How to Decorate with Brass

More lustrous than silver but less showy than gold, brass can add a subtle design flair to your home. What was once considered dated and passé is now making its way into all aspects of design, as warmer metallic tones take precedence over steel, silver and chrome. The beauty of brass is that it brings instant opulence to a design scheme without being too pricey. Brass can be tricky to use in a modern, fresh, way but we believe that done right, brass is a stunning addition to contemporary homes. Read on for our top tips on decorating with brass.

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Top Tips For Decorating With Brass

1. Keep it modern and simple

To avoid the risk of brass looking dated, opt for brass pieces with clean lines and contemporary forms. Brass is so opulent that the finish itself is enough detail - avoid anything that looks like it's been styled on traditional, Victorian furniture and chose shapes with a mid-century modern or minimalist feel.  Simplicity is key if you want your brass elements to have a modern, fresh appeal.

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2. Pair brass with rich materials

To achieve that sophisticated look of luxury, pair brass with rich materials like faux-suede, leather and marble. Again, keep the forms (and colour palette) simple. That way your space will look luxe without being too showy.

3. Consider colour

For fans of colourful home decor, sit brass next to bold blocks of colour and let it shine. Shades of blue, green and turquoise provide a stunning backdrop for brass but (as seen below) brass can also work perfectly against warmer colours. Whichever end of the colour spectrum you choose from, opt for a rich, deep tone - emerald, navy and mustard all work together with brass to create a feeling of understated elegance. If you're choosing cool colours like blue or green, brass will add a welcome warmth to your space. Prefer a neutral home? Don't work, brass works wonderfully with beige, grey, white and brown too.

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4. It's all in the details

When it comes to decorating with brass in a fresh, modern way, the less is more approach is the way to go. Brass details on lighting, accessories or the legs of a chair or table are enough to quietly elevate your space, adding an understated opulence. Scatter brass through the home in small doses in the form of cabinet handles, kitchen/bathroom hardware or a curtain rail. This creates a subtle elegance and ensures you won't overdo it with too much of a good thing.

Shop our collection of Brass Home Accessories

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5. Golden Glow

Lighting is one of our favourite ways to decorate with brass. Opt for brass finishes on your lighting to really illuminate the room. When light reflects on the brass it creates a gorgeous halo effect, giving your space a really ambient, golden glow.

Shop our collection of contemporary lighting

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6. Brass Bathroom

Brass is a great choice for bathroom hardware not only for its aesthetic value but also for its durability. Bras develops a rich patina over time, and aged brass gives a room edge and personality. The look of this bathroom brings to mind modern craftsmanship with hints of old-world elegance. The Menu Carrie Lamp in Brass (pictured below) will add a soft, warm glow to your bathroom.

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7. Lived in Luxury

Rooms clad in opulent materials can make a space appear almost too luxurious to relax in. To avoid this, combine brass finishes with cosy elements such as soft textures, natural materials, houseplants, rugs, linen and upholstered furniture. That'll soften the effect of brass, creating a cosy look of lived-in luxury.

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8. Pair with clear

Clear glass/lucite surfaces pairs beatifully with brass detailing.  They reflect the brass really well, creating a subtle illumination that guests won't fail to notice. The Pedera Coffee Table from Gubi featured in this interior has geometric brass legs which really shine through the tabletop, serving both a practical and decorative function.

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9. Pair brass with black

We've seen how brass can complement a range of colour schemes, but if you're more of a fan of black interiors then you're in luck - brass goes with them too! Metallic accents are a way of preventing dark colour palettes from looking dull or foreboding, giving them an enticing glow instead.

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Brass is a wonderfully versatile material that looks beautiful in any room. After reading this guide, we hope you feel inspired to embrace the metallic accent and decorate with brass in your home! Check out our favourite brass lighting, furniture and accessories below.

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