Hardware Finishes Guide

Aged Bronze Doctors Door Knocker, from our current range.

The finish on a piece of ironmongery has as much impact on the finished look of a room as the style of the fitting itself. The same lever handle can look completely different in polished brass than it does in matt black, and some finishes suit certain properties, and certain locations, better than others.

What's included in hardware finishes

• Polished Brass Hardware – a bright, reflective brass finish, traditionally associated with period and Georgian-style properties
• Satin Brass Hardware – a warm brass tone with a low-sheen finish, currently one of the most popular choices across both period and contemporary homes
• Antique Brass Hardware – a darker, aged brass finish designed to complement older or characterful properties
• Black Door Furniture – a matt or satin black finish, popular on both period and modern properties for its contrast against light-coloured doors and frames
• Pewter Hardware – a soft grey finish that suits both heritage and contemporary settings
• Bronze Door Furniture – a darker, warm-toned finish often used on entrance doors for its weight and character

We are adding a full comparison guide, Black vs Satin Brass Door Handles. Browse ironmongery by category in Lever Handles and Cabinet Knobs, or see our Brands page for the finish ranges each manufacturer offers.

Frequently asked questions

Which finish suits a period property?

Polished brass, antique brass and black are all common choices on period properties, and the right one usually depends on the property's original ironmongery, if any survives, and the era of the building. See our upcoming guide, Choosing Door Furniture for Period Homes.

Do I need a special finish for a coastal property?

Yes – standard finishes can corrode more quickly in coastal locations. Marine grade or coastal-rated hardware is designed specifically to resist this, and we would always recommend it within a few miles of the coast.

Will finishes match exactly between different brands?

Not always – "satin brass" or "black" can vary slightly between manufacturers. If you are buying across multiple brands for the same project, we would recommend ordering a sample first, or asking our team to advise on the closest match.

Explore the other guides: Door Furniture, Locks & Security, Hinges & Door Control, Cabinet & Furniture Hardware and Window Furniture.