Signature Hardware Vs. Kohler: In-depth Differences With Features

Choosing the perfect bathroom hardware for improving or upgrading your existing setup is almost necessary. With thousands of choices, Signature hardware vs. Kohler is something you will always find difficult.

So, how do you choose one?

Well, that’s what I will be discussing here today and take you through a complete comparison of both. This way, by the end of this article, you will already know which one is the perfect option for your needs.

Let’s get things started right away.

A Quick Comparison Table

FeaturesSignatureKohler
PricingReasonableExpensive
Quality of productsHigh qualityTop-notch
Product collectionComes with varietyA whole range of collection
User experienceSatisfyingImpressive
PopularityDecentVery popular
WarrantyLimitedLimited

Pros And Cons Of Signature Hardware Faucets

Signature Hardware is known for their vintage, antique-inspired designs that can add a unique touch to kitchens, baths, and powder rooms.

Here are some of the biggest benefits Signature Hardware offers, along with a few potential drawbacks.

Pros

Signature Hardware Faucet
Signature Hardware Faucet
  • Distinctive designs – Signature Hardware offers a huge selection of faucets with charming antique and vintage styling you won’t find anywhere else. From French country to industrial chic, they have many one-of-a-kind designs.
  • Quality materials – Their faucets are constructed from solid brass and zinc, with ceramic disc valves for smooth handle control. The quality shows in both form and function.
  • Custom options – Many of their faucets can be customized with different spout lengths, finish options, and configurations for an ideal fit.
  • Coordinating collections – Collections like Boulevard, Veneto, and Burano allow you to match your kitchen and bath fixtures seamlessly.
  • Luxury reputation – Signature Hardware is known as a high-end designer brand and their products have luxury appeal.

Cons

  • Expensive – Their prices range from $200 on the low end up to over $1000 for custom designs, so they are a big investment.
  • Limited contemporary styles – Those wanting a more modern or minimalist look won’t find many options. The focus is vintage styling.
  • Less innovative features – You won’t find touchless faucets or smart home integration like you can with Kohler. The focus is aesthetic design.

Pros And Cons Of Kohler Faucets

As one of the top faucet brands on the market, Kohler offers great quality and performance, along with leading technology.

Here’s an overview of what they do best, along with a few downsides to consider.

Pros

Kohler Faucet
Kohler Faucet
  • Industry leader – Kohler is known for high quality manufacturing and rigorous testing. They are a leader when it comes to innovation.
  • Variety of styles – Choose from traditional designs to ultra-modern, with polished chrome, brushed nickel, matte black and other on-trend finishes.
  • Motion-sensing technology – Kohler was the first to pioneer hands-free and touchless faucets, perfect for sanitation and convenience.
  • DIY-friendly – Most faucets come with clear installation instructions and Kohler also offers helpful videos online.
  • Great performance – Kohler faucets are engineered for optimal water pressure, flow rate, and longevity.

Cons

  • Less custom options – Beyond finishes, you have fewer choices to customize Kohler faucets to your space.
  • Not as unique in style – The more contemporary styling doesn’t stand out as much compared to Signature Hardware’s vintage flair.
  • Components may wear – While backed by a good warranty, plastic spray heads and less metal in construction can be more prone to wear.
  • Higher maintenance – Touchless faucets come with more complex inner workings that may require repair.

Key Differences Between Kohler And Signature Hardware

  • Quality of the hardware

The first thing you should start with is the hardware’s quality. You will know which one works out for you the most.

Also, there are significant differences that you get to notice between the two choices.

Shower System From Signature Hardware
Shower System From Signature Hardware

With Kohler hardware, you are getting premium quality in the material.

They are much more durable and have the clean look you desire from your bathroom hardware. The finish you see on the Kohler hardware tends to be very classy.

Coming to the signature hardware, they are quite good in terms of quality. They are also pretty durable.

You can rely on them to last for a long time. The material also has a pretty standard-looking finish, so you won’t find too much to complain about.

Still, I would always go for a Kohler if I had to choose between one or the other. Because they are a bit more on the premium side, it’s a better option. Especially when you compare it with Signature hardware, Kohler will always come on top in terms of quality.

  • Style Comparison

When it comes to aesthetics, Signature Hardware and Kohler couldn’t be more different. Signature Hardware specializes in vintage designs harkening back to the early 1900’s, with ornate details and decorative flair.

Kohler embodies a more contemporary style with sleek, modern designs. Here’s an overview of their stylistic differences:

Signature Hardware

  • Vintage, antique styles
  • Ornate details like faceted crystal handles
  • Architectural inspirations like French country and industrial
  • Unique materials like porcelain lever handles
  • Distressed, rustic metal finishes

Kohler

  • Contemporary, transitional, and modern
  • Sleek, simple, and minimalist
  • Angular shapes rather than curved spouts
  • Matte black, polished chrome, and brushed nickel
  • Clean lines rather than decorative accents

Those wanting a more eclectic, one-of-a-kind look will likely prefer Signature Hardware’s vintage vibe. For a cleaner, more subtle style, Kohler’s modern faucets fit the bill.

