6 Ways to Use Brass Wall Lights in a Contemporary Home

Brass has moved well beyond its traditional associations and now brings warmth and a sense of craft to many contemporary homes. The key is to use it with restraint: simple shapes, softer brushed or satin finishes, and two or three deliberate accents rather than brass on every surface. This guide begins with a short explanation of polished, satin, antique and unlacquered brass, so you can choose a finish that suits your room. We then set out six practical ways to use brass wall lights: framing a console table and mirror, replacing bedside lamps, defining a dining area in an open plan space, softening a modern kitchen, adding warmth to a black and white scheme, and drawing attention to artwork or architectural details. Along the way we share advice on mounting heights, spacing and pairing brass with other materials. We finish with guidance on bulbs, dimming and caring for lacquered and unlacquered brass so your fittings keep looking their best....