Brass has been part of Scandinavian homes for centuries: candlesticks, door handles, trays and lamps that were polished for special occasions and left to darken the rest of the year. It is a warm, golden alloy of copper and zinc, and it is one of the few materials that looks better the longer you live with it. This guide explains what happens to brass over time and how to care for it, whichever look you prefer.
What patina is
Untreated brass reacts slowly with air, moisture and the oils from your hands. The surface turns from bright gold to a deeper, softer bronze tone, sometimes with darker areas where it is touched most. This layer is called patina. It is not damage. It protects the metal underneath and gives each object a character of its own, which is why many people choose not to polish it at all.
Polished or satin finish
- Polished brass, like the Woman with Horse matchbox case and the Vincent's Ear bottle opener, is mirror bright when new. Fingerprints and patina show more clearly, which some love and others polish away.
- Satin brushed brass, like the Edgar power strip and the Elmer stand, has a fine brushed texture. It ages more evenly and hides fingerprints, which suits objects that are handled every day.
Everyday care
- Dust with a soft, dry cloth.
- For fingerprints, use a cloth lightly dampened with water, then dry it straight away.
- Avoid household cleaners, scouring pads and anything containing chlorine or ammonia. They can leave stains that are hard to remove.
- Keep electrical objects such as power strips unplugged and completely dry when you clean them, and never use liquid on or near the sockets.
If you want the shine back
To bring polished brass back to its original gold, use a brass polish or a mild homemade paste of lemon juice and baking soda. Apply a small amount with a soft cloth, rub gently in the direction of the surface, rinse with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly. On satin brushed brass, always follow the direction of the brushing, and test on a small hidden area first.
If you want more patina
Simply leave it. Handle it, use it and let it age naturally. A brass object that has been lived with for a few years has a depth that no new object can match.
Silver finishes
The polished silver versions in our collection are made of brass with a tin-plated finish. Treat them gently: a soft dry cloth is usually all they need, and they should not be polished with abrasive brass polish.