Chrome is one of those finishes that can make people think of very different things.
Some people see it and immediately think vintage. Others think classic. And depending on how it's used, I think it can work really well in a more updated space too.
For this renovation, chrome just felt right.
Chrome: vintage or timeless?
For this apartment, I think it was the perfect fit.
Why I Chose Chrome for This Renovation
I don't necessarily use the same finish in every renovation.
I usually look at the style of the house or apartment first and then decide what feels like it belongs there.
This space already had more of a vintage feel, so chrome fixtures and accents made sense to me.
Instead of fighting that older character, I wanted to use finishes that worked with it while still making everything feel clean and updated.
A few of the chrome fixtures and details we've used in this renovation.
Chrome Doesn't Have to Feel Dated
I think a lot of whether chrome feels dated comes down to the actual fixture and how it's used.
Chrome can definitely lean vintage, but that doesn't mean it has to make a room look old.
With cleaner shapes and the right surrounding finishes, it can still feel bright, polished and intentional.
What I like about chrome:
It can keep some of that vintage character while still looking clean and finished.
Where We Used Chrome
I used chrome in several different areas throughout this renovation, including fixtures and decorative details.
Using the same general finish in different places helped everything feel connected without making every single piece identical.
I also like that chrome reflects light, which can help smaller spaces feel a little brighter.
Vintage Style Without Making Everything Look Old
One of the things I like about renovating older spaces is keeping some of their personality.
I don't necessarily want every renovation to look brand new or like every other house.
For this one, the goal was more of an updated vintage feel.
Chrome worked with that because it feels familiar and classic, but the newer fixtures still keep the space looking fresh.
Chrome vs. Gold
I've also used brushed gold in other renovations, and I really like that finish too.
For me, it isn't really about deciding that one finish is better than another.
It's more about choosing what fits the particular space.
Brushed gold gave one of our mid-century renovations a warmer modern-vintage look, while chrome made more sense for this apartment.
You can see more of that renovation in my brushed gold fixtures post.
My Chrome Finds
If you like the chrome look too, I put together an Amazon Ideas List with chrome fixtures and decor ideas similar to the ones I look for when I'm working on a space like this.
So... Is Chrome Vintage or Timeless?
I think it's a little bit of both.
Chrome definitely has a vintage history, but that may be exactly why it works so well in certain spaces.
For this renovation, I didn't want to remove every hint of the apartment's older style.
I wanted to update it while still letting it have some character.
And for that look, I'd use chrome again.
What do you think?
Chrome — vintage, dated or timeless?
More Renovation Ideas
If you like seeing how we choose finishes for different spaces, check out my brushed gold fixtures renovation, my crystal light fixtures, or visit our About Us page to see more of our renovations, finds and family projects.
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