Since 1929, we have been crafting our solid brass cabinet hardware and interior accessories in the heart of England from the finest solid brass, and more recently, we have introduced a dedicated collection of solid bronze cabinet hardware that includes a suite of organic inspired designs. While often mentioned together, these two metals possess distinct characteristics that influence their appearance, performance and the atmosphere they create within a home.

Whether you're designing a contemporary kitchen, a timeless boot room or a bespoke dressing room, understanding the difference between brass and bronze will help you choose a finish that complements your interior for years to come.

The simplest distinction lies in their composition.

Brass is an alloy made primarily from copper and zinc, giving it its signature warm golden appearance.

Bronze is traditionally made from copper and tin, resulting in a deeper, richer tone with exceptional strength and durability.

Although both are premium materials that enable us to create timeless pieces that look and feel beautiful for years to come, their aesthetic qualities and the way they age naturally make them suited to different design styles, but can also be paired together for a unique visual appeal.

We offer 20 different finishes across our solid brass pieces, including living, lacquered, and plated finishes, whilst all of our bronze pieces are living.

Solid brass has long been synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship and timeless interiors. Its warm golden hue is much-loved by our clients, particularly our best-selling aged brass finish for its depth and character, whilst our unlacquered polished brass finish is loved for beautifully reflecting light, introducing understated elegance to cabinetry and furniture.

We have been making our pieces from solid brass for almost a century because of its long-lasting durability, making it an investment in terms of both quality and longevity. Solid brass is also 100% recyclable, and each year we recycle over 40 tonnes of swarf, which is melted down to make new brass pieces.

Brass is particularly suited to:

• Luxury kitchens

• Bespoke wardrobes

• Utility and boot rooms

• Bathrooms

• Bespoke pieces of furniture

Its versatility allows it to complement everything from traditional joinery to contemporary interiors.

Silicon bronze offers a noticeably different aesthetic. Richer and darker in appearance, it creates a more grounded, architectural feel that works particularly well in interiors featuring natural timber, stone and darker colour palettes.

Similar to brass, bronze also offers impressive durability and longevity and is 100% recyclable. Alike with unlacquered brass, bronze develops a beautifully nuanced patina over time, enhancing its character without losing its refined appearance.

Silicon bronze is ideal for:

• Heritage homes

• Contemporary interiors

• Dark tone cabinetry

• Statement bespoke furniture

• High-use environments

Its exceptional durability has made bronze a trusted material in architecture and design for centuries.

White bronze offers a distinctly different appearance to both brass and silicon bronze. Rather than warm golden or rich brown tones, white bronze has a cool silver-grey finish that provides a contemporary alternative while retaining the character and weight of solid metal hardware.

Unlike polished chrome or nickel, white bronze develops a subtle natural patina over time, softening gently through use without dramatically changing colour. This makes it an excellent choice for interiors where a muted metallic finish is preferred over warmer tones.

White bronze works particularly well with:

• Contemporary and minimalist interiors

• Painted cabinetry

• Light stone surfaces

• Cool-toned colour palettes

• Modern architectural joinery

For designers seeking the durability and authenticity of cast metal with a cooler aesthetic, white bronze offers a refined alternative to both brass and silicon bronze.

The visual distinction between brass and bronze is often the deciding factor for interior designers and homeowners alike.

Brass introduces warmth, brightness and a sense of effortless luxury. Its golden tones can become a focal point or quietly elevate surrounding materials depending on the chosen finish.

Silicon bronze delivers greater depth and contrast. Its darker colouring creates a sophisticated, understated aesthetic that pairs beautifully with oak, walnut, marble and richly textured finishes.

White bronze provides a cooler, more contemporary appearance. Its soft silver-grey tones complement lighter materials, monochromatic interiors and minimalist design schemes while maintaining the tactile quality of solid metal.

Neither is inherently better, the choice depends entirely on the atmosphere you wish to create.

One of the defining qualities of both materials is their ability to develop a natural patina.

Our unlacquered brass and bronze pieces evolve through everyday use. Exposure to air, touch and time gradually transforms their surface, creating a finish unique to each home.

Unlacquered brass often develops warmer honey and amber tones, while bronze matures with subtle variations that deepen its already rich appearance.

For many designers and homeowners, this evolution is one of the greatest appeals of choosing solid metal hardware. It tells the story of a home while celebrating authentic materials.

For those looking for a finish that won’t age, we recommend our lacquered brass and plated finishes.

Both brass and bronze are exceptionally durable, making them ideal for cabinet hardware and accessories that are used daily, from appliance pulls to towel rails.

Solid brass offers excellent corrosion resistance while allowing for the precise machining required to create our beautifully detailed handles and knobs.

Bronze is naturally harder, making it particularly suitable for demanding environments where long-term performance is essential.

When expertly crafted, both materials will provide decades of reliable use while becoming even more distinctive with age.

While all three are enduring materials, silicon bronze is naturally the best suited to exterior applications due to its outstanding corrosion resistance and ability to withstand prolonged exposure to the elements. Brass remains an outstanding choice for interior cabinetry and furniture, celebrated for its warmth, versatility and timeless character, whilst white bronze offers a refined contemporary alternative for projects seeking cooler metallic tones without compromising on longevity or craftsmanship.

Ultimately, the choice between solid brass, silicon bronze and white bronze comes down to the aesthetic you want to achieve, the environment the hardware will be used in and how you want it to evolve over time.

Solid brass offers timeless warmth and exceptional versatility, making it a natural choice for both traditional and contemporary interiors. Solid silicon bronze provides a richer, more architectural aesthetic with outstanding durability and a living patina that develops beautifully with age. White bronze delivers a cooler, contemporary appearance, offering the character of solid metal with a refined silver-grey finish.

Whichever material you choose, investing in our expertly crafted solid metal cabinet hardware will ensure enduring quality, authentic character and a finish that will enhance your interior for years to come.