Finish is just one consideration for consumers buying new faucets and bath fixtures. It’s got to look good – but automation, water conservation and easy cleanup are important, too.
Holiday silver and gold might be done for another year, but metallics are still gleaming in Canadian kitchens and bathrooms. The latest trends show consumers gravitating towards faucets and fixtures in chrome, gold, and black. But finish isn’t the only consideration – homeowners want automation, efficiency, and easy cleanup, too.
Modern minimalist
Rick Pitre is the National Account Manager Residential Segment for ASSA ABLOY, a supplier of Pfister bath products. Pfister manufactures faucets, shower and bath hardware products, with its Canadian headquarters in Mississauga, Ont.
“Pfister specializes in providing customers with showroom-quality products equipped with powerful innovations at affordable prices,” said Pitre, adding that Canadian consumer preferences continue to trend toward a modern-centric look.
As an example, he pointed to Pfister’s Raya line of bath faucets, noting their sleek, soft-modern design.
While many customers prefer matte black finishes, they also want easy-clean features like smudge resistance. In response, Pfister created its Spot Defense® finish, which resists fingerprints, water marks, and soap residue. “We see this faucet (with Spot Defense) is highly favoured, which is why new products we develop going forward will include this innovation,” said Pitre.
Photo courtesy of ASSA ABLOY
Gold is still popular, but its growth has stagnated. Pitre feels this is likely because some customers are still hesitant to add a brushed gold finish to their homes. He predicts that gold will become an accent colour on bath fixtures moving forward: “It is likely that mixed finishes (e.g., matte black with a hint of gold) will increase in popularity in the future.”
Photo courtesy of ASSA ABLOY
Pitre said company research has shown that finish is one of the first factors in the consumer decision-making process. Online shoppers are more likely to opt for a different finish than the current polished chrome in their homes. It’s a different story with those who shop in-store.
“Those who research online and look at different design trends are more likely (than those who shop in person) to change finish and move towards something such as matte black or brushed gold.”
Customers are looking to create a cohesive look in their bathrooms. They want to ensure finishes match throughout, including on the faucet, bath hardware, tub and shower, and even the door lock.
As important as finish is to consumers, they are also looking for “high-quality products at affordable prices,” noted Pitre. He said Pfister aims to price its products competitively, while adding that customers benefit from innovations that aren’t accompanied by premium prices. Some examples include MagnePfit magnetic docking and Top Pfit (which allows customers to install faucets above the deck), as well as Spot Defense.
Photo courtesy of ASSA ABLOY
Environmental impact has been on the minds of manufacturers and consumers alike. Sustainability is very important to Pfister, said Pitre, and the company is always looking for ways to reduce packaging and waste. As well, all Pfister products are WaterSense certified, meeting U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) criteria for efficiency and performance. WaterSense certified products use at least 20 percent less water compared to average products in their category, yet perform as well or better than other models.
Moving through 2025, “modern designs will remain popular in Canada, and minimalist designs will become increasingly popular,” said Pitre, adding that less is more in the Canadian fashion plumbing market, which is very focused on the ultra-modern.
Photo courtesy of ASSA ABLOY
Matte black stays intact
Maax Canada is headquartered in Lachine, Que., and produces bathtubs, shower bases and kits, shower doors and tub and shower walls. Dan Raschella, Maax Bath’s Key Account Manager for Castle Building Centres, said the company has seen many changes in style and innovations over its 50-plus years of operation – but it’s always looking to extend its lineup.
Raschella said chrome is still the number one choice for shower door handles, although matte black has gained market share in the last two to three years.
“I would say matte black is number two now, followed by brushed nickel or stainless steel,” he said, adding that mixed metals, brushed gold and combined accents are niche trends.
Low-maintenance products are still high on a consumer’s list of must-haves. Select Maax shower doors are available with Lotus easy clean glass protection, a super-hydrophobic coating that protects the glass, making it easier to clean. “There is always a little maintenance involved, but people are looking for as little as possible,” said Raschella.
Square shapes and clean lines are still driving the market, with design trends often filtering down from Europe. International trade shows have a strong influence, whether sparking innovative ideas or breathing new life into previous trends.
