Kitchen Brass Handle Trend

Updated November 2026

Brass works in kitchen design because it brings warmth to both pale and dark painted cabinets. The easiest way to use it is on handles, knobs and the tap, then repeat it once or twice elsewhere, such as in lighting or shelf brackets. Choose unlacquered brass if you like a finish that ages, or lacquered if you want it to stay bright.

How you finish a kitchen is just as important as the colour or material you choose for the cabinets. Handles, knobs, taps, lighting and interior fittings all come together to make a big difference, and the finish you choose gives a completely different look each time. Brass has become one of the most popular choices, and the photos below show how our customers have used it.

The White Kitchen Company supplies brass handles and knobs for its solid wood kitchens, which are hand-painted in any Farrow & Ball or Little Greene colour, so the brass and the cabinet colour can be chosen together. Its butt hinges are solid brass, in brass, antique brass or chrome finishes.

Why brass works in kitchen design

It warms up any colour

Brass handles are often paired with dark colour palettes, such as deep green, navy or charcoal, where they stand out as a statement. They work just as well on soft whites, greys and sage greens, where they add warmth and stop a pale kitchen feeling cold.

It suits traditional and modern kitchens

Brass cup handles and knobs are a natural fit for a Shaker kitchen or a Period English kitchen. In a simpler, more modern scheme, slim brass bar handles or a single brass tap give the same warmth without looking old-fashioned.

It brings reclaimed warmth to plain rooms

Traditional materials reclaimed and restyled for the modern home bring warmth to even the starkest, most minimal interior. Brass sits well alongside exposed brick, stone floors, wooden worktops and industrial finishes such as concrete.

Brass kitchen design ideas

Brass handles for cupboards

Handles are the simplest way to bring in brass. Cup handles on drawers and round knobs on doors are the classic pairing. Because they are small, they are also the easiest thing to change later if your taste moves on. Our guide to choosing kitchen cabinet handles covers sizes and styles.

Brass taps

A brass bridge tap over a white ceramic sink is one of the most recognisable looks in a traditional kitchen. Feature taps and statement sinks have become more popular too; see our kitchen sink ideas for pairings.

Lighting, rails and brackets

Brass pendant lights, wall lights, a utensil rail or shelf brackets repeat the finish around the room and tie it together.

Sockets and switches

Brushed brass plug sockets and light switches are a small detail that finishes the look, especially on a coloured or tiled splashback.

How to use brass without overdoing it

Pick one main metal

Brass taps are everywhere, but resist the overkill. Choose brass as the main metal, use it on the handles and tap, and repeat it in one or two other places.

Mix metals with care

Mixed metals can work well, for example brass handles with a stainless steel range cooker or appliances. Keep the second metal to the larger, functional items so the brass still reads as the accent.

Choose lacquered or unlacquered

Unlacquered brass darkens and develops a patina with use, which suits a traditional or rustic kitchen. Lacquered brass keeps its shine for longer. Decide which you prefer before you order, and match the tap to the handles.

Test it against your paint colour

Hold a sample handle against your chosen paint colour in daylight. Our painted kitchens are hand-painted in any Farrow & Ball or Little Greene colour, and our kitchen colours guide has ideas on which shades suit brass.

Our kitchens

Every kitchen we make is solid wood, with no MDF, MFC or chipboard, made in 10–12 weeks and delivered fully assembled, and we supply brass handles and knobs to finish it. Cabinetry starts from £1,180 per metre for our Cottage range, £1,818 for Town House and £2,372 for Manor House, including painting and VAT. See our kitchen prices for real examples.

Brass kitchen questions

Is brass still in style for kitchens?

Yes. Brass has been a popular kitchen finish for several years and continues to be chosen for painted kitchens, particularly in traditional and Shaker styles, because it suits so many colours.

What colour kitchen goes with brass handles?

Dark green, navy and charcoal kitchens make brass handles stand out. Soft whites, greys and sage greens give a warmer, gentler look with brass.

Can you mix brass with stainless steel?

Yes, brass can be mixed with stainless steel in a kitchen. Keep brass for the handles, tap and lighting, and let stainless steel appear on the larger appliances such as the range cooker.

Does unlacquered brass tarnish?

Yes, unlacquered brass darkens and develops a patina over time. Many people like this aged look; if you don’t, choose lacquered brass.