Brass or bronze? Mix or match? And how will the hardware finish age? Our expert guide will help answer your key questions.
Far more than just decorative detail, the finish you select for door and cabinet hardware plays an important role in the overall language of an interior. Choosing a hardware finish is a core specification in any project, and depends on a variety of factors. As Jane Kent, co-founder of Henry Blake Hardware, says: ‘Hardware finishes should be considered with the same care as cabinetry, lighting and flooring, ideally as early in the project as possible. In the most successful schemes, the hardware finishes feel deliberate, are consistent with the property as a whole, and complement the way in which each space will be lived in or used.’
How hardware finishes complement a design scheme
A useful starting point when choosing finishes is to consider architectural context. Period properties may benefit from finishes that have subtle variations in patina and that echo original details. In a contemporary interior, on the other hand, sharper contrasts, brighter shine and more uniform surface finishes may work best. Bear in mind that highly reflective finishes draw attention to form and detail and can become more of a focal point, while matt or brushed surfaces have a more subtle presence, receding gently into the background. Also important is how the hardware finish relates to other elements of the interior design scheme, including taps and other brassware, lighting and paint colours. Warm metal finishes tend to complement soft, earthy colour palettes, while cooler tones fit well with neutral schemes. ‘It’s not a case of everything matching perfectly,’ says Jane. ‘But you want it all to feel like it belongs together.’
Should you mix or match hardware finishes?
There is no definitive right or wrong when it comes to deciding whether to mix or match. Opt for consistency of hardware finishes and the overall effect will be calm and coherent, ideal for traditional or formal settings. Choose mixed hardware finishes and this layered approach can add dynamism and depth, working well in modern schemes. ‘If you want to mix finishes, follow the 60:30:10 rule by choosing a principal finish, complemented by a second and perhaps a third, used in smaller amounts as different focal points,’ says Jane. ‘It’s important that they complement each other rather than compete, so think carefully about the tone, sheen level and reflectivity of each finish, too.’
Read more in our guide to mixing and matching metal finishes.
Which is better: a brass or bronze finish?
Brass and bronze both offer warmth, character and enduring appeal, bringing a sense of timeless craftsmanship and authenticity while withstanding decades of daily use and developing even more character as they age. Brass is brighter, ranging from the lustrous sheen of a polished brass finish to the softer appearance of satin brass and the aged elegance of antique brass. Highly versatile, brass complements both traditional and modern settings, and sits particularly well against rich timbers, marble and darker colour palettes. Bronze, on the other hand, has a subtle presence, with deep brown and almost black tones and a typically matt appearance. It is equally at home in heritage interiors, rustic schemes and modern spaces in which a strong, architectural statement is required.
Read our full comparison of brass and bronze finishes.
Nickel, chrome and black
Alternatives to classic brass or bronze include nickel, chrome and black hardware finishes. ‘A nickel finish is a really interesting choice,’ says Jane. ‘It has a subtlety and timelessness that’s very appealing, working well in both traditional and modern interiors.’ Nickel has a soft, cool sheen or, in a plated, polished finish, more shine and reflectivity. A chrome-plated finish, on the other hand, has a highly reflective, silvery-blue surface with a crisp, precise quality, suited to modern and minimal schemes. Lacquered graphite and matte black plated finishes provide a bold, contemporary alternative that works particularly well in minimalist or industrial-influenced interiors. With the dark surface providing a strong contrast against lighter shades, black and near-black finishes sit comfortably among both warm and cool palettes.
What is the difference between living, lacquered and plated finishes?
While many hardware pieces are left just as they are, some are protected with lacquer while others have a plated surface. These three types of finish may, at first glance, appear very similar, so it is important to understand how they are affected by use, environment and time. Living finishes are completely natural, with no surface coating, which means they age gently over the years, developing a soft patina in accordance with how they are handled. ‘Living finishes are perfect when you are looking for tactile richness and authenticity,’ says Kent. Lacquered finishes restrict the ageing process, preserving the original appearance of your hardware with little maintenance. ‘Do be aware that sea air and industrial pollution will affect the lacquer,’ says Jane. ‘We advise using our lacquered products indoors only.’ Plated finishes are the most durable, and are suited to high-use environments or spaces that require a consistent look over the long term.
Find further detail in our guide to living, lacquered and plated finishes.
How do different hardware finishes age?
Several factors affect how hardware ages. The main one is its finish, which correlates with location and frequency of touch in terms of specification. You can expect plated finishes to be highly stable, resistant to abrasion, corrosion and general wear and tear over many years. A good quality lacquered finish seals the metal from air and moisture, and should prevent tarnishing and oxidation when used in an interior, preserving the original, polished appearance. Living finishes, on the other hand, will evolve over time, gradually softening and darkening with a gentle patina. ‘This natural process depends on how each piece is used, and results in an individual depth and character,’ says Jane.
Discover more in our guide to the enduring appeal of unlacquered brass.
How to care for different hardware finishes
Maintenance depends on whether the finish is intended to age naturally or keep its original appearance.
- Living and lacquered finishes: clean regularly with a mild soap solution and a soft, dry cloth, avoiding abrasive cleaners, and treat occasionally with beeswax. Living finishes will need regular polishing to restore their original shine.
- Plated finishes: clean with a damp cloth or soapy water to enhance the pristine surface.