Photo courtesy of Maax Canada
“A lot of our product managers are travelling around to see what is happening elsewhere, not just in North America. People want quality for the dollar they are spending, more than ever before.”
For instance, thicker glass is being used for shower doors that now run along quiet, sturdy rollers while remaining aesthetically pleasing – and these are making large gains in the market.
Raschella says Maax Bath understands consumers’ environmental concerns and the company is very conscientious about reducing and reusing materials. All Maax tubs are made in Canada, as well as most of their acrylic products. Most acrylic waste cuts are recycled and packaging is as environmentally friendly as possible.
“There is value in being made in Canada,” he said.
Clean lines with a chrome finish will continue as a mainstay in the market for 2025, according to Raschella. He also said that matte black seems like it’s here to stay, although it looked like a trend just a couple of years ago.
Finally, he sees accessibility projects trending upwards due to an aging population, with a greater demand for “showers with low thresholds, easy access, grab bars, and things of that nature to help people in and out of the enclosure.”
Photo courtesy of Maax Canada
The luxury of gold
Moen offers a wide selection of kitchen and bath faucets, showerheads, accessories and bath safety products. Michael Mackan, Senior Sales Representative & Account Manager at Moen Canada, said, “Our thoughtful designs deliver an exceptional user experience and elevate the way people interact with water every day.”
Mackan added that Moen is committed to enhancing the customer experience while offering style options that meet their personal needs. The Infiniti™ Dial found on the Moen Verso Shower is an example of this commitment. Innovated with a variety of spray options without a pause, the design is meant to enhance customer experience. “Users can simply slide the dial to seamlessly switch between modes and enjoy an uninterrupted flow.”
Moen’s 2024 Design Trend Report found that personal expression as a whole is on the rise. One example of this expression is the choice of faucet finish. Mackan pointed to matte black as an example, because of its ability to heighten both classic and contemporary designs. Moen’s new bronzed gold finish has also gained popularity with those looking to add a “touch of luxury.”
Photos courtesy of Moen
“Biophilic design, or the concept of incorporating nature into the home, is also on the rise,” continued Mackan. Consumers are looking for a connection to the outdoors, so they are choosing natural materials and textures that evoke a sense of calm. “In faucets, this is reflected through the incorporation of modern organic elements in terms of shapes and textures.”
Mackan sees a growing preference for advanced technology in the faucet market. Moen’s Smart Faucet offers convenience features that consumers are looking to embrace, such as control with voice or hand motions.
Photos courtesy of Moen
Consumers are also looking for finishes that ultimately complement their space, but also align with their lifestyle and design vision.
“Brushed and bronzed gold tend to offer a more luxurious feel, while matte black is often chosen for its contemporary appeal and versatility,” said Mackan, adding that the choice always comes down to individual preference.
Of course, hygiene remains a top concern in bathrooms. Touchless technology promotes a more sanitary experience and spot resistant finishes enable easy cleanup. Features like these are driving a trend that prioritizes functionality and cleanliness, without compromising on style. Products such as grab bars promote accessibility for all ages and these are on the rise due to an increase in multigenerational homes.
“Consumers want products that are built to last, with finishes that resist corrosion and tarnishing, making them easy to clean and maintain,” observed Mackan.
Photos courtesy of Moen
He noted that sustainability is increasingly important to customers and said Moen strives to meet consumer expectations. Products such as the Verso Rainshower with Magnetix, which uses recycled ocean plastic to create the innovative Magnetix docking system, or the Beric bathroom faucet that meets EPA WaterSense criteria, are examples of the company’s achievements.
“Our conservation commitment, known as Mission Moen, aims to save one trillion gallons of water and repurpose 2,000 tons of ocean plastic by 2030,” explained Mackan.
Ultimately, he concluded, consumers continue to seek out products that simultaneously better their experiences with water, while enhancing the overall aesthetic of their space.
It seems the 2025 faucet and bath fixture market will be characterized by clean lines and coloured with chrome, gold and black. With a multitude of designs, features and options to consider, consumers are sure to find faucets and fixtures that shine with their own personal style. —
Photos courtesy of Moen