Finish is the decision people agonise over most — and the one that's expensive to change after plastering. Here's how the main BG finishes behave in real rooms: how they wear, what they show, and what they pair with.
Brushed steel (satin)
The safe modern default. Hides fingerprints and micro-scratches, reads neutral against most paint colours, and suits kitchens where plates get touched constantly. Largest product choice too. Shop Nexus Metal brushed steel or Screwless brushed steel.
Polished chrome
Mirror-bright and classic — pairs naturally with chrome door handles and bathroom fittings. Shows fingerprints more than satin finishes, so better beside beds and sofas than above worktops. Shop Nexus Metal polished chrome or Screwless.
Black nickel
Dark gunmetal with a subtle mirror — dressier than matt black, warmer than chrome. Strong with navy, charcoal and marble schemes; popular in boutique hotel bedrooms. Shop Nexus Metal black nickel or Screwless.
Matt black
The contemporary favourite — disappears against dark walls, contrasts crisply on light ones, zero fingerprints. Pairs with matt black taps and ironmongery. Shop Nexus Metal, Screwless or Evolve matt black.
Antique brass & satin brass
Warm metals are the strongest current trend: antique brass for heritage and country schemes, satin brass for softer contemporary luxe. Both flatter warm whites, greens and wood tones. Shop Nexus Metal antique brass or Evolve satin brass.
Beyond metals: the Evolve palette
BG Evolve adds slimline plates in eight finishes including polished copper, matt grey, matt blue and pearlescent white — useful when a scheme needs colour rather than metal.
Quick pairing table
- Grey walls → brushed steel, matt black, or satin brass for warmth
- White/neutral walls → anything; black nickel and antique brass add character
- Navy/green walls → antique/satin brass, black nickel
- Dark/feature walls → matt black (blends) or polished chrome (contrast)
- Heritage schemes → antique brass; boutique hotel → black nickel or satin brass
Practical notes before you commit
- Order one plate first and view it on the actual wall in daylight and lamplight — metals shift dramatically with light.
- Every finish above has matching USB sockets, dimmers and grid plates, so whole-house consistency is possible — check the range comparison for plate styles.
- White inserts vs black inserts change the look as much as the plate — dark finishes with black inserts read most premium.