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Perrin & Rowe finishes : Which one is right for you?

Written by: Taps UK

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Published on

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Time to read 5 min

In a world where we're blessed with more choice than ever before, we're faced with that ever-important question... “Which one do I go for?


When choosing your new Perrin and Rowe tap, you have an abundance of choices when it comes to beautiful models and styles. But, you also have the option of 8 stunning finishes. Each of which has its own unique properties, style and above all charm.


So how do you choose which finish is right for you? Do you base it on appearance, durability or trend? And, where can you find the information? Look no further. Grab yourself a brew, sit back and enjoy a bit of evening reading as we cover each finish to help you make the right decision and choose the perfect tap to enhance your kitchen. Here we go….

Chrome

  • Brilliant silver with a slight hint of blue

  • Blends seamlessly into most colour schemes

  • Works with both modern and traditional kitchen designs

  • Electroplated onto brass for maximum durability

  • Very little day-to-day maintenance is required


Best for: Anyone looking for a timeless, easy-care finish.

Nickel

  • A delicate, champagne-like golden tone

  • Warmer and more glamorous than chrome

  • Changes over time, developing its own character

  • Suitable for both traditional and contemporary taps

Best for: Those wanting a soft glow and a finish that evolves with use.

Pewter

  • Soft, muted metallic tone with a brushed effect

  • Provides a more delicate finish than polished chrome or nickel

  • Complements both traditional and contemporary tap styles

  • Pairs beautifully with warmer colour schemes and natural materials

  • Durable surface that ages gracefully over time


Best for: Homeowners looking for a versatile, understated finish that blends elegance with everyday practicality.

Gold


  • Crafted with genuine 24-carat gold plating

  • Exudes glamour, style, and grandeur

  • Traditionally paired with classic brassware designs

  • Now increasingly used in contemporary styles with a stunning effect

  • Creates a bold, eye-catching finish that turns any tap into a centrepiece


Best for: Those who want their tap to be a true statement piece and a guaranteed head-turner.

English Bronze

  • Deep, warm tone, the darkest of the finishes

  • “Baked” onto the surface of the brass

  • Complements traditional and contemporary kitchens

  • Stands out when paired with intricate tap details

  • Works beautifully in warmer colour schemes


Best for: Making a statement with bold, dramatic elegance.

Living Brass

No, you haven’t read that wrong. Perrin and Rowe do have 3 different Living Brass Finishes, but what exactly is Living Brass? This unique finish means that it will react with its environment and day-to-day use over time to develop its own unique appearance known as patina. You can expect to see spots or marks appearing as early as day one, but this process can also take time, as it is completely dependent on your tap’s unique surroundings. This means no two taps with a living brass finish will ever be the same. This gives a wonderful opportunity for uniqueness and exclusivity as well as a vintage or traditional feel.


To top this off, you are not even limited to one colour choice with this option. You can select either Polished Brass, Satin Brass or Aged Brass.


The Polished Brass is raw and unlacquered but has been hand-polished. This makes it perfect for combining the glamour of a shiny finish with the unique properties of Living Brass. Satin Brass has a brushed matte appearance. It gives the option of a softer look that will soon sport its own unique patina. Finally, Aged Brass, the name sums it up perfectly. It's designed to look like a timeless feature from the past.


To read even more about these finishes, please see the article on Perrin and Rowe's website, 'Perrin and Rowe: Our Finishes'.

Which one will you chose?

So there you have it. Eight exquisite finish choices so everyone can select the option that is right for them and their kitchen. Whether you are looking for glamorous, delicate, traditional or contemporary, Perrin and Rowe have ensured that no matter what tap you choose, you can truly make it your own and make your tap a statement piece within your kitchen.


Our absolute favourite is the Perrin and Rowe Parthian Mini Boiling Hot Water Tap. Especially in the Aged brass finish! To read more about why this is our favourite, please see our blog 'Staff Pick: Perrin and Rowe Parthian Mini Boiling Hot Kettle Tap and Tank'.


After all that, there really is just one more question to ask…”Which one will you go for?”

Who are Perrin & Rowe?

Perrin & Rowe is a British manufacturer of premium kitchen and bathroom brassware. Founded over 40 years ago in London, the brand is known for combining traditional craftsmanship with innovative engineering.

Where are Perrin & Rowe taps made?

All Perrin & Rowe products are designed and manufactured in Britain. They use small-batch production methods, with components hand-cast in brass, precision-machined, polished, and plated to exacting standards.

What makes Perrin & Rowe taps different from other brands?

Perrin & Rowe stands out for its exceptional build quality, timeless design, and variety of finishes. Unlike mass-produced alternatives, every tap is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, making it a long-lasting investment.

What finishes are available with Perrin & Rowe?

The brand offers a wide range of finishes, including Chrome, Nickel, Pewter, Gold, English Bronze, and three “Living Brass” options—Polished, Satin, and Aged Brass. These allow customers to personalise their tap to suit their kitchen or bathroom.

Perrin & Rowe Brand Summary

Perrin & Rowe was founded in East London by Bob Perrin and Greg Rowe around 40 years ago. Their early work combined British craftsmanship with innovation—one of their earliest breakthroughs was a 3-in-1 tap delivering hot, cold, and filtered water using their own Triflow technology.


Today, Perrin & Rowe manufactures in Britain, using small batch production and traditional methods. Their process involves hand-casting brass, machining components precisely, polishing, plating and finishing with high-quality standards.


Their product range spans kitchen & bathroom brassware, accessories, and a variety of finishes—eight for kitchen, seven for bathroom collections—ranging from chrome and nickel to living/unlacquered brass options.

The brand emphasises durability, design, and heritage. Users are encouraged to care for their products properly, especially the raw or unlacquered brass finishes, which develop patina. Although Perrin & Rowe taps tend to be premium-priced, their build quality, attention to detail, custom finishes, and longevity often make them a worthwhile investment

Founded in London ~40 years ago, combining craftsmanship with engineering innovation.

All products are made in Britain; small batch production ensures quality control. 

Wide selection of finishes (Chrome, Nickel, Pewter, Gold, English Bronze, and living brass finishes, etc.) which allow customers to personalise.

Raw brass / unlacquered finishes (Living Brass, Aged, Satin, Polished Brass) develop character over time—ideal for those who like aged or vintage aesthetics.

Premium cost, but strong durability, style, and brand reputation. Often used in luxury homes, hotels, and design-led projects.

Requires care: plated finishes need gentle cleaning; unlacquered brass needs more attention to retain its look. 

Taps UK is a prominent online retailer in the United Kingdom, specializing in a wide variety of kitchen and bathroom products. The company boasts a large selection of taps, sinks, and accessories from both well-known industry brands and its own exclusive lines, catering to a broad customer base that includes the general public as well as trade professionals like developers and builders.