{"id":20841,"date":"2020-12-31T16:55:00","date_gmt":"2021-01-01T00:55:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?p=20841"},"modified":"2026-03-30T07:13:17","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T14:13:17","slug":"are-brass-fixtures-in-style","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/are-brass-fixtures-in-style\/","title":{"rendered":"Brass Is Back, Baby: Here\u2019s the Latest on Today\u2019s Brass Fixtures Style"},"content":{"rendered":"

Just as overalls, shoulder pads, and velvet dresses<\/a> cropped up at the mall in recent years, brass fixtures reentered the home design scene. That\u2019s right, the 1980s are back<\/a>, baby, and the golden alloy has come along for the ride.<\/p>\n

“Brass is super hot right now. We started seeing it a few years ago, creeping back into the design sphere,” comments Kate Touhill of Seattle Staged to Sell<\/a>, a seven-time Houzz award-winning<\/a> design firm.<\/p>\n

But don\u2019t expect to spit-shine your retro brass-plated fixtures and call it a day. Today’s iteration of brass is more subtle than the polished version ubiquitous in the ‘more is more<\/a>‘ decade.<\/p>\n

We spoke with interior design expert Touhill and two top real estate agents to get the latest intel on today\u2019s brass trend. We\u2019ll teach you how to pull this trend off and share how brass fixtures can impact your future home sale.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> Source: (Brianna Santellan \/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Brass of the past: A brief history<\/h2>\n

Like most finishes, brass has come in and out of style over the decades. Let\u2019s take a quick look at the most recent takes on the trend:<\/p>\n

Mid to late 1800s: Victorian Era<\/h3>\n

An alloy mix of copper and zinc, brass gained widespread popularity<\/a> in home design during the Victorian era. The Industrial Revolution made it easier and more affordable<\/a> to manufacture brass fixtures rather than forging iron fixtures by hand<\/a>. Brass fixtures included intricate patterns of delicate swirls and crests reminiscent of filigree and acanthu<\/a>s. Beaded edging, scrollwork, and egg patterns<\/a> were also common design elements of the time.<\/p>\n

Late 1800s to 1920s: Arts and Crafts Movement<\/h3>\n

Brass remained a popular finish through the Arts and Crafts Movement<\/a>, though the style adapted to the new ethos. Brass fixtures were simple with straight lines and symmetry preferred to ornamental excess.<\/p>\n

1940s to 1960s: Mid-century Modern<\/h3>\n

Brass was a popular finish in Mid-century Modern<\/a> design since its golden hue added warmth to the style\u2019s futuristic aesthetic. The fixture designs emulated Mid-century Modern\u2019s guiding principles<\/a>: clean lines, sweeping curves, and geometric shapes.<\/p>\n

1970s to 1990s: Modern Maximalism<\/h3>\n

Brass endured during the eclectic disco days of 1970s design that shifted between hippie boho and Saturday Night Fever<\/a>. Brass finishes ranged from subdued bronze to shiny gold sheen, while the styles ran the gamut \u2014 reflecting the individualistic attitude of the ’70s.<\/p>\n

In the 1980s, brass continued its reign in home design, reflecting the materialism and drive for consumerism that defined the decade<\/a>. Like a Ferrari-driving yuppie with a maxed-out credit line, brass’s flashy gold finish was as ostentatious as it gets. Brass fixtures produced at this time were often plated (as opposed to solid) and tarnished with time and use.<\/p>\n

2010s to today: Brass is the new black<\/h2>\n

After a much-needed hiatus<\/a>, brass returned in the late 2010s \u2014 and yes, brass fixtures are still in style today. In contrast to the chromed finish previously popular, trending brass fixtures have a subdued brushed or satin finish.<\/p>\n

Brass is the go-to metal in today\u2019s most popular home design aesthetics, including Organic Modernism<\/a>, Mid-century Modern<\/a>, and Grandmillennial Style<\/a>, yet can complement almost any interior design.<\/p>\n

“Brass isn’t limited to any one particular design style,” Touhill comments. A homeowner with a French provincial kitchen can use brass pulls to complement the room\u2019s existing style, she explains. “You can find [brass] in pretty much any style that you can think of.”<\/p>\n

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<\/a> Source: (Christian Mackie \/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Bringing brass home: How to get the look<\/h2>\n

Replacing old fixtures and hardware with brass is one of the easiest, most affordable ways to update your living space. Here\u2019s how to stay on trend without blowing your design budget<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Create a mood board<\/h3>\n

Touhill suggests seeking inspiration from sites like Pinterest and Instagram for examples of how to integrate brass with your interior style and color palette. Save your favorite photos and search for copycat designs online.<\/p>\n

Mix brass with other metals<\/h3>\n

Matchy-matchy is out, and mixed metals are in<\/a>. Brass complements nickel, bronze, chrome, and black metals, so feel free to use two finishes throughout your home. For example, you can install an antiqued brass faucet and lighting fixture to complement existing nickel drawer pulls.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re intent on switching everything to brass, Touhill suggests playing with different finishes to add dimension. Just avoid blindingly gold brass \u2014 a big no-no, according to our experts. A bright, glittery brass pendant light may catch your eye, but the same shine could overwhelm the space and your future buyers.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe biggest thing in brass to stay away from is the shiny brass because that\u2019s what\u2019s really going to end up looking dated,\u201d warns Touhill.<\/p>\n

Learn the lingo to shop like a pro<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s easy to feel overwhelmed when browsing brass fixtures with the sheer number of finishes and colors available<\/a>. Not to mention, manufacturers further complicate matters with different naming conventions.<\/p>\n

\u201cTheir adjectives are all over the place,\u201d notes Wendy Turner<\/a>, a top real estate agent who sells homes 14% faster than the average agent in Greenville, SC. \u201cOne company calls it brushed, and another company calls it brushed, and it looks different.\u201d<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a breakdown of brass finishes available today:<\/p>\n