Brushed Brass vs. Polished Brass Cabinet Handles?

When it comes to picking your brass hardware, one thing that often gets overlooked is the finish the handles come in, which include two finishes: polished brass and brushed brass (or also often called satin brass). 

We will explore these two finishes below and help you choose a finish that suit your home the best. 

1. Polished brass

Source: Pinterest 

With its high-gloss appearance, polished brass exude opulence and grandeur in formal traditional setting. 

Through meticulous polishing, brass achieves a high level of reflectiveness that acts as a focal point that you will often see in lavish residences, upscale hotels and restaurants. It often pairs well with traditional patterned textiles and will complement very well with classic interior design styles. 

The downside to polished brass would be due to its high-gloss finish, any smudges or fingerprints can show very easily, thus requires it to be maintained more regularly. If low-maintenance is your priority, polished brass might not be a good choice for your kitchen handles. 

2. Brushed brass

Featured here is our Solid Brass Oval Knob - EARBY
The brushed brass appearance is created by creating scratches on the handles' surface. The finish will have a matte or satin look that pairs extremely well with any interior, from classic traditional to transitional to modern homes. Brushed brass exudes luxury in a quiet way that brings about harmony with other interior elements. 

It is often used alongside muted and organic colours, creating an elegant space without being overpowering. 

Brushed brass also does not demand frequent maintenance as polished brass as its satin finish can hide smudges very well. 

At our store, we offer brushed brass handles as they work exceptionally well with many types of homes and are low-maintenance. 

Back to blog