Warm metal finishes are back in every design magazine. But brass, gold, polished, brushed, aged, lacquered — what is the difference, and which one suits your home?
Brass
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc with a warm yellow tone. It looks softer and more natural than gold. Polished brass is bright and reflective; brushed or satin brass is matte and modern; aged or antique brass is darker and works in classic and industrial rooms.
Gold finishes
Gold finishes are brighter and more yellow than brass, with a more glamorous, luxurious look. They are popular in classic interiors, hotels and in the Gulf, where they match marble and cream walls. See our gold chandeliers.
Lacquered vs unlacquered
Lacquered metal is sealed and keeps its colour for years — just dust it with a dry cloth. Unlacquered brass slowly darkens and forms a natural patina; some people love this living finish, others polish it back to bright.
Which interiors suit which finish?
- Scandinavian and mid-century: brushed brass with opal glass — see mid-century lighting.
- Modern minimal: satin brass or matte gold in simple lines.
- Classic and Art Deco: polished brass or gold, fluted glass, crystal.
- Arabic and luxury interiors: bright gold with crystal — see majlis lighting.
- Industrial: aged brass with black metal.
Mixing metals
You can mix brass with black, or gold with chrome, but repeat each metal at least twice in the room — for example a brass chandelier with brass door handles or a mirror frame. That makes the mix look intentional.
Bulbs for warm metals
Warm white bulbs of 2700–3000 K bring out the golden tone. Cool white light makes brass and gold look flat and greenish.
Explore modern brass chandeliers and gold chandeliers, or ask us which finishes are available for the model you like.