It comes down again to your personal taste and interior design style.

  • Product collection

One thing that can dictate your decision quite a lot is what products both brands have in their collection. As a consumer, you will always love to have options available to you.

So, going through their collection is something you can do to see where you get more options.

Starting with Kohler, I have to say their collection will impress you. They have a wide range of hardware collections. The best part is that you get hardware for all purposes.

Whether you are looking to get bathroom hardware or something for your kitchen, you get all kinds of choices from them. It’s the perfect hardware brand you can use if you plan to get a setup for your whole house.

On the other hand, Signature hardware is all about bathroom hardware. They are not as versatile as Kohler when it comes to their collection.

You will find several choices in the product collection Signature for sure. But they don’t cater to all kinds of hardware options with a versatile collection.

I think Kohler stays ahead in the game when you think about the collection of products they have. They have a higher number of products in their inventory compared to Signature.

So, if you are someone who likes to get more options, Kohler is the pick for you.

  • Popularity
Kohler Steam Shower
Kohler Steam Shower

Well, popularity is a factor that comes into play when you are comparing Signature and Kohler hardware because there is a significant difference that you can get between the two options.

The clear winner in terms of popularity is Kohler. They are very famous for producing high-quality bathroom and kitchen hardware items.

You can find their hardware almost anywhere you go in the world. Also, the Kohler hardware is available in virtually any online shop you go through.

I won’t say Signature hardware is not popular because they are also pretty popular. However, they aren’t as popular as Kohler by any means.

Their popularity is a bit limited to some places. Also, they aren’t as readily available as Kohler in all the places.

  • User experience

If you are thinking about the experience you get from both the choices, then I have to say it’s good on both of them. It’s just that you get a different kind of experience using the different hardware.

With Signature hardware, you will get a pretty satisfying experience overall. The quality, the looks, and the durability are all satisfying to get as a user.

In comparison, Kohler provides you with a much more premium and impressive user experience. When you use Kohler hardware for your bathroom or kitchen, you end up impressed by the quality.

  • Pricing

Most of the time, people choose between two products based on this factor which is pricing. You can also do the same thing here because there is a difference between these choices based on that factor.

Regarding pricing, Kohler is a bit more expensive than Signature hardware. As you know, Kohler comes with more premium-quality hardware, so their products have a higher price tag.

That’s why, if you are thinking of saving money, then Signature is always a better option. You get good value for money with this choice too.

  • Warranty

Does warranty matter to you?

In that case, both the toilet hardware brands provide you with a similarly limited warranty on their products. There is no difference in the warranty they provide.

So, you can’t choose one or the other based on the warranty itself.

What Will Be The Suitable Choice For Your Home?

Signature Hardware
Signature Hardware

Now, here’s the thing with picking one or the other, you have to get through the factors to decide on one because there is no best option between the two of them.

For example, a Signature will be your choice when you think about saving money.

But the obvious choice is Kohler if you want a premium-looking set up in your home.

The best way I would pick one or the other is based on budget.

If you don’t mind spending money on your bathroom hardware, you can choose Kohler without second thoughts.

But if money is a concern, then go with Signature.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)

Is Signature Hardware a quality brand?

Yes, Signature hardware is a quality brand you can easily rely on. They are pretty durable and tend to last for a while. And their customer service is also top-notch. So, I would say they are a quality brand.

Who is Signature Hardware made by?

Mike Butler and his son Matt Butler made Signature hardware in 1999. Although initially, the name was Clawfoot supply, later on, they renamed it to Signature hardware. 

Is Signature a good brand?

Yes, Signature is a pretty good brand regarding bathroom hardware. You can easily rely on their quality and longevity without overthinking.

Is Signature Hardware made in China?

Yes, Signature hardware is made in China. Along with China, they make Signature hardware in Vietnam and Taiwan.

Who manufactures Signature Hardware faucets?

Signature Hardware faucets are designed and manufactured by Signature Hardware company, headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Is Kohler a good brand of faucet?

Yes, Kohler is widely considered one of the top faucet brands in terms of quality, performance, and reliability. Their rigorous innovation and testing makes them an industry leader.

Conclusion

To sum it up, choosing hardware between Signature hardware or Kohler is all about what you want in your setup. If budget or money isn’t a concern, I would always go with Kohler because they make your bathroom look much more premium and provide durability.

However, if money concerns you, then Signature hardware is best. There is no doubt about that.

Clyde Mitchell

I run a hardware store nearby Court Anaheim, CA. Over the last 7 years, I have been blogging about home improvement and yes, I own ReliefInBath.com From me and this website, you can expect some useful tips on great ideas for a modern bathroom.

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