Our 10 Favorite Brass Decor Ideas to Try in Your Home

Brass has been a staple for centuries. Get tips and tricks for decorating with brass in 2024.

Green bedroom with a canopy bed and brass accents
Photo:

Brie Williams

Brass decor has been popping up in homes and retail stores more and more, though its popularity traces back decades. Brass became popular during the Victorian era when it was used in high-end homes. Because of its softness and versatility, Victorian craftsmen used brass to create intricate designs and motifs for furniture, fireplaces, and accent pieces like jewelry boxes and doorknobs. Historically, brass was a luxury material, but it became more widely available with technology and cultural advances.

In the 20th century, brass once again became a popular choice for light fixtures and lamps. Its warm hue accented the wood tones and earthy palettes of midcentury modern homes in the '50s and '60s. Today, brass is making another comeback, but in a new way with dainty accents and vintage nods. Here are our best tips for decorating with brass in your home.

01 of 10

Install Brass Sconces

Pink, built-in bookshelves with brass sconces

Annie Schlechter

Borrow a page from the midcentury modern playbook, and install brass sconces in your home. Sconces are an easy way to add light and warmth to a tight space like a hallway, bathroom, or reading nook. With their shiny finish, brass sconces come in many sizes and shapes and add a golden glow to any room. If you're savvy with electrical systems, wire and mount the sconces yourself or hire an electrician to complete the job.

02 of 10

Try a Brass Bed Frame

Bedroom with floral wallpaper and a brass bed frame

David Land

Consider using a brass bed frame the next time you update your bedroom. Brass is known for its durability and style—two traits you want in a long-lasting bed. Its golden tone acts as an elevated neutral and complements both warm and cool color palettes so you can rest easy knowing your bed frame will match any design scheme over the years.

When using a brass bed frame, tie the metal into other parts of your space. For example, match the bed frame to brass bedside table lamps. Or pick a funky light fixture that has the same finish.

03 of 10

Repurpose Brass Trays

Green bedroom with a canopy bed and brass wall decor

Brie Williams

Instead of placing a brass tray on a table, try hanging it on a wall. While they do make a great catch-all, brass trays are perfect for a vintage-inspired gallery wall. Choose to curate a collection of trays and hang them in a group, or add one or two to add shine and shape to an existing gallery wall. When hanging up your brass trays, use an adhesive or hook that will hold the weight of the tray and won't leave any residue when removed.

04 of 10

Add a Collection of Candlesticks

Brass candlesticks on a wooden dining table

John Bessler

Candlesticks are one of the easiest and most versatile ways to incorporate brass into your home. Place brass candlesticks (either a single candlestick or in groups of three) on bookshelves or your mantel. Or scatter them down the length of your dining table to make an elegant centerpiece.

When shopping for vintage brass candlesticks, look for different heights and shapes. You can also collect candlesticks that hold both taper and pillar candles. When placed in a group, the variety of candlesticks will make for a more interesting look. Make sure to thoroughly clean and polish all brass candlesticks to ensure their classic golden shine.

05 of 10

Hang a Brass Mirror

Mirror with brass detailing and a black vanity

John Granen

With Victorian-style details, brass mirrors are both stylish and practical. Lean a floor mirror with intricate brass accents against a wall to draw the eye and make your space feel more open. Or add a smaller brass mirror to a table to create a vanity setup. Accent the mirror with smaller brass items like trays, jewelry boxes, or dishes.

06 of 10

Match Brass Fixtures

Bathroom with white and pink tile

Annie Schlechter

Give your bathroom a clean yet cozy feel by adding new brass accents. First, switch out drawer hardware for brass designs, and incorporate matching towel holders and wall sconces. Next, add a vanity mirror or two with a metallic finish. If you want to continue the bathroom facelift, consider adding coordinating faucets and shower hardware, like a brass showerhead, knobs, or curtain rod.

07 of 10

Decorate with Brass Frames and Accents

Countertop and shelf with kitchen utensils and framed artwork

John Gruen

Trading out wooden frames for brass is a simple yet effective update. Thrift brass frames from vintage stores, and fill them with personal photos or prints from online. To create a collected look, mix frames of varying sizes, shapes, and textures. Hang the frames in a group on a wall or scatter them on a bookshelf to tie your favorite knick-knacks together.

08 of 10

Brass Statement Piece

Dining room with blue walls, a fireplace, and a brass light fixture

Annie Schlechter

It's no wonder why homeowners have been incorporating brass light fixtures into their homes for decades. With a brass finish, a light fixture of any style gets to shine. If you lean toward a more traditional style, try a single-ring chandelier. For a more playful look, try a fixture with multiple angled arms and circular bulbs. Or hang a collection of brass pendants to get the best of both worlds.

09 of 10

Swap In Brass Handles and Pulls

Kitchen with navy and black cabinets and black tile

Dane Tashima

Show your kitchen some love by updating cabinet handles and drawer pulls to stylish brass. Create color contrast by layering brass handles on navy, olive green, or black cabinets, or keep it clean with white or cream cabinets. Match the brass handles and pulls to other parts of your kitchen for a more cohesive and sophisticated feel. To get the look, use bar stools with brass legs or add brass pendant lights over your kitchen island.

10 of 10

Brass Flatware

Table with green and blue plates and brass flatware

Adam Albright

Elevate your place settings by swapping out your utensils for brass flatware. Not only does brass flatware have a clean and elegant look, but it also brings more color to the table. The finish can match virtually any color scheme of tablecloths, plates, and centerpieces, which makes it a great versatile option for year-round and seasonal hosts. To create a more curated look, match the flatware with plates with a brass rim, napkin rings, and glasses.

Was this page helpful?

Related Articles