Brass has a timeless quality that makes it one of the most versatile choices for architectural hardware. From traditional country homes to contemporary interiors, its warm golden tones can add character and sophistication to almost any space.
When choosing brass hardware, however, it can be difficult to decide between different finishes. Two of From The Anvil's most distinctive options are Aged Brass and Polished Brass. Although both are made from solid, unlacquered brass and will naturally change with age, they have noticeably different appearances when first installed.
So, what exactly sets them apart? In this guide, we'll explore how Aged Brass and Polished Brass are created, how each finish changes over time, and how to incorporate them into your home.
Contents
- Aged Brass vs Polished Brass: What's the Difference?
- How are Aged Brass and Polished Brass Made?
- How Will Brass Change Over Time?
- How to Style Aged Brass and Polished Brass
- How to Maintain Aged Brass and Polished Brass
- Which Brass Finish Should You Choose?
Aged Brass vs Polished Brass: What's the Difference?
At first glance, Aged Brass and Polished Brass may appear quite similar. Both have the unmistakable warmth of genuine brass and both are made from solid, unlacquered material. The main difference lies in the way the surface is finished before the hardware reaches your home.
Aged Brass is deliberately treated to give it an established, time-worn appearance. During the finishing process, the brass is artificially aged, encouraging a darker patina to develop around the edges, corners and recessed areas of the design. The result is a finish with plenty of variation and depth.
Polished Brass, on the other hand, is highly polished to reveal a much brighter and more reflective surface. It has a cleaner, more luminous appearance when new, making it particularly effective when you want your hardware to become a subtle feature within a room.
There is an important similarity between the two finishes, too: neither is lacquered. This means they are designed to evolve naturally rather than remain completely unchanged. Exposure to air and the environment causes the brass to oxidise, meaning both finishes will gradually become deeper and more characterful over time.
In simple terms, choose Aged Brass if you love a naturally weathered, traditional appearance, or Polished Brass if you prefer a brighter finish that can either be allowed to develop a patina or periodically polished back to a higher shine.
Above: the visible difference between From The Anvil's Aged Brass and Polished Brass finishes, highlighted by their Mushroom cabinet knob.
How are Aged Brass and Polished Brass Made?
From The Anvil's Aged Brass and Polished Brass hardware is hand forged from solid, unlacquered brass. This gives each piece the strength and substance associated with genuine brass hardware while allowing the material to develop its own individual character.
Unlike lacquered brass, unlacquered brass is intentionally left exposed to the surrounding environment. Oxygen in the air reacts with the surface of the metal, gradually altering its colour and appearance. This natural process is known as oxidation or tarnishing.
For Aged Brass, this natural process is enhanced during manufacture. The hardware undergoes an accelerated ageing process, creating darker tones within the recesses and around the edges of the design. This helps to emphasise intricate detailing and gives the hardware an authentic, lived-in appearance from the outset.
Polished Brass does not undergo the same artificial ageing process. Instead, the surface is polished to achieve its characteristic bright, golden appearance. Because it remains unlacquered, however, it will still naturally darken and develop a patina once installed.
This means that neither finish is completely static. The hardware you install today may look subtly different several years from now, making brass an excellent choice if you appreciate materials that develop alongside your home.
How Will Brass Change Over Time?
One of the most appealing qualities of unlacquered brass is that it doesn't necessarily stay looking exactly as it did on the day it was installed. Instead, it gradually responds to its surroundings.
Factors such as humidity, exposure to air, how frequently the hardware is handled and the environment in which it is installed can all influence how quickly the brass develops a patina. As a result, two pieces of hardware in different rooms may naturally develop slightly different appearances.
With Aged Brass, the initial darker tones are already incorporated into the finish, giving the hardware a distinctive depth from the beginning. Continued oxidation can deepen these tones further and create an increasingly individual appearance.
Polished Brass starts considerably brighter, but will gradually lose some of its initial lustre as it oxidises. If you enjoy the softer, aged appearance that develops naturally, simply allow the finish to evolve. Alternatively, the surface can be polished to restore more of its original brightness.
This natural evolution is part of the appeal of unlacquered brass. Rather than looking worn as it ages, well-maintained brass can develop a beautiful patina that reflects the history and use of your home.
