How to Work with Brass Hardware

Shiny brass hardware is a staple in homes that were built during the 80s — and if you have a home full of this dated hardware finish — what do you do? You’ve got two options, right?

(1) Replace it — or
(2) live with it.

Nope… do both.

MIX IT UP

Mixing is significantly more affordable than replacing everything. Plus, working with outdated hardware might be easier than you think. Antiqued brass and oil-rubbed bronze compliment shiny brass and gold finishes.

brass mirrors, cabinet knobs, faucets and towel hooks // oil-rubbed bronze sconces // via decor pad

brass bed frame // oil-rubbed bronze lamp // via keltainen talo rannalla

oil-rubbed bronze faucet, drawer pulls and sconces // brass oven knobs and detail on stove hood // via Big Chill

brass mirror and cabinet pulls // oil-rubbed bronze faucet and sconce // via Centsational Girl

brass drawer pulls, detail on oven and detail on stove hood  // antiqued brass shelf supports // via My Domaine

brass cabinet pulls and mirror // oil-rubbed bronze faucet, sconce, toilet flush and toilet paper holder  // via BHG

brass cabinet pulls and knobs // oil-rubbed bronze pendants // via Pinterest

BE INTENTIONAL

Mix hardware throughout a home and it will create a cohesive, collected, style — as opposed to outdated 80’s brass.

brass mirror // oil-rubbed bronze faucet // antiqued brass knobs

antiqued brass hooks

antiqued brass magazine holder

brass kick plate // antiqued brass door handle and lock

brass fireplace surround // oil-rubbed bronze chandelier

Even though the individual hardware pieces are different, the choices are intentional. In our dining room makeover, the fireplace surround was functional and in good condition; but the light fixture was a noisy ceiling fan. Replacing the fan was an opportunity to add oil-rubbed bronze in the room — which simultaneously updates the existing brass since other metal finishes are mixed into the space.

FOCUS ON THE BIG PICTURE

You might recall that we were choosing large cabinet pulls for our wardrobe. So, which hardware did we choose?

view the Large Cabinet Pulls source list in this post

I like each of these cabinet pulls – and – if I were choosing one purely based on style, I might go with 6 or 7. However, my goal is to blend the hardware throughout our home.

Therefore, the obvious choice was option #1. Why?

It has all the ingredients of that cohesive palette.

The listing describes these cabinet pulls as having a “rustic gold patina.” There are gold tones and bronze tones in the pulls, with an antiqued finish.

One room at a time, we are introducing this mix of metal finishes and updating the overall look of our home — without writing a big check and replacing everything.

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