Brushed Brass vs Antique Brass vs Polished Brass: Which Gold Finish Is Right for Your Kitchen?

Choosing gold kitchen hardware seems straightforward enough. Until you discover there are at least three distinct brass finishes to consider. Each brings its own character, maintenance requirements, and design potential.

The difference between brushed brass, antique brass, and polished brass isn't merely aesthetic. It affects how your kitchen feels, how much time you spend cleaning, and whether your hardware will complement or compete with everything else in the room.

Here's what you need to know before committing to a finish.

Why Brass Finishes Matter More Than You Think

Gold hardware has firmly returned to favour. After years of chrome and brushed nickel dominance, warm metallic tones are everywhere: from designer kitchens to modest renovations.

But "gold" is deceptively simple. The term encompasses a range of finishes that look quite different in real life. What appears similar on a screen can vary dramatically once installed on your cabinets.

The finish you choose will influence:

• How often you need to clean your handles and knobs
• Whether fingerprints and water spots become a daily frustration
• How well your hardware ages over time
• The overall mood of your kitchen

Understanding these three primary brass finishes helps you make a decision you'll be happy with for years.

Polished Brass: The Classic Statement

Photo: Percolo in Polished Brass | The Boutique Handle Co

Polished brass is the most traditional of the three finishes. It features a bright, mirror-like surface with high reflectivity. Think of Victorian door furniture or grand hotel lobbies: that gleaming, unmistakably luxurious warmth.

Characteristics

This finish catches light beautifully. It's bold, eye-catching, and makes a definitive statement. The high-gloss surface creates a formal elegance that works particularly well in traditional, Art Deco, or modern glam kitchens.

Polished brass pairs wonderfully with white cabinetry, black surfaces, or jewel-toned units. It adds a touch of glamour without requiring a complete redesign.

Photo: Tenebrae in polished brass | The Boutique Handle Co

The Practical Reality

Here's the honest truth: polished brass requires commitment.

Fingerprints show immediately. Dust settles visibly on that reflective surface. If you're someone who finds smudges on handles genuinely irritating, polished brass will test your patience.

Regular cleaning with soft, dry cloths is essential. Brass-specific cleaners help maintain the shine. However, their beauty makes it worth it!

Photo: Aurea Caelum in polished brass | The Boutique Handle Co

Best For

Polished brass suits those who appreciate traditional elegance and don't mind the upkeep. It works beautifully on statement pieces: perhaps a few carefully chosen drawer pulls rather than every handle in the kitchen, if you have a large kitchen. 

Consider polished brass if you simply love that classic, reflective warmth and are willing to maintain it.

Photo: Malleator in polished brass | The Boutique Handle Co

Brushed Brass: The Modern Favourite

Photo: Fides in brushed brass | The Boutique Handle Co

Brushed brass (sometimes called satin brass) has become the most popular choice for contemporary kitchens. The finish features a soft, matte texture with a muted sheen: warm but understated.

Characteristics

Unlike polished brass, brushed brass doesn't demand attention. It offers sophistication without the drama. The surface has subtle directional lines from the brushing process, giving it texture and depth.

This finish works beautifully in modern, transitional, and minimalist kitchens. It complements natural materials like wood and stone and sits comfortably alongside other metals if you're mixing finishes.

Photo: Basileum in brushed brass | The Boutique Handle Co

The Practical Reality

Brushed brass is significantly more forgiving than its polished counterpart.

The brushed surface hides fingerprints remarkably well. Day-to-day maintenance involves occasional wiping with a soft, damp cloth: nothing more demanding.

For busy households where handles get touched constantly, brushed brass cabinet pulls offer the warmth of gold hardware without the cleaning burden.

Photo: Curva in brushed brass | The Boutique Handle Co

Best For

Brushed brass suits those who want contemporary elegance with minimal fuss. It's the practical choice for everyday kitchens, particularly open-plan spaces where the kitchen is constantly in use and on display.

If you love the idea of gold kitchen hardware but worry about maintenance, brushed brass is likely your answer.

Photo: Ferula in brushed brass | The Boutique Handle Co

Antique Brass: The Character Piece

Photo: Regalis in antique brass | The Boutique Handle Co

Antique brass delivers warmth with depth. The finish mimics naturally aged brass, featuring darker tones, golden highlights, and a weathered appearance that suggests history and authenticity.

Characteristics

This finish has soul. It looks as though it's been lovingly used for decades, without the decades of waiting. The antiquing effect creates visual interest that polished finishes simply can't replicate.

Antique brass suits traditional, rustic, farmhouse, and vintage-inspired kitchens. It pairs particularly well with dark wood cabinetry, natural stone worktops, and heritage-style details.

Photo: Aurabella in antique brass | The Boutique Handle Co

The Practical Reality

Of the three finishes, antique brass is the most forgiving.

Its naturally weathered appearance conceals fingerprints, water spots, and minor scratches almost entirely. The finish actually improves with use: small imperfections blend into the aged aesthetic rather than standing out.

Antique brass resists corrosion well and requires minimal maintenance. For high-traffic kitchens or households with young children, this practical advantage is considerable.

Photo: Aurea Caelum in antique brass | The Boutique Handle Co

Best For

Antique brass suits those who appreciate character and patina. It's ideal for busy households where constant cleaning isn't realistic, and for kitchens designed with warmth and history in mind.

If you're drawn to the charm of antique brass handles, this finish rewards that instinct beautifully.

How to Choose the Right Finish for Your Kitchen

Consider these three factors before deciding.

Your Kitchen Style

Traditional or Art Deco kitchens often benefit from polished brass. The reflective quality complements ornate details and formal layouts.

Modern or minimalist spaces typically suit brushed brass. The understated warmth adds personality without overwhelming clean lines.

Rustic, farmhouse, or vintage kitchens pair naturally with antique brass. The aged character reinforces the design narrative.

Photo: Aurea Caelum looking beautiful in one of our customers' classic-contemporary kitchen. 

Your Lifestyle

Be honest about your household. Do you have time and inclination for regular hardware cleaning? Do fingerprints genuinely bother you?

If low maintenance matters, brushed or antique brass will serve you better. If you're particular about presentation and don't mind the effort, polished brass rewards that attention beautifully.

Photo: Cornu in antique brass | The Boutique Handle Co

Your Other Finishes

Consider what else lives in your kitchen. Taps, light fittings, and appliances all contribute to the overall palette.

You needn't match everything precisely: mixing metals has become entirely acceptable. But understanding how your chosen brass finish sits alongside chrome, nickel, or copper helps create cohesion.

A Note on Quality

Whichever finish you choose, quality matters.

Well-made brass hardware feels substantial in the hand. It ages gracefully rather than deteriorating. The finish remains consistent across pieces, creating the polished result your kitchen deserves.

At The Boutique Handle Co, we curate hardware from skilled artisans who understand these distinctions. Each piece is designed to look beautiful on day one, and just as beautiful in year ten.

Photo: Aereus in antique brass | The Boutique Handle Co

Making Your Decision

There's no universally correct answer here. The right brass finish depends entirely on your kitchen, your lifestyle, and your aesthetic preferences.

Polished brass makes a statement and requires commitment. Brushed brass offers contemporary warmth with everyday practicality. Antique brass brings character and forgiveness in equal measure.

All three are beautiful. All three are valid choices for gold kitchen hardware. The question is, simply, which one suits you.

Take your time. Order samples if possible. See how each finish looks against your cabinetry in natural light. Then choose with confidence (knowing exactly what you're getting.)