Can I use polished nickel on external doors?

Yes. Use lacquered polished nickel door knockers, letterplates and centre knobs for external doors. Maintain them regularly.

Will polished nickel develop a patina?

Unlacquered polished nickel can develop a grey-gold patina over time. Lacquered options stay bright and shiny.

From The Anvil Reeded Lever Lock Set Polished Nickel Sku 33324

Polished Nickel Door Hardware

Q: What is polished nickel door hardware?

Polished nickel door hardware features a highly reflective silver finish with a warm, creamy undertone. It combines traditional elegance with modern shine.

Q: Is polished nickel suitable for bathrooms?

Yes, especially lacquered versions. They resist moisture well. Wipe dry after splashes to maintain the shine.

Q: What’s the difference between polished nickel and chrome?

Polished nickel has a warmer tone, while chrome is cooler and more blue. Both are mirror-like, but nickel looks softer.

(650 products)

Polished Nickel Door Hardware – Classic Warmth with a Mirror Finish

Supplied by Trade Door Handles, trusted UK supplier of architectural ironmongery since 1976, with fast nationwide delivery.

Polished nickel door hardware is a highly reflective, silver-toned finish with a subtle warm undertone — softer than chrome, yet just as luxurious. It’s ideal for both modern and heritage interiors, making it a popular choice for designers, joiners, and homeowners across the UK.

What Is Polished Nickel?

Polished nickel is a premium hardware finish applied over brass or another base metal. It offers a brilliant mirror shine with a creamy warmth, unlike the cooler tone of polished chrome. It looks especially good against navy cabinetry, white painted doors, marble tiles, or dark timber floors.

Pros and Cons of Polished Nickel

✔ Warmer than chrome – ideal for traditional, transitional, and boutique interiors
✔ Highly reflective – enhances light in hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms
✔ Available lacquered or unlacquered – choose between patina or high-shine
⚠ Can show water spots or fingerprints – wipe with a soft cloth to maintain brilliance

Where It’s Used

Polished nickel is often used for door handles, cabinet knobs, front door fittings, and bathroom hardware. It’s common in hotels, period restorations, and luxury apartments. It’s also a top finish in properties across London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Edinburgh.

What’s in This Collection?

This range includes polished nickel handles on backplate and rose, mortice knobs, centre door knobs, letterplates, knockers, bathroom thumbturns, door chains, cylinder pulls, and matching accessories. We recommend choosing products from the same brand collection to ensure finish consistency. Leading suppliers include:

Fast nationwide delivery available to London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Leeds, and across the UK.

From The Anvil Reeded Slimline Lever Espag. Latch Set Polished Nickel Sku 45425

Create a Cohesive, High-End Look

Polished Nickel Handles, Knobs, Front Door Sets & More

Polished Nickel Door Furniture for Period and Contemporary Properties

This collection includes everything you need to build a coordinated hardware scheme in polished nickel, including:

Door handles on backplate or concealed rose (available in latch, lock, and bathroom configurations)
Mortice knobs, rim knobs, and centre door knobs for a classic or modern finish
Front door accessories such as polished nickel knockers, letterplates, cylinder pulls, and door chains
Smaller matching items like escutcheons, thumbturns, push plates, and door stops to complete the set

Whether you’re restoring a Victorian townhouse in London or designing a modern apartment in Manchester, polished nickel adds elegant warmth that’s softer than chrome but just as reflective.

You can complete your look with coordinated items from across our core hardware collections:

Pair your door furniture with matching finishes from our Kitchen & Cabinet Hardware collection – including cup pulls and cabinet knobs in polished nickel
Match with period or contemporary Window Furniture in polished nickel – perfect for sash lifts and casement stays
Choose Polished Nickel Hinges to match your door handles and avoid clashing finishes
Find complementary locking options in our Locks & Latches collection – including bathroom turns, latches, and deadlocks

Polished nickel works well with navy blue, marble, oak, pewter, and warm white tones. It’s a versatile, luxurious finish used in both classic renovations and transitional interiors.

Unsure What You Need?

Speak to a Specialist in Architectural Ironmongery

If you’re unsure how polished nickel compares to chrome, stainless steel, or satin nickel — or need help matching finishes across a project — we’re here to help.

Whether you're a homeowner updating a bathroom or a contractor fitting out a full development, we can guide you through the right options and build a consistent, high-end result.

Reach out via our Contact Page and a member of our expert team will be in touch to help you find exactly what you need.

Common Questions About Polished Nickel

What is polished nickel door hardware?

Polished nickel is a high-gloss silver finish with a warm undertone. It’s more refined than chrome and suits both classic and transitional interior styles.

Is polished nickel suitable for bathrooms and kitchens?

Yes — especially if lacquered. It performs well in humid spaces. Just avoid harsh chemicals and wipe dry after splashes.

What’s the difference between polished nickel and chrome?

Polished nickel has a creamy, warmer tone. Chrome is cooler and crisper, with a faint blue hue. Both are reflective, but polished nickel feels more traditional

Will polished nickel tarnish or age over time?

Lacquered polished nickel stays shiny. Unlacquered versions may develop a soft grey-gold patina that adds character over time.

Can I use polished nickel door furniture on external doors?

Yes. For front doors, use lacquered items like centre knobs, knockers, and letterplates, and maintain them regularly to protect the finish.

Established Supplier, Trusted by the Trade

About Trade Door Handles – UK Experts Since 1976

Trade Door Handles is the online store for T.H Wiggans Ironmongery, an established independent ironmongers based in Kendal, Cumbria. Since 1976, we've been supplying architectural hardware to the trade and public across the UK.

We serve:

Joiners, builders, and contractors
Architects and interior designers
Developers, schools, and hotels
DIY homeowners and landlords

Our range includes products from leading UK manufacturers like From The Anvil, Carlisle Brass, Heritage Brass, and Frelan Hardware — with fast nationwide delivery to London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, and everywhere in between.

If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, please contact our team and we’ll be happy to assist.