A Guide to Antique Brass Wall Lights: Finishes, Care and Styling

Antique brass wall lights combine the warmth of brass with a softened, aged finish that looks settled rather than shiny, which is why they sit so comfortably in period and modern homes alike. In this guide we explain what antique brass actually means, how manufacturers create the finish and how it compares with polished, satin, aged and bronze effect alternatives. We cover the most important question for care, whether a fitting is lacquered or unlacquered, and set out a simple cleaning routine that keeps the metal looking its best without stripping its protective coating. You will find styling advice for Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian rooms as well as contemporary interiors, ideas for using fittings in pairs, the paint colours and materials that bring out the warmth of brass and how to coordinate wall lights with lamps and mirrors. We finish with guidance on shades and bulbs, and the rooms where antique brass works hardest....