Light Fitting Finishes Explained: Brass, Bronze, Nickel, Chrome & Black

Which finish should you choose?

A quick guide:

• Warm, classic rooms: polished brass, old brass or antique bronze.
• Softer, contemporary rooms: satin brass or satin nickel.
• Modern or industrial rooms: matt black.
• Heritage character: old brass, antique nickel, patina black or antique black.
• Bathrooms and humid areas: bright chrome (sealed and hard-wearing).

More detail on each finish, and how it's made and cared for, is below.

What our fittings are made from

Our heritage range and accessories are made from solid brass, with the finish applied over the brass itself. Solid brass doesn't rust and resists corrosion, so a solid-brass fitting is built to last and to be handed on, not replaced.

This matters because not all lighting that looks like brass is solid brass. Many fittings use a steel base finished to resemble it, which behaves differently over time. Knowing what a fitting is actually made from is one of the clearest signals of how long it will last. Our range also includes steel fittings in some collections, so if solid brass matters for your project, it's worth confirming for the specific piece.

Our finishes at a glance

The swatches below are a quick visual guide to tone. They're a stylised reference, not a substitute for seeing a finish in person, since finishes like aged brass and antique bronze carry texture and depth a flat colour can only hint at.

Brass finishes

Brass is a mainstay across our collections, valued for durability as much as looks. Made mostly from copper and zinc, it resists corrosion and doesn't rust, which makes it ideal for long-lasting fittings. Its warm, golden tone can be finished in several ways, each giving the fitting a different character.

Polished Brass: timeless shine

A classic, high-gloss finish that shows off the brightness of the metal. The surface is polished to a mirror shine, then sealed with a clear lacquer for UV protection and to help prevent tarnishing. To clean, wipe with a soft cloth and avoid abrasives.

Satin Brass: subtle sophistication

A softer, more contemporary take on polished brass. This non-chemical finish is hand-brushed against an abrasive spinning wheel for a consistent, refined look with a muted glow. It's left unlacquered, so minimal handling and gentle cleaning keep it at its best.

Old Brass: aged warmth

An aged, lived-in look full of character. A hand-applied chemical ageing process brings out warm, honeyed tones with subtle variations that make each piece unique. A clear lacquer locks in the effect and guards against early wear. Light dusting with a soft cloth is all it needs.

Bronze finish

Antique Bronze: organic patina

Designed to age naturally over time for an authentic, vintage look. The surface is gently roughened and treated with patination chemicals to reach a dark chocolate hue. Unlike our other finishes, Antique Bronze is left uncoated so it keeps ageing, so keep handling to a minimum to avoid leaving marks.

Nickel finishes

Satin Nickel: contemporary simplicity

A matte finish that suits clean lines and minimal interiors. The brass is electroplated, then brushed with sisal fibres for a soft, linear texture while keeping a silken look. A protective lacquer maintains the finish. Regular dusting with a soft cloth is all that's required.

Antique Nickel: refined heritage

A soft, vintage look with a subtle lustre. Fittings are plated with satin nickel, then lightly buffed to highlight contours and detail for a warm, classic result. Clean occasionally with a silver polish such as Silvo, and avoid abrasive products.

Chrome finish

Bright Chrome: polished modernity

A mirror-like shine that flatters curved and detailed surfaces. It's electroplated for a resilient, reflective finish that works especially well in humid areas like bathrooms and kitchens. The tough surface is easy to maintain with gentle cleaning, avoid harsh or abrasive materials.

Black finishes

Matt Black: modern minimalism

A sleek, bold finish that suits modern and industrial spaces. It's applied as a high-quality powder coating for a smooth, non-reflective surface that resists scratches and fingerprints, ideal for high-touch areas. Dust or wipe with a soft, damp cloth, and avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives.

Patina Black: aged depth

A softer, weathered black with subtle undertones that vary across the surface. A careful oxidation process gives it depth and texture, and a protective coating preserves the aged look. Gentle cleaning with a soft cloth keeps the character of the patina.

Antique Black: distressed elegance

A hand-finished, time-worn look that adds depth and warmth. Uneven highlights and darker accents are created through a mix of brushing and chemical treatment, so each piece is unique, with an artisanal feel. It's protected with a light sealant and should be maintained with soft-cloth dusting only.

How to choose a finish

There's no single right finish, only the one that suits your room and how much upkeep you want. A few things to weigh up:

• Warm or cool tone. Brass and bronze read warm and classic. Nickel and chrome read cooler and more contemporary.
• Classic or modern. Polished brass and old brass lean traditional; satin brass, satin nickel and matt black lean modern.
• Lacquered or ageing. Lacquered finishes (polished brass, old brass, satin nickel) are lower-maintenance and stay as they are. Uncoated finishes (satin brass, antique bronze) continue to change and want gentler handling.
• Where it's going. For bathrooms and other humid spots, bright chrome is sealed and hard-wearing. Uncoated finishes are better kept away from wet areas.
• Coordinating a room. Sticking to one finish family across a space keeps it cohesive, while a deliberate mix (say brass with black) can add contrast.

For outdoor and coastal fittings, the finish and base metal matter even more, since salt air is harder on materials. See our guide to IP ratings and outdoor lighting for how finish and rating work together outdoors.