Matt Black vs Brushed Brass Bathroom Taps: Which Should You Choose?

Matt black and brushed brass are the two most popular premium tap finishes in UK bathrooms right now — and for good reason. Both look striking. But they suit different spaces, different styles, and different priorities. Here's how to choose.

The look

Matt black is bold and graphic. It reads as modern, architectural, and slightly industrial. It makes a strong visual statement — particularly against white sanitaryware, pale grout, or concrete-effect tiles. If your bathroom leans toward contemporary or minimalist design, matt black fits naturally.

Brushed brass is warmer. The satin finish catches light without being brash about it, sitting somewhere between gold and warm bronze. It works beautifully with natural materials — marble, stone, wood — and in bathrooms that lean toward a softer, more organic aesthetic. It also works well in period properties where chrome can look too clinical.

Which is more on-trend?

Both. Matt black has been growing steadily for the past five years and shows no sign of slowing down. Brushed brass has made a strong comeback from its 1980s associations and is now firmly established as a premium, design-led choice. Interior designers currently favour brushed brass for high-end projects; matt black remains the go-to for contemporary renovations at every price point.

The honest answer: neither is more fashionable than the other. Choose based on your bathroom, not what's trending.

Durability and maintenance

Matt black finishes resist fingerprints well — the matte surface doesn't show smudges the way polished chrome does. Water spots are more visible on matt black than on brushed finishes, so a quick wipe-down after use keeps them looking their best. Avoid abrasive cleaners, which can strip the coating over time.

Brushed brass is naturally fingerprint-resistant thanks to the brushed texture. It's one of the easier finishes to maintain — a soft cloth and mild detergent is all it needs. At Aqualake, our brushed brass finish is treated to resist tarnishing, so it won't develop the greenish patina that untreated brass produces over time.

Both finishes are comparable in terms of longevity when properly cared for. Neither requires specialist cleaning products.

What to pair them with

Matt black works well with:

• White or off-white sanitaryware
• Light-coloured or large-format tiles
• Concrete, slate, or stone surfaces
• Dark grout lines
• Industrial or Scandi-style bathrooms

Brushed brass works well with:

• Warm-toned tiles (terracotta, beige, blush)
• Marble or stone surfaces
• Dark navy or forest green walls
• Natural wood vanity units
• Traditional or transitional bathroom styles

The price difference

At Aqualake, matt black and brushed brass taps are priced equivalently across our range — there's no premium for one over the other. A matt black basin tap starts from £49; brushed brass from £54. The difference reflects the specific product, not the finish.

Which should you choose?

If your bathroom is predominantly white and contemporary, choose matt black — it will anchor the space and give it definition.

If your bathroom has warm tones, natural materials, or a more traditional feel, choose brushed brass — it will complement the existing palette rather than fight it.

If you're still unsure, chrome remains the safest choice — it works in virtually any bathroom and costs less to replace if your tastes change.

Browse our full range of matt black taps and brushed brass taps to see both finishes across every product type.

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