My husband and I are renovating our lower level bath. It's a budget makeover and to stay on budget we're keeping the existing shower and vanity. Right now we're shopping for a brushed nickel sink faucet and matching towel bars. We knew what we wanted, but when we went to the home store we became confused. Brushed nickel looked a lot like satin nickel.

Fortunately, a staff person was re-stocking shelves and we enlisted her help. "What's the difference between satin and brushed nickel?" I asked.

"You see brush marks on brushed nickel," she explained, "but you don't see them on satin." Customers are at a disadvantage, she went on to say, because the hardware industry hasn't standardized nickel finishes, and "there's a big difference from one manufacturer to another." Though you can combine shiny, satin, and brushed nickel, the staff person said you have to do it carefully.

Are you shopping for nickel bath hardware? Coordinating the finish will give your bath a designer look. According to "Water Works," an article in the 2009 issue of "Find It! Kitchen and Bath Source Book," matching the hardware creates a "uniform scheme." Though the popularity of brass, antiqued brass, and rubbed bronze is increasing, the article says "cool-tone chrome, nickel, and stainless still have many fans."

Nickel hardware continues to be popular because it goes with many decorating styles. Bath hardware should blend with the overall design of your home. With a few exceptions, most hardware is made of metal. "Metal Finishes," an article on the Chown Website, says satin finish has a low luster and is made by dry buffing, or scouring the metal, and applying a protective coating. These tips will help you find nickel hardware for your bath.

1. Allow enough time because choosing hardware often takes more time than you think.

2. Choose hardware -- shower head, faucets, towel bars, toilet paper holder -- made by the same manufacturer.

3. Compare items side-by-side to make sure the finish matches. Ask for help if you need to take an item out of the box.

4. If you're buying hardware for older cabinets, bring a paper template with you that has the screw holes clearly marked. Look for handles with the same distance between screws.

5. As a staff person to check the computer and see if the hardware you like is in stock. In stock isn't the same as in store. The hardware may still be on the loading dock.

6. Find out when back-ordered hardware is due. Prepay for the hardware to make sure you get what you want.

Don't be afraid to ask if nickel hardware is going on sale soon. Home stores know shoppers are looking for bargains and will be glad to share this information with you. One staff person told me to come at 9 a.m. Now that's what I call customer service!

Copyright 2009 by Harriet Hodgson