The Restoration Hardware Aged Brass and Lacquered Burnished Brass finishes offer two distinct ways to incorporate warm metal tones, but they differ significantly in their look, feel, and long-term durability. Aged Brass is a "living finish" with a hand-applied patina designed to look vintage immediately and continue to age naturally over time, giving it a truly antique character. Lacquered Burnished Brass provides a consistent, warm matte appearance that is sealed with a protective layer, making it far more resistant to tarnishing, fingerprints, and daily wear.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you choose the right finish for your cabinet hardware, lighting, and fixtures.
Restoration Hardware Aged Brass
Aged Brass from Restoration Hardware is prized for its authentic, vintage appearance that tells a story right out of the box. It features a hand-applied finish that mimics the natural patina metal acquires after years of exposure and use. This "living finish" is celebrated for its dynamic character, as it will continue to evolve and deepen in tone over time, especially in high-touch areas.
- What it is: A hand-applied patina finish over solid brass that creates a vintage, weathered look from day one.
- Key features: "Living finish" that continues to age and develop a unique patina over time. The finish is not sealed, allowing for a natural, authentic aesthetic with subtle variations from piece to piece.
- Price: Luxury pricing, with cabinet knobs starting around $50 and larger fixtures costing several hundred dollars.
- Style: Ideal for traditional, rustic, farmhouse, and industrial interiors where antique charm and character are desired.
- Materials/Construction: Solid brass base with a hand-applied, chemically induced patina.
- Pros: A truly authentic vintage look. Adds instant character and story to a space. Each piece has subtle, unique variations. The evolving patina is considered desirable for many classic design styles.
- Cons: Susceptible to tarnishing and showing fingerprints. As a living finish, its appearance will change. Requires more careful maintenance to preserve its look and can be damaged by harsh cleaners.
This finish is an excellent choice for a design that prioritizes authentic, old-world character over low-maintenance durability.
Shop this product: rh.com/catalog/category/products.jsp?categoryId=cat160098
Restoration Hardware Lacquered Burnished Brass
Lacquered Burnished Brass is Restoration Hardware’s practical yet elegant response to the demand for a warm, matte brass that stands up to an active home. This finish is burnished to create a soft, muted sheen and then coated with a layer of lacquer. This protective topcoat seals the brass, preventing tarnish and keeping the finish consistent and beautiful through years of use.
- What it is: A warm, matte brass finish that is sealed with a protective lacquer topcoat.
- Key features: Does not tarnish or discolor over time. Resistant to fingerprints, moisture, and wear. Offers a consistent color and finish across all pieces.
- Price: Similar luxury price point to Aged Brass, with hardware pieces often starting around $60.
- Style: Highly versatile, complementing transitional, modern, industrial, and even updated traditional spaces that need a warm but refined metallic accent.
- Materials/Construction: Typically a solid brass or brass-plated base that is machine burnished to a matte finish and sealed with a durable clear lacquer.
- Pros: Very durable and low maintenance. Easy to clean with a soft cloth. Won't tarnish or change color. Resists fingerprints extremely well. Works with a wide variety of decor styles.
- Cons: Lacks the dynamic, evolving character of a living finish. The lacquer can technically be scratched or chipped over years of very heavy use. Appearance does not feel truly "antique."
This finish is designed for those who want the warm look of brass without the upkeep, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Shop this product: rh.com/catalog/category/products.jsp?categoryId=cat160098
Aged Brass vs. Lacquered Burnished Brass Comparison
Materials & Construction
Both finishes begin with a high-quality brass base. The core difference lies in the final surface treatment. The Aged Brass relies on a hand-applied patina that intentionally leaves the metal unsealed and exposed to the elements, allowing it to continue aging organically. Lacquered Burnished Brass takes the opposite approach, its beauty is locked in a specific state by a durable, invisible topcoat of lacquer. This seal protects the burnished matte brass underneath from oxygen, oils, and moisture.
Style & Versatility
Aesthetically, the two finishes serve different design goals. Aged Brass conveys history and imperfection. It works perfectly in rustic farmhouse kitchens, traditional libraries with dark wood, and industrial lofts where weathered materials feel at home. It’s a statement of authenticity.
