers might be put off by the black + silver combination. Given that fixtures can be pricey, it could be something that really makes a difference in the mind of a buyer (in a good way if they like it and a not so good way if they don't).
It's true – faucets are a surprisingly pricey investment. Like jewellery for a room!! And maybe something timeless IS the right choice. Thanks for leaving a comment 🙂
I see all your hardware is already silver so my vote is for silver.
P.S. I have the silver one that is on the lower left and I really like it except for the fast I have a window over my sink and it is so high and blocks the window. however, you do not have that issue
I am so JEALOUS you have a window in your kitchen!! I guess I am lucky (?) I don't have that problem.
black!! easy choice. my mom has black in her kitchen and its lovely. black!!
Really? Curious: what does the rest of her kitchen look like. Also: how lucky are you for having such a stylish Mom??? 😉
Shiny chrome!!!!Mari
Thanks Mari! You're a Magpie like me! Shiny=good 😉
Black. It's not modern, it's not colonial, it's not contemporary, it just is. Oh, and just so you know, The New York Times blogs (decorating, real estate, business) have been hinting that the stainless steel thing will be ending soon.
I read somewhere else that stainless steel appliances are on the way out. It's hard to imagine, though, because so many people love them! The black does seem versatile – every photo I found with a black faucet was a totally different style.
I personally prefer silver but I think black would look better with your kitchen.
I like the silver! It won't stand out too much!
My vote goes to black and i think you would prefer Shelton pull out faucet because it definitely looks great in your kitchen.