Above: From The Anvil's Aged Brass Reeded Slimline lever espag. door handle and their Polished Brass
How to Style Aged Brass and Polished Brass
Both finishes are remarkably versatile, so the right choice often comes down to the atmosphere you want to create.
For a warm and inviting interior, combine brass with colours that have naturally warm undertones. Rich reds, terracotta, burnt orange, blush pink and earthy browns can all complement the golden tones of brass beautifully. Aged Brass is particularly well suited to these schemes, where its darker detailing can enhance a cosy, traditional aesthetic.
If you prefer something fresher and more contemporary, try combining brass with greens, soft blues or muted sage tones. These cooler colours create contrast against the warmth of the metal without making the overall scheme feel overly formal.
Neutral interiors are another excellent backdrop for brass. White, cream, beige, taupe and warm grey can allow your hardware to stand out without competing with other elements of the room. Polished Brass can work especially well here if you want to introduce a subtle touch of brightness.
Don't forget to consider the materials surrounding your hardware, too. Natural timber, marble, stone and painted wood all pair beautifully with brass. For a more luxurious look, introduce tactile materials such as velvet, linen, silk or textured wallpaper.
Brass also doesn't need to be restricted to one area of the home. Coordinating your door handles with cupboard knobs, window hardware, cabinet pulls and other architectural details can help create a cohesive scheme throughout your property.
Above: From The Anvil's Aged Brass Kelso pull handle and Polished Brass Ball cabinet knob.
Can You Mix Brass Finishes?
There's no need to use exactly the same brass finish throughout every room. Mixing metal finishes can add depth and interest to an interior when done intentionally.
For example, you might use Aged Brass on doors and windows while incorporating Polished Brass into smaller decorative details. The shared golden tones help the finishes work together while the difference in sheen prevents the room from looking too uniform.
If you are mixing metals, try to repeat each finish more than once so that the combination feels deliberate. Pairing brass with darker finishes such as Matt Black can also create a striking contrast, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms.
How to Maintain Aged Brass and Polished Brass
One of the benefits of unlacquered brass is that maintenance can be adapted to your preferred appearance. If you love the natural patina that develops over time, very little intervention is required. Simply allow the brass to age naturally and enjoy the changes in colour and character.
If you prefer to retain a brighter appearance, Polished Brass can be periodically polished using a small amount of Brasso and a soft cloth. This can help restore some of the finish's original shine.
When cleaning either finish, avoid harsh or abrasive products. Chemical cleaners can potentially affect the appearance of the brass, so gentle cleaning is preferable.
It's also important to look after the moving components of your hardware. From The Anvil recommends regular lubrication of moving parts using their 3-in-1 oil. Applying this during installation and periodically thereafter can help maintain smooth operation and extend the working life of the hardware.
For additional protection, an oily cloth can be lightly wiped over the surface of the brass from time to time. This can help provide a barrier against environmental elements while maintaining the natural character of the finish.
Above: From The Anvil's Aged Brass hardware (left) and Polished Brass hardware (right).
Which Brass Finish Should You Choose?
There isn't a right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between Aged Brass and Polished Brass. Both offer the warmth and durability of solid brass, but they create very different impressions within an interior.
Choose Aged Brass if you:
- Prefer a traditional or heritage-inspired aesthetic.
- Like hardware with a naturally weathered appearance.
- Want darker detailing and variation across the surface.
- Are working with natural timber, rich colours or period features.
- Want hardware that feels established and full of character.
Choose Polished Brass if you:
- Prefer a brighter, more reflective finish.
- Want to introduce warmth and subtle glamour to an interior.
- Like the option of polishing your hardware back to a higher shine.
- Are creating a clean, contemporary or transitional scheme.
- Want to watch your hardware gradually develop its own patina over time.
If you still can't decide which brass is for you, why not explore our finish swatches so you can experience the finish in your own hands?
Or explore more From The Anvil finishes including Satin Brass and Burnished Brass.
Whether you prefer the characterful depth of Aged Brass or the luminous appearance of Polished Brass, both finishes provide a timeless way to add warmth and personality to your doors, windows, kitchens and furniture.