Lacquered Burnished Brass offers a more refined and understated warmth. Its consistent, soft matte finish adds sophisticated elegance without overpowering a design. This makes it more stylistically versatile - it's equally at home in a sleek, modern kitchen, a transitional living room, or as a warm contrast in a minimalist space. Its clean look bridges the gap between classic charm and contemporary lines.
Durability & Maintenance
This is the most critical point of comparison. Lacquered Burnished Brass is the clear winner for durability and ease of care. It can be wiped clean with a soft, damp cloth and resists tarnish and fingerprints, making it ideal for kitchen cabinet hardware, bathroom faucets, and entry door handles - anywhere hands-on contact is frequent.
Aged Brass is a living finish, meaning anything it touches - from the oils on your hands to humidity in the air - will subtly change its appearance. This is part of its charm but requires careful consideration of placement. Cleaning must be done gently with mild soap and water to avoid stripping the patina. This finish is better suited for lighting fixtures, decorative hardware, or homeowners who embrace a lived-in, evolving aesthetic.
Price & Value
Both finishes occupy the same luxury price tier typical of Restoration Hardware. The price difference between two identical pieces in each finish is typically minimal. Value, therefore, becomes a question of your priorities. If you value a product that looks brand new for years with zero upkeep, Lacquered Burnished Brass provides better long-term functional value. If you value unique character and an antique aesthetic that grows with your home, the artistic quality of Aged Brass offers greater design value.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both hardware finishes are beautiful choices from a premium brand, but they are built for different homes and habits.
Choose the Aged Brass if:
- You want the authentic look of genuine antique hardware.
- You appreciate a "living finish" that develops a unique patina and tells a story over time.
- Your home decor is strictly traditional, rustic, or farmhouse style.
- You are installing the hardware in a lower-traffic area (like on a formal china cabinet or in a guest room).
Choose the Lacquered Burnished Brass if:
- You need an extremely durable, low-maintenance finish for a busy space.
- You want to avoid tarnish, fingerprints, and discoloration entirely.
- You prefer a consistent, refined warm brass look that is clean and modern.
- Your style is transitional, contemporary, or you are mixing metals in your design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between an Aged Brass and Lacquered Burnished Brass finish?
The main difference is durability and appearance. Aged Brass is an unsealed "living finish" with a vintage patina that continues to age and change over time. Lacquered Burnished Brass has a consistent, matte finish protected by a durable clear coat that prevents it from tarnishing or changing.
Will the Aged Brass finish tarnish or change color?
Yes. It is designed to be a living finish, meaning it will react to its environment, oils from your skin, and humidity. It will develop a unique patina that deepens in some areas and lightens in others, which is considered part of its authentic charm.
How do you clean Lacquered Burnished Brass fixtures?
Simply wipe it down with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth. You can use mild soap and water for tougher grime, but avoid all abrasive or chemical-based cleaners as they can damage the lacquer topcoat.
Which finish is better for a kitchen or bathroom faucet?
Lacquered Burnished Brass is the far superior choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Its protective lacquer seal makes it resistant to water, soaps, and frequent handling, ensuring it won't tarnish or discolor.
Is one RH finish more expensive than the other?
No, they are generally in the same luxury price range. For a specific item like a cabinet knob, the price difference is usually negligible, if there is any at all. Choose based on style and function, not cost.
Does Lacquered Burnished Brass look plastic or cheap?
Not at all. The Restoration Hardware version is a high-quality, sophisticated finish. The "burnished" aspect gives it a soft, matte sheen that looks warm and luxurious, not shiny or fake.
Can you feel a difference between the two surfaces?
Yes, often you can. Aged Brass can have a slightly coarser, more organic texture from the patination process. Lacquered Burnished Brass feels perfectly smooth and consistent to the touch.
Which brass finish is more modern or on-trend right now?
While both are timeless, Lacquered Burnished Brass fits better into current trends that favor warm, matte metals in transitional and contemporary designs. Its durability and versatility make it a more popular choice for designers focused on both style and practicality.
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