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Brass kitchen hardware is one of the most versatile and most common kitchen hardware options on the market. While gold and silver have been trending in the past, brass kitchen hardware is trending today.
The reason for this is because brass is sturdy, affordable, and is naturally a warm color. But how much else is there to know? This complete guide will cover everything from cleaning brass to the best brass kitchen hardware you can buy.
Brass Kitchen Hardware Inspiration
Before we get started, let’s take a look at some gorgeous kitchens that use brass kitchen hardware. This will give you an idea of how to use brass hardware and how it will look in your kitchen. Who knows, maybe you’ll create an entire vision of your future kitchen.
Blue and White Kitchen
View in galleryThis blue and white kitchen is gorgeous. The combo of blue and white is extremely popular in kitchens, but it’s usually done with silver hardware. In this case, we see brass hardware which adds a warmness to the kitchen.
Brass Hardware With Black
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View in galleryBrass is known to go well with black. You may think that all metals go well with black, and the truth is, you’re right. While black may look good with any type of metal, brass is one of the few that stand out against it, bringing out the best in the color.
Brass On All White
View in galleryWhile brass looks great on black, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t look amazing with white too. White can often look flat unless paired with the right accents. In this case, brass was the perfect accent. Notice the brass sink that really shines!
How To Choose Kitchen Hardware
Choosing kitchen hardware can be a daunting task. While it may not look like it will make a big impact on the final result of your kitchen, it really will. Everything ties to the hardware you use. The color, material, and style matter.
Matching The Sink Hardware
View in galleryOftentimes, when people buy hardware for their kitchen, they forget to buy a matching sink faucet kit. It’s important that all of the hardware in your kitchen match, even the faucet for the sink. Remember to learn how to install a sink faucet before you buy!
Types Of Hardware
There are only a few basic types of hardware to use on your kitchen cabinets. Each type is different and serves a different need. Do your own research and read below to find out what works best for you.
Pulls
Pulls look like a standard handle and are usually placed vertical on doors and horizontal on drawers. They have an easy grip and are easy to clean. Pulls are wonderful for kids as they are easy to grab onto.
Knobs
Knobs are quite common and usually spherical. They don’t have a handle but instead give you a shape to grab onto. If your kid tends to hang onto a pull, then a knob is a safer choice. Knobs are also less flashy than pulls.
No Hardware
Not using any hardware isn’t typical but it is becoming more popular, especially in minimalists’ homes. If you don’t like to clean hardware or if you want a sleeker look, then consider not using hardware. You can always add it later.
Mix Of Hardware
This look is often chosen because people can mix and match different types of hardware, giving them more freedom. Add knobs to drawers and pulls to doors, or vice versa. You can even alternate them.
Types Of Warm Metal
Typical metals include stainless steel, iron, and silver. These metals are cool due to the grey hues. Other metals, like brass, give off warm hues. Because of this, they are often used in the kitchen and living room.
Gold
Gold is the most common warm metal, although most “gold” hardware isn’t real gold at all. If you do decide to use gold instead of brass, make sure you know whether you’re getting real gold, gold-plated, or just gold-colored hardware.
Copper
Copper has a reddish hue. It works well with other red colors and oranges. It’s generally more expensive than bronze or brass but has a unique, rich color that you can’t find anywhere else.
Bronze
Bronze is much like brass only it has a brownish hue to it. It’s cheaper than copper but still has the warm tones that copper does. Bronze is darker than brass and one of the most affordable warm metals.
Brass
Brass is the metal of the day today. It is stronger than copper and has a goldish hue. If you want a golden look without it being too bright, then brass is the perfect solution. Not to mention it’s much more affordable than gold.
Unique Brass Kitchen Hardware
Since we’re focusing on brass hardware today, let’s take a look at some of the best brass kitchen hardware that you can get. These pulls and knobs can be purchased at Wayfair and are almost always available.
1. Prestige Center To Center Cabinet Pull
You can’t really go wrong with this Prestige cabinet pull. The design is simple yet elegant and it comes in four different sizes. The brass is a rich brass color and the simplistic design goes with any type of cabinet.
Pros:
- Versatile Design
- Rich Color
- Good Weight
Cons:
2. Birdcage Knob
The Birdcage Knob is one of the most unique brass kitchen hardware knobs you can find. Most knobs are traditional and vary little, but this one is special. Inspired by the birdcage, it will make you feel set free.
Pros:
- Easy To Grip
- Better Than Pictured
- Can Be Placed Horizontally
Cons:
- Spins If Not Installed Properly
- Might Need Better Hardware Screws
3. Worlds Away Cup Pull
This cup pull is one of the few high-end cup pulls that you’ll find. It comes in brass and nickel, both equally pleasing to the eyes. The company, Worlds Away, prides themself in only using the highest quality materials.
Pros:
- Elegant
- High Quality
- Beautiful Finish
Cons:
4. Amethyst Center To Center
If you want something that will blow the minds of your visitors, then try these amethyst center to center pulls. Created by Stephen D. Evans, these crystal pulls come in quartz, raw crystal, and more.
