Is there one of those unwritten rules that the orientation of brushed finishes should be horizontal? I have always wondered if there is a preference for vertical direction. Or maybe it depends upon the shape of the item - such as the lines match the longest direction. Such as horizontal lines on a 2" tall by 10" wide item and vertical lines on a 10" tall by 2" wide item.
I'm thinking of various brushed metallic finishes, but it could also relate to wood grain patterns too.