Choosing the right lighting when designing a space or renovating an existing space can be a daunting task. Not only do you need to choose the correct style and size. But you also need to choose the right finish. The question that often comes up is “how to choose between antique brass and antique copper.” Or between dark brass and dark copper. We have photo examples of the different finishes we offer throughout our site. Reference our 10th blog – “Finish and Glass Samples”. But here are pointers for choosing which metal and finish are right for your next project.
Since our metals have a “living finish” with no protective coating the color will change over time for exterior fixtures. Interior fixtures may slightly darken with age but will still maintain the brass or copper tone highlights the fixture had when it was new. Antique brass and antique copper will darken naturally with age. Dark copper and dark brass can change slightly to a darker tone. All our metals go through a hand applied chemical process to achieve the desired patina. No two pieces are alike. Color and tone variation is common, especially for the dark finishes as well as the Verdi green finish.
Follow these points of interest for distinguishing between the different finishes:
Dark Copper: -more character than other finishes
-rust tones
-black and gray highlights that give it a burnt look
Dark Brass: -more dark chocolate to brown tones
-slightly visible yellow tones
-not as much highlight variations
Verdi Green: -an acid-washed brass that gives a green variation to the metal
-brass can react many different ways when chemically aged from
bright green Verdi to black and green tones
Antique Brass
And
Antique Copper: -this finish is more consistent in color tone
-we do a light aging process and a hand-rubbed finish that
brings out the natural highlights and lighter tones in the metal
Custom Finishes –
Medium Dark Brass: -this option takes a dark brass finish that is hand-rubbed
to bring out slight brass highlights
Combination: -this option allows you to choose a dark metal finish with antique
brass light clusters and accents
Designers are trying to decide on what is the next trend in metals. There are helpful resources available online to help you decide. We are proud of our success in collaborating with designers such as Julie Blanner. We are experts in the field of lighting and lighting design. Our popular JB Lantern was custom created for Julie Blanner and is now one of our top sellers. Julie Blanner has written a blog on brass lighting as well as outdoor lighting that are helpful when deciding on whether to choose brass or copper finishes. Joanna Gaines has her popular insights on finish choices as well. Houzz.com and HGTV.com are also excellent sites for helping you make a decision on finish.
If you are still having trouble, call The Copper Lantern at 843-838-9000 for expert guidance.
Let us help you choose.