Pros:
- Gorgeous Genuine Crystals
- Deep Colors
Cons:
5. Cilento Center To Center
The Cilento comes in over 10 finishes, including antique brass. Cilento is a region in Italy on the Campania coast with its own unique dialect. Adopting these pulls is like bringing a slice of Italy into your kitchen.
Pros:
- Inspired By Italy
- 10-Year Warranty
- Hand-crafted
Cons:
- Grooves make it hard to keep clean
6. Trellis Center To Center
The Trellis pull has a smooth finish with a simple curved design. The ideal of the pull is to create the perfect balance between simple and extravagant, vintage and modern, elegant and whimsical. With this pull, the company has done a good job.
Pros:
- Versatile design
- Sleek finish
- Inspired by Nature
Cons:
- Not for flashy kitchens
7. Alno Center Bar Pull
The Alno pull is wonderful for kitchens with open windows over the sink and white countertops. It was designed for those who want a touch of metal but want their focus to be on something lighter.
Pros:
- Clear bar blends in well
- Works with breezy kitchens
Cons:
- Better for bathrooms than kitchens
- Little brass showing
8. Celtic Center To Center
Another pull with almost ten finishes, the Priemer Hardware Designs Celtic pull is unlike any other. The heavy-duty design works well in kitchens with dark colors and the design will merge well with other patterns.
Pros:
- Sturdy build
- Versatile pattern
- Multiple finishes
Cons:
- Not great for lighter kitchens
9. Sforza Novelty Knob
As far as novelty knobs go, Sforza has one of the nicest sets available. Most novelty knobs are just that, novelty, and nothing else. But these unique knobs by Vicenza Designs are one-of-a-kind. The knobs have wings, adding an entirely new effect.
Pros:
- Unlike any other
- Wings added
- Comes in two-toned
Cons:
- Not as solid as other knobs
10. Cobblestone Center To Center
The Cobblestone by Top Knobs looks just like cobblestone. That fact gives it a cottage look while the flat design makes it look modern. It is this balance that makes it one of the most popular pulls you can get.
Pros:
- Comes in six sizes
- Flat design
- Contemporary feel
Cons:
How To Install Kitchen Hardware
It doesn’t take an expert to install kitchen hardware, it just takes a little bit of knowledge. These simple steps will get you through the toughest part of getting brass kitchen hardware: installing that hardware.
Measuring
The golden rule is to measure twice, cut once. The first thing you want to do is measure your cabinet, measure the drawers, and measure the doors. Write them down as you go and make sure you get every nook and cranny.
It’s a good habit to have a friend measure separately to see if you get the same measurements.
Afterward, you put a piece of tape in the center of the drawer or cabinet, as well as one where you want the hardware to be. This will work as a guideline and a reminder when marking the cabinets.
Creating A Template
An easy way to make sure your measurements are correct is to create a cardboard dummy. Cut out a piece of cardboard that’s the same size as your drawers and doors. Use it to practice on as well as to make marks where you should drill.
Drilling Holes
If your cabinets don’t come with holes for hardware or if you’re switching hardware types, you’ll need to drill holes. Use the dummy that you made to see what the hardware will look like. You can even make holes in the dummy.
After you are sure you’ve got it right, it’s time to start for real. Get a clamp and a small two-by-four and clamp the board to the back of the door or drawer. Drill the hole that you’ve marked and let the board soak up the pressure.
The board is used to prevent accidents like injuries or unintentional holes. You can skip this step if you’re comfortable using a drill.
Fastening
Most hardware kits come with screws or bolts. They also come with instructions. But if yours doesn’t, you can take the hardware to a home improvement store and they can find the right screws for you.
From there, you just use the holes that you made, making sure to use a screwdriver to check for security after you finish.
How To Clean Brass
Real brass isn’t all that difficult to clean. But you do need to know what substances work and which ones are safe to use on metal like brass. These natural cleaners are probably in your home right now!
Yogurt
Yogurt is one of the most unusual ways to clean brass. What you do is soak the brass in yogurt for a few hours and the rinse it away. It works because they lactic acid in yogurt breaks down the tarnish.
Salt And Vinegar
Salt and vinegar is one of the best combinations for most types of indoor cleaning. The vinegar dissolves rough spots while the salt acts as a scrub, washing away surface spots. Use this combo to clean most metals.
Ketchup
Because ketchup is made with vinegar, it works similar to salt and vinegar when used to clean brass. It helps that ketchup is also made with tomatoes, another acid that is used for cleaning and removing odors.
Lemon Juice And Cream Of Tartar
Lemon juice is the acid here while the cream of tartar is a byproduct of winemaking. It’s ironic that wine is so hard to remove from clothing and yet cream of tartar is such a great natural cleaner.
Brass Polish
The most for sure way, yet the most expensive way, to clean brass is to buy brass polish. The instructions are clear and you can buy the cleaner at most grocery and home improvement stores.
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