Simple tweaks can do wonders to improve a space, and the hardware you choose for any room in your house can go a long way in making your home look more stylish and polished. However, it can also have negative effects and can make the room look dated or just not that sophisticated.

Looking ahead to 2025, what hardware endpoints are on the way for good? To find out, we spoke with three interior designers who share five hardware finishes they don’t expect to see much more of in the new year. They touch on why these finishes are falling out of style and best left in the past.

Machine-made finishes

Why settle for something mass produced when you can go all in and enjoy the real thing instead? This is how Laura Umansky, interior designer and founder of Laura U Design Collective, feels about certain types of hardware design.

“I’m a big fan of any finish that emphasizes craftsmanship over imitation,” says Umansky.

As such, she’s less likely to opt for machined finishes that are designed to look handmade, such as faux hammered bronze or imitation pewter.

“Authenticity in design remains paramount in the new year,” says the designer.

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Matte black

Love the sleek, black look? You are certainly not alone. However, who says you can’t try to enjoy the best of both worlds when choosing your hardware?

Matte black will continue to have its moment, says Isabella Patrick, interior designer and founder of Isabella Patrick Interiors. However, the finish is less likely to be used alone.

Patrick explains that she personally still uses matte black in bathrooms, but doesn’t stop there and instead mixes it with brass finishes. Mixing metals is definitely not something you should avoid out of caution when the technique can look quite elegant and chic.

Bronze

If you’re wondering why you haven’t come across bronze hardware as often, it’s because this finish is more of a rare choice. Patrick says bronze finishes are less common these days in most types of homes.

“In more traditional designs, you’ll see more bronze finishes, but we almost never specify that for our projects,” she says.

And in other applications, bronze still doesn’t offer much, says Ellie Mroz, interior designer and founder of Ellie Mroz Design.

“Too weathered oil-rubbed bronze tries too hard to be authentic and ends up feeling more like a fake farmhouse,” says the designer.

Brushed satin, nickel and brass

Most people want their home to boast some kind of character and uniqueness, which is why Mroz suggests avoiding the use of brushed satin and nickel in spaces. He explains how these two finishes remind people of construction-grade finishes that can look dated and plasticky.

Brushed brass, especially if it’s warm or yellow, is also no longer a popular choice, adds Patrick. The look has become so ubiquitous among manufacturers that it’s simply less in demand, she explains.

Taking some time to research a wide variety of hardware finishes will help you choose something that truly reflects your home’s aesthetic and doesn’t look so generic.

Chrome

You might think chrome is modern and cool, but designers think otherwise and advise you to stay away from chrome when choosing your hardware for 2025. Using this finish will make your space look a little flat. Chrome finishes can also show water stains and fingerprints more easily, which will require more maintenance to clean.

“With its bluish, cool tones, chrome lacks the warmth and depth we like to bring to all our projects,” says Mroz.