Yes, brass is absolutely back in style, but with a modern twist. While designers are using the warm metallic glow everywhere from lighting fixtures to cabinet hardware, they are moving away from the ultra-shiny, lacquer-coated 1980s look in favor of deeper, more subtle finishes.
Brass isn't going anywhere in 2026, but unlacquered brass is replacing polished brass in popularity. Designers like unlaquered brass because it patinas nicely and adds warmth to a room. Nickel is another metal making a quiet comeback in 2026, especially in mixed metal moments.
Yes, polished brass is back in style, but it looks different than the highly reflective, lacquered brass of the 1980s and 90s. Modern interior design favors "unlacquered brass," which develops a natural, living patina over time, or warmer, brushed, and antique finishes rather than an aggressively shiny, sterile look.
Yes, brass remains very much in style in 2026, characterized by a shift toward unlacquered brass that develops a natural patina, adding warmth, character, and a touch of vintage charm to interiors. Rather than disappearing, brass is evolving to be used in more curated, mixed-metal applications alongside nickel, bronze, and copper.
Bronze is poised to lead 2026 design trends, valued for its earthy elegance and ability to add warmth and depth to any space. Designers favor finishes with patina and soul, and bronze's versatility pairs well with rich palettes and natural materials.
Copper. Copper's 2026 story hinges on continued data centre demand, renewable energy infrastructure growth, and China's struggling property market. Data centre copper consumption is projected to hit 475,000 tonnes in 2026, up 110,000 tonnes from 2025.
Pewter items were often made by silversmiths as a cheaper alternative to silver. As such, it is often called 'Poor Man's Silver'. It is an alloy of mainly tin, with other metals such as bismuth, copper and lead, to harden and strengthen it. Pewter can be worked in several ways to produce different objects.
For 2026, the leading hardware styles prioritize warmth, character, and tactile finishes over the sterile, shiny metals of the past.
Well-made brass hardware feels substantial in the hand. It ages gracefully rather than deteriorating. The finish remains consistent across pieces, creating the polished result your kitchen deserves.
It's also possible that you are allergic to copper or zinc, in which case you should avoid wearing brass jewelry altogether.
In 2026, faucet trends are dominated by warm metallics, organic living finishes, and bold, playful colors. Designers are moving away from harsh, flat blacks and traditional shiny chrome, favoring tactile, "quiet luxury" looks.
Natural brass, polished unlacquered brass, German silver, and oil rubbed bronze are all living finishes, intended to transform with age and use. Yet they may also be restored to their near-original state if desired.
From overdone styles to impractical designs, here's what to steer clear of and what to consider instead.
Matte Black: The Modern Classic
Matte black door handles create definition against light or neutral doors, while their soft finish hides fingerprints and everyday wear. Chic, versatile and practical - this finish continues to dominate the market and shows no signs of fading in popularity.
Are warm metals still in style in 2026? Yes—brushed gold, brass, and champagne bronze continue to grow in popularity.
To transform shiny brass into antique brass, you must first strip away any protective lacquer, then chemically dull and darken the bare metal. The fastest DIY method is using vinegar and salt fumes, which naturally tarnish the metal in just a few hours.
Elon Musk warned that China's move to restrict silver exports is "not good" and emphasized that "Silver is needed in many industrial processes".
Authentic 1964 Peace dollars are illegal to own because they were never officially circulated or released to the public. The U.S. Mint minted over 316,000 of them in 1964 but quickly melted all of them down. Because they never left the Mint, they are considered stolen government property.
The term "poor man's gold" refers to silver. This nickname originated because silver, like gold, has been used as a form of money and ornamentation throughout history.
Platinum and palladium are both widely considered to be approximately 30 times rarer than gold in the Earth's crust. Because of their scarcity, they are highly sought after for both investment purposes and demanding industrial applications like catalytic converters and hydrogen fuel cells.
Top assets to invest in for 2026 include S&P 500 index funds for broad market growth, dividend stocks for cash flow, high-yield savings accounts for safe liquidity, and targeted sectors like infrastructure and copper.
Polished brass isn't entirely out of style, but the high-shine, yellow-lacquered look of the 1980s and 90s is outdated. Today's design trends favor warmer, more organic metals, replacing sterile, overly polished finishes with softer or vintage-inspired options The Spruce.
Yes, WD-40 is an excellent and safe household hack for cleaning brass. It effectively dissolves grime, lifts tarnish, and leaves a protective, water-resistant film that helps prevent future oxidation.
Many products work faster, cheaper, and provide a longer-lasting shine than traditional liquid brass polishes.