Grange Design, leading UK-based designers, manufacturers and specialist distributors for the bathroom industry, explores the unfading popularity of Chrome, and its ability to endure the marketplace and become the little black dress in today’s British bathroom.
Clive Griffiths, Manager at Grange Design explains, “Given the latest advancements in chrome plating technology, this much-loved finish in the bathroom continues to answer growing demand for interior design schemes, which are low-maintenance, durable and sleek in appearance. In fact, even though the latest style trends show a shift in customers’ preferences for alternative finishes, the latest research indicates that online Google searches for ‘chrome’ has become a breakout topic in the last 12 months, with a 40% upturn in searches for bath mixer taps with combined showering, and +130% for people investigating ‘chrome plating’.”
Grange Design believe that Chrome’s market resilience is mainly due to its timeless appeal, able to complement various home décors, as well as protect against corrosion, tarnishing, and general wear and tear. As the latest trends in the UK shower and bath market continue to err towards eco-friendly and sustainable taps and accessories, it’s no surprise that premium brassware manufacturers offer Chrome as a core finish option in their portfolios.
If you’re looking to renovate your bathroom with the latest chrome taps and accessories, then here’s what the experts at Grange Design recommend:
APPEARANCE – Standard chrome taps for the bathroom come in a wide range of classic and contemporary styles so you can create an interior that suits you and the architecture of your home. Universal by design, you can opt for either a matt or polished chrome finish depending on your needs and personal taste. A matt finish is far more forgiving when it comes to fingerprints, helping to reduce the materials natural shine and present a soft brushed appearance that diffuses light rather than reflect it. If you’re looking for a high shine, mirror finish then opt for polished chrome as this will keep your taps looking pristine anytime of day! Although it requires more frequent cleaning to maintain its shiny appearance, Polished Chrome will maximise light and provide a distinct look that is rich and luxurious.
STYLE – Answering the latest style trends for high-contrast black and white bathroom schemes, conventional finishes like chrome continue to serve both traditional and contemporary décors. Traditional style in 2025 exudes maximalist charm with ornate handles and spouts designed to complement other classic elements in the bathroom such as period-style furniture, decorative tiles, and claw-foot freestanding bathtubs. In contrast, the contemporary bathroom continues to emphasise clean lines, natural materials, and sleek finishes this year with chrome remaining a staple choice for both styles of bathroom.
ACCESSORIES – Chrome bathroom accessories are set to retain their iconic status in 2025, with most product ranges now specially designed to complement traditional and contemporary chrome taps and showering solutions. If you want to coordinate with your wash zone, bath area and shower, there are a range of added extras you can include in chrome such as towel rings, robe hooks, toilet roll holders and soap dispensers. Practical and long lasting, chrome accessories will also complement other key components in the same finish including shower heads and arms, basin wastes and overflows, heated towel rails, mirrors, light fixtures, and even furniture knobs and handles!
All bathroom collections by Grange Design are made from solid brass construction with polished Chrome finish. Supplying deck or wall mounted basin mixers, shower valves and a range of elegant bath/shower mixers and even bidet taps, Grange Design is the go-to for anyone seeking something extra special, which is built to last.
IMAGES – All products shown by Grange Design are finished in Chrome: (Left) Mallard Handwheel detail which characterises the Mallard Collection | (Middle) Atlantic Single Lever Mono Basin Mixer | (Right) Brunel Bath Shower Mixer. Prices for the Mallard Collection start from £431+vat, the Atlantic Single Lever Mono Basin Mixer is priced at £185+vat, and the Brunel Deck Mounted Bath Shower Mixer is priced at £1,255+vat.