Why Brass is Back: The Resurgence of Solid Brass Door Handles

The History of Brass

In the world of home decor, trends come and go, and the same is true of door handle finishes. For many years, polished chrome was the go-to choice for homeowners and designers alike, but in recent years, brass has made a comeback. Let's take a closer look at the rise, fall, and resurgence of brass door handles.

The Rise

Brass was in fashion with traditional Victorian levers, the style of traditional Victorian levers went hand in hand with the classic warm tone that brass handles provided. This resulted in brass door handles being popular for centuries, particularly in traditional homes with Victorian or Georgian architecture. The golden colour of brass was seen as a sign of luxury and refinement, and many homeowners embraced it as a way to add a touch of elegance to their homes.

The Fall

However, around 40 years ago the popularity of brass door handles began to wane and polished chrome handles made from materials such as zinc and aluminium took over the industry becoming fashionable In the last 20 years due to huge advancements in modern architecture and with a rise in the number of new build properties. These finishes were seen as more modern and sleek, and they quickly became the go-to choice for many homeowners and designers.

The Resurgence

In recent years, brass has made a comeback in the world of door handle finishes, but with a twist. Rather than traditional Victorian/Georgian designs, many brass handles now feature sleek, modern lines and precision detailing. This has helped to give a fresh, contemporary look that appeals to a new generation of homeowners, interior designers and DIY enthusiasts!

Two reasons we identified for this recent resurgence in brass door handles are the rise of vintage and retro styles in home decor, as well as the DIY boom that took place during the COVID-19 pandemic. With more people spending time at home and looking for ways to refresh their living spaces, solid brass door handles have once again become a popular choice for those who want to add a touch of luxury and sophistication to their homes.

Why Choose Solid Brass?

Solid brass door handles are a popular choice for good reason. Their unique properties make them an excellent material for door handles, both internal and external. Their improved durability compared to their zinc or aluminium counterparts, corrosion resistance and low maintenance make them practical for residential and commercial spaces. 

Additionally, the natural antimicrobial properties of brass make it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas where hygiene is a concern. The malleability of brass also allows for intricate designs and details that provide ironmongers with additional styling options that allow them to create a catalogue of varied designs.

Burlington 2 Customisable Handles

Styling Solid Brass Handles

Solid brass door handles require multiple styling considerations to make the most of their unique qualities. Here are some tips to help you style your space around solid brass door handles.

Complement With Warm Tones.

Solid brass door handles in darker finishes have a warm, hue that pairs well with other warm tones such as dark black or brown, deep reds, and earthy greens. Consider incorporating these colours in your decor to create a cohesive and inviting space.

Styling door handles with luxury Burlington products, as we can see in the photo below from @gersmythinst , our Burlington Westminster handle (BUR30AB) in antique bronze has been paired with a round rose on a navy wooden door. The synergy created from pairing both of the warm tones works really well in accentuating both the door and the handle!

Contrast. Contrast. Contrast!

To add an extra level of visual interest to your space, try pairing solid brass door handles with contrasting coloured furniture they are installed on.

For instance, you could take some inspiration from the photo below and combine lighter finished brass handles with silver or black furniture to achieve a sleek, minimalistic look that allows the handle to stand out and become a focal point in the room. For more inspiration check out our reel of @carlyhomeideas home!

Satin Nickel Burlington Richmond Lever on Square Stepped Rose
BUR45KIT319

Burlington Range Handles.

Our Burlington Range is a luxury collection of solid brass door furniture, our Burlington 2 range in particular has been a favourite of many and is quickly becoming a popular new craze that more and more people are utilising in their home designs due to the advanced and vast range of customisation options.

For example, you can match any handle in the range with your choice of backplate or rose, allowing you to create a unique and personalised look that complements your decor.

The Burlington range is available in a variety of finishes, including antique brass, satin brass, polished nickel, dark bronze, and satin nickel.

BUR35AB w/ Interchangeable Parts (Rose or Backplate)

Pro tip - When you want to change the aesthetic of your home, BUR35 roses can be changed at any time without having to purchase new handles

Georgian Suite Door Handle

The Kontrax Georgian Suite solid brass door handles offer a classic design with a roped pattern on the backplate. These handles are perfect for those who prefer a traditional Georgian touch to their space whilst offering additional functionality with the bathroom privacy lock and euro profile key lock versions.

Victorian Straight Lever  

Similar to the Georgian Suite handle, The Victorian Straight Lever is a traditional straight lever, with a slight curve set upon a plain rectangular backplate.

This handle is seen as ‘the’ traditional brass door handle when brass was first in fashion, it also started as one of the first products in our Jedo range and is still as popular as ever amongst homeowners due to its symbolic status that was achieved over many centuries.

JV31PB - Victorian Straight Door Handle on Short Latchset Plate Polished Brass

JG2PB - Georgian Suite Door Handle on Short Latchset Plate Polished Brass

There you have it, a full breakdown on solid brass door handles that covers everything you need to know with some bonus styling tips! Don't forget to give us a follow on Instagram @frelanhardware for more styling tips, inspiration and exclusive product updates. Also, don’t forget to tag us in your door uplifts for a chance to be featured on our page! If you would like to purchase any of our products check out our How To Buy Page.📱