Gold vs Brass: How To Choose the Perfect Finish for Your Cabinet Hardware

 

 

Whether you’re updating your kitchen, refreshing a bathroom, or breathing new life into a cherished piece of furniture, your hardware is where the practical meets the personal. And that’s why the choice between gold and brass makes all the difference.

 

It might seem like a small thing, but choosing the right finish for your cabinet hardware can completely transform a space. As any good designer will tell you, it’s the little details that often make the biggest difference.

When choosing cabinet hardware, the gold vs brass decision plays a surprisingly big role in defining your space’s character.

At first glance, gold and brass might appear similar. But spend a little time living with them and you’ll notice they speak very different design languages. So, how do you decide which one’s right for your home? Let’s take a closer look.

Brass: Understated and Warm, Classic and Timeless

There’s a reason brass has stood the test of time. Warm but never showy, it suits everything from rustic kitchens to modern classics. 

Where gold brings dazzle, brass brings depth. Its gentle warmth pairs beautifully with natural materials like wood, rattan, or stone, and it feels right at home beside earthy tones like sage, navy, or charcoal. 

Brass isn’t a one-tone wonder. At Brass Bee, we offer finishes like antique, brushed, and heritage brass, each with its own character. If you love a finish that feels storied and soulful, go for an antique. Prefer something sleek and contemporary? Brushed might be your match. 

And while we might be a little biased (brass is in our name, after all), we love how this finish brings out the detail in our designs. Whether it’s the wings of a bee, the ears of a hare, or the spiral of a shell, brass highlights texture in a way that’s both tactile and elegant.

Gold: Polished and Bold, With a Hint of Drama

If brass is the quietly confident friend, gold is the one who lights up the room. Bold, luminous, and undeniably luxe, there’s a reason it’s a classic. 

Rose gold tones can add a glamorous lift to any space, perfect against navy cabinetry, emerald green dressers, or minimalist whites in need of warmth. 

It’s worth noting that at Brass Bee, we offer a carefully curated selection of gold finishes. Full disclosure: it may not be as extensive as our brass range. But it is thoughtfully chosen for maximum impact. Take our Brass Hare Drawer Knob in Rose Gold, for example. It’s one of those pieces that somehow manages to feel both classic and contemporary. No easy feat.

Gold works best in spaces where you want your hardware to pop. Just bear in mind that its shine means it’s more likely to show fingerprints and smudges, especially in high-traffic areas. A quick polish brings it back to life, but if you’re after something lower maintenance, brass might serve you better.

Things to Consider When Selecting a Finish

So, how do you choose between gold and brass? Start by thinking about…

 

• The mood: Want something timeless and warm? Go brass. Looking for something sleek and eye-catching? Gold’s your go-to.

 

• The materials: Brass complements wood, linen, and other natural textures. Gold stands out beautifully against marble, glass, and crisp tiles.

 

• The lighting: Brass gives a soft, ambient glow in warm light. Gold catches and reflects light for a brighter, bolder feel.

Can You Mix the Two?

Absolutely. Mixing metals has become a popular design choice in recent years, and it can work beautifully when it is done intentionally. You might use brass knobs on your lower cabinets and gold handles on upper ones. Alternatively, why not mix a statement rose gold drawer pull with more muted tones?

The trick is to keep a sense of balance. Repeat each finish at least twice so the mix feels thought-out rather than random. And try to stay within the same warm tone family to avoid clashing.

 

So: brass or gold? Whatever you choose, allow it to reflect your personal style. After all, your hardware should help tell the story of your home.

Ultimately, the right finish is the one that feels right to you. Trust your instinct, and don’t be afraid to experiment. You don’t need a full-on kitchen remodel to make an impact. Sometimes, just swapping out your cabinet hardware is all it takes to breathe new life into a room.

Explore the full collection at Brass Bee and find the perfect finishing touch for your next project.