Guides and ideas

Journal

Notes on living with solid brass. How to choose the right size, hang it at the right height, care for its patina and light every room with warmth, so you get it right the first time.

All Brass care Sizing and height Style ideas Fixture guides
Solid brass chandelier showing how to tell the difference between copper and brass by color
How to Tell the Difference Between Copper and Brass
Copper is pink and pure, brass is yellow gold and harder. Here is how to tell them apart at home in a minute, plus where bronze fits in. Read more...
What is brass made of: a solid brass two-light chandelier in a warm interior
What Is Brass Made Of? Copper, Zinc and Why It Matters
What is brass made of? Mostly copper with zinc. Here are the metals in brass, the classic recipes and why the mix matters for lighting. Read more...
Solid brass bell chandelier in a dining room: does brass rust? No, it develops a patina
Does Brass Rust? Rust, Tarnish and Patina Explained
Does brass rust? No. Here is why solid brass never rusts, how tarnish and patina differ and how to care for brass light fixtures at home. Read more...
Antique brass light fixture: Kingston brass chandelier over a dining table
Antique Brass Light Fixture Guide: Every Brass Finish Explained
What makes an antique brass light fixture and how antique, aged, unlacquered, polished and brushed brass differ. Learn how each finish ages and which one suits each room. Read more...
How to tell if brass is real: the Lispenard solid brass mushroom table lamp in a living room
How to Tell If Brass Is Real: 6 Simple Tests at Home
Six simple home tests show how to tell if brass is real, from the magnet test to a hidden scratch. Learn what brass plated means and what to check on... Read more...
Brass sputnik chandelier over a dining table, brass vs gold lighting guide
Brass vs Gold: How to Tell Them Apart in Lighting
Brass vs gold, explained simply: what each metal is made of, how to tell them apart and how to get the warm gold look with solid brass lighting. Read more...
Antique brass swing arm wall lamp with cream cone shade in a bedroom
How to Clean Brass Without Removing the Patina
Gentle ways to clean brass light fixtures while keeping their patina, plus how to polish brass back to a bright shine when you want it. Read more...
Unlacquered brass wall sconce with bell shade beside a bathroom mirror
What Is Unlacquered Brass? Patina, Tarnish and Care Explained
Unlacquered brass is raw brass with no protective coating. Here is how it ages, whether it tarnishes or turns green and how to choose unlacquered brass lighting. Read more...