Polished Brass vs Antique Brass

Whether you're renovating your kitchen, upgrading your bathroom, or just refreshing your home's fixtures, the choice of metal finish is a design characteristic best decided on at the start of your project. Brass, with its warm golden hues, has long been a favorite among homeowners and designers for its versatility and classic appeal. We’ll define the differences between polished brass and antique brass so you can make an informed choice on your preferred finish for fixtures and accessories. Each finish brings its own unique feel to interiors, fulfilling different tastes and styles. 

Polished Brass

Polished brass is a finish that stands out for its glossy, reflective surface, with a bright, eye-catching shine. This finish is achieved through a meticulous process where the brass is polished to a high degree, resulting in a mirror-like appearance.

From faucets and taps to door handles and light fixtures, polished brass is often used as a statement piece that draws the eye and complements surrounding materials such as marble, wood, and glass. However, it's important to note that while polished brass faucets are beautiful and generally simple to keep clean, the finish does require some maintenance to keep its lustrous shine, as it frequently comes into contact with water. Regular cleaning and polishing are necessary to prevent tarnishing and to maintain its reflective quality.

Antique Brass

Antique brass is a finish that captivates with its rich, dark patina, with a more subdued and nuanced look to bright and shiny polished brass. This finish is achieved through a special aging process that oxidizes the surface, giving it a weathered look that suggests historical depth and a well-loved, timeless quality. 

The beauty of antique brass lies in its textured appearance, which can vary from piece to piece, lending a unique character to each fixture. This individuality is part of what makes antique brass so desirable in interior design—it warrants that no two fixtures are exactly alike, and each contributes its own story to the overall decor. It pairs exceptionally well with natural materials like wood, stone, and leather, boosting their earthy qualities and creating an inviting, put together look.

Antique brass faucets are relatively low-maintenance, and their naturally tarnished look means that fingerprints, water spots, and minor scratches are less noticeable, which makes this finish an excellent choice for high-traffic areas or for households looking for durability without the need for frequent polishing.

Ordering Color Samples

It’s best to order color finish samples to view in person rather than viewing color finishes solely on a computer screen. Online images can be misleading due to variations in screen settings and lighting, which often alter the appearance of colors and textures. Examining samples in your own space can show how different finishes interact with the lighting and existing decor in your home. With color samples in hand, you’ll feel assured that the finish meets expectations and blends with the planned design.

Durability Between Finishes

Polished Brass

Polished brass, with its gleaming, unblemished surface, is prone to showing fingerprints, water spots, and scratches more readily compared to antique brass. This means a regular maintenance routine is necessary, which includes frequent polishing and cleaning to maintain. For a longer-lasting polished brass look, be sure to choose a faucet that is finished with PVD technology, as plain lacquered polished brass will tarnish.

Antique Brass

Antique brass is notably forgiving when it comes to maintenance. Its naturally weathered appearance also serves a practical purpose by concealing minor imperfections such as fingerprints and smudges. This makes antique brass an ideal choice for busy households or commercial settings where frequent upkeep is less feasible. The durability of antique brass is supported by its resistance to corrosion, making it a long-lasting option that ages gracefully without requiring excessive care.

Best Interior Design Styles for Each Finish

Polished Brass

Modern Glam: Modern glam interiors are typically characterized by luxurious materials. The shiny finish complements rich fabrics like velvet and silk, mirrored surfaces, and crystal accents.

Art Deco: Art Deco style, known for its bold geometric patterns, rich colors, and lavish ornamentation, pairs beautifully with polished brass. The metal’s luster works well with the luxurious finishes typical of this style, such as lacquered furniture, glass, and bold, decorative elements.

Contemporary: In contemporary interiors, polished brass can serve as a striking contrast element. It works particularly well when used sparingly as an accent on furniture, lighting fixtures, or hardware. This helps break up monochromatic schemes typically found in contemporary settings, adding a warm metallic touch to a clean, modern look.

Mid-Century Modern: While the mid-century modern style typically emphasizes materials like wood and chrome, polished brass can also fit beautifully into this style when used in fixtures and hardware. It adds a bit of warmth and refinement without overshadowing the simplicity and functionality that are hallmarks of mid-century design.

Transitional: Combining elements of both traditional and contemporary design, transitional interiors can benefit greatly from polished brass fixtures. They bridge the gap between the old and new by adding a classic touch that is still modern enough to fit seamlessly with a more contemporary décor.

Antique Brass

Traditional: Traditional interiors, which often incorporate rich wood finishes, intricate patterns, and deep color palettes, are complemented by antique brass. This finish adds a touch of timelessness and a sense of well-worn comfort to the classic furniture and rich textiles typically seen in traditional settings.

Vintage: Antique brass is naturally suited to vintage-style interiors, where the goal is to create an old-time feel with pieces that appear to have a bit of history. Antique brass fixtures can look like they've been part of the home for decades, which is ideal for this style.

Industrial: Antique brass can also work well in industrial-style interiors, where its warm tones contrast effectively with the cooler metals typically used, like steel and iron. The worn finish of antique brass can soften the harder edges and rough materials often found in industrial settings.

Farmhouse: The modern farmhouse style, which blends rustic comfort with clean lines, is a great setting for antique brass. Its warmth adds a homely quality that complements the farmhouse’s typical white palettes and natural textures.

French Country: This style's hallmark is its elegant yet comfortable approach to decorating, featuring soft colors, natural materials, and ornate, gilded elements.

Steampunk: Combining elements of Victorian grandeur and industrial machinery, steampunk décor appreciates the mechanical and aged look of antique brass. It helps achieve the ornate yet practical feel characteristic of this imaginative and bold style.