Antique Inspired: A Year With Our Unlacquered Brass Hardware and What We’ve Learned
When we first chose unlacquered brass hardware for our home, I’ll admit—I was a little nervous. Would it tarnish too quickly? Would I regret not going with something more “low maintenance”? But after living with it for over a year, I can honestly say: I’m so glad we went this route.
There’s something timeless and grounding about the way brass ages. It doesn’t stay shiny or perfect—and that’s exactly what I love about it. Each knob, pull, and hinge has slowly developed its own unique patina, telling the quiet story of daily life lived here. The spots we touch most often have softened to a rich, warm sheen, while the less-used pieces have deepened into a darker, moodier tone. No two are exactly the same.
It feels a bit like how old European kitchens look in the best way—like something that’s been there for decades, not something that just came out of a box last spring.
That said, unlacquered brass isn’t for everyone.
If you love pristine, fingerprint-free finishes, this may not be your match. It requires a willingness to embrace imperfection and let the process unfold naturally. We don’t polish it, we don’t baby it—we just let it be. And in that letting go, it’s become one of my favorite details in our home.
So here’s my honest take after a year:
It’s beautiful—in an understated, lived-in kind of way.
It’s low-maintenance—as long as you don’t mind the evolution.
It’s worth it—if you’re drawn to warmth, character, and that old-world charm.
Would I choose unlacquered brass again? Without hesitation.
Want to see how it’s aged for yourself? I’ve included some side-by-side photos over on the blog. And if you’re curious where we sourced ours, I’ve linked a few of our favorite pieces below.
Here’s to choosing materials that tell a story—even in the smallest details.
