5 Brass Finishes Every Design Lover Should Know Before Updating Their Home

Brass has been having a moment for a while now, showing up on everything from kitchen hardware to lighting, bathroom fixtures to furniture accents. It’s warm, timeless, and just bold enough to feel intentional.

But here’s the part most people don’t realize: when we say “brass,” we’re rarely talking about just one look. Behind the trend are five major types of brass finishes, each with its own tone, texture, and personality that quietly shape how a space feels, ages, and costs. Read on to learn the difference between each before you make your next design decision.

1. Polished Brass

Polished brass is what most people think of when they think of the finish. It’s bright, shiny, and classic, with a golden, reflective surface that’s almost mirror-like. This type of brass was immensely popular in the ’80s and ’90s and has recently made a major comeback.

This finish is well-suited for classic interiors, vintage pieces, statement hardware, and other decor that doesn't shy away from attention. As for cost, polished brass usually falls mid-range on the pricing scale, with standard polished and lacquered finishes being easy to manufacture (and therefore more affordable than specialty finishes). 

2. Brushed Brass

Also known as satin brass, brushed brass has a softer, more modern, or understated feel to it thanks to its subtly textured surface. The “brushed” look is achieved with abrasive belts, wire brushes, or pads that gently scratch the surface, resulting in a more matte, satin-like finish. Brushed brass is much less shiny than polished brass, and therefore much more forgiving: fingerprints, water spots, and small scratches and nicks are much less noticeable.

Brushed brass is ideal for high-use, heavy-duty areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, or minimalist spaces that beg for warmth sans shine. Price-wise, brushed brass is typically similar to or slightly pricier than polished brass, as the extra texture and finishing steps can add a bit more labor to the manufacturing process. It’s also become much trendier in recent years, and market trends (alongside increased demand) have driven prices up.

3. Antique Brass

Antique brass has seen a major popularity boost in recent years, thanks to the cottagecore movement. Antique brass is characterized by darker brown-gold tones with intentional patina. It’s pre-designed to look like it already has a history with a soft, timeworn appearance that mimics decades of natural wear. The surface appears slightly mottled or burnished, giving it the feel of something that’s been hand-made and used for years.

To achieve that rich brown look, antique brass is chemically treated during manufacturing with controlled oxidizing agents that darken the metal and create an instant patina. The piece is usually sealed to lock in that aged look and prevent further changes. Given this look, antique brass is often used in traditional or historic homes, cottage or farmhouse-inspired spaces, or any space that prioritizes character without maintenance.

Like brushed brass, antique brass hides fingerprints, water spots, and small scratches very well, making it both durable and forgiving for high-use spaces. However, given the process, chemical aging, and artisanal finishing, the price tends to be higher than that of polished or satin brass. It is also expected to continue to age and patina over time.

4. Oil-Rubbed Brass

As its name suggests, oil-rubbed brass features a dark bronze or brown base with lighter highlights on the edges. Its finish is deep, dramatic, and slightly moody with an inherently rustic feel. Oil-rubbed brass is often found in farmhouse and modern interiors, as well as in moodier spaces like powder rooms and home bars. The finish is meant to continue to evolve over time and change with use. 

The dark surface might wear down in frequently touched areas, revealing the warm brass beneath. This enhances the patina and wear, which are among the main reasons designers and homeowners favor it. Oil-rubbed brass pairs beautifully with natural wood, stone, leather, and matte surfaces. Price varies; some versions are rather affordable, while more artisanal selections can get pretty pricey. 

5. Unlacquered Brass

Also known as “living” or “raw” brass, unlacquered brass is the material’s truest form. Unlike other finishes, it isn’t sealed or protected to preserve or protect its look. Instead, it’s meant to react to its environment, slowly and visibly evolving over time. When new, unlacquered brass is bright and golden, just like polished brass. But exposure to air, moisture, oils from your hands, and everyday use cause darkening, or patina, which can range from honey tones to deep browns to even subtle green tones over time. 

The finish feels authentic, warm, and artisanal, loved for its imperfections. Unlacquered brass is not about perfection; it’s about story. This material is best for design lovers who appreciate patina and wear, historic or European-inspired interiors, or anyone who prefers materials that age rather than stay static. It brings genuine warmth and soul to a space and is impossible to replicate. For these reasons, unlacquered brass is often the most expensive option.