The Brass v Copper War
Apparently there’s a HUGE divide in the interiors world (and probably in the design world in general) where brass and copper is concerned.
And I’ve been blissfully UNAWARE of this, until recently.
It would appear that most people have a preference for one or the other (a chat with a few interiors chums has confirmed this). From my own personal perspective it’s copper for me. No question. Brass, in my eyes, is nowhere near as refined, sophisticated and lush as copper. Copper is so unique, that it’s almost impossible to actually describe its hue.
…don’t be ridiculous, of course I know what colour copper is!
Said no one, ever.
I WILL agree that all metallics look fabulous placed in front of a dark backdrop. It looks amazing.
I mean, please. Copper is clearly leagues ahead of that ‘ol brass (practically spits out the word ‘brass’). Even the WORD copper rolls off the tongue in a much more refined manner than BRASS! Say them. Say the words copper and brass out loud!
Who wants to sound like the snake from Jungle Book when describing a metallic finish?!
Brassssssssssss
I’m starting to become bitchy in my defense of copper…
See what happens when you jump on board the brass v copper debate?! To me, brass doesn’t come across as ‘classic’, it comes across as dull, dull, dull!
Whereas copper, beckons you to take a few steps closer to fully appreciate all of its mystical splendor.
It’s vibrant!
It’s rich!
It’s an intriguing hue of pink!
It’s an intriguing hue of orange!
It’s an intriguing hue of salmon!
It’s an intriguing hue of pinky, orangey, salmon!
Copper Shade, Tom Dixon
In honour of copper, I’ve put together a little board of my current favourite finds with links below if you’d like to investigate further.
Where do YOU stand in the brass v copper debate? Let me know!
1. Copper Table Lamp, Abigail Ahern
2. Modular Metal Side Table, The French Company
3. Metal Candlestick, H&M
4. Tom Dixon Form Bowl, Houseology
5. Miner Wall Clock, MADE
Anita Brown 3D Visualisation 
21 Comments
It does not really matter to me. I woke up this Sunday morning realizing its Fathers Day and my kids are so far away I was sad….Then I read your article on Copper vs Brass and I had a chuckle. Many thanks for polishing up my dulled Brass into shiny Copper on this Fathers Day
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Hi Howard,
What a lovely message! I’m sorry that you can’t spend Father’s Day with your children but I’m delighted that I was able to make you smile 🙂
Anita
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Hi Anita
Its a case of ‘horses for courses’! (or context). Brass can be elegant and sinuous (brass musical instruments, French horn?) but it is a man made alloy and maybe at a deeper level does not have the organic qualities of copper. Perhaps brass will always be seen as industrial and, no matter how beautiful the object, functional first rather than decorative. That’s my take on the subject!
Brian
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Hi Brian,
Thank you for taking the time to read my mutterings and for commenting! Your description of ‘organic qualities’ for copper was perfect! You’re so right, everything in context, right? But I’m still very much a copper gal!
Anita
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Hi Anita
I really enjoyed reading your article, it made me chuckle too and I, like you, love copper (plus the copper revival!) and must admit I’ve never liked brass very much or ‘gold’ toned taps, lighting, handles etc. much preferring chrome and silver metal to brass and now of course copper!!!! I believe that there is something about copper, when used with graphite grey and black, which makes it look so opulent and classy. Ditto with wood too. I love the copper trend and only hope that it lasts!
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Hi Kerry,
Thank you for reading my post but mostly thank you for being in the copper camp!!
Copper is so lush when used with slate and inky hues, I agree. It’s such an intriguing hue that adds so much eye candy to a space.
How funny, I prefer silver to gold as well! Even when it comes to jewellery!
I’m also a big fan of bronze! 🙂
I definitely think copper is here to stay!
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Me too Anita, I love bronze plus silver and white gold or platinum (although soooo expensive) jewellery. I’m also a magpie when it comes to metallic, I just cannot resist!!!! 😉
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For sure, metallic finishes in general are a feast for the eyes, they’re fantastic at injecting a little bit of glam! Gotta love metallic wall coverings. Pricey but so worth it, even if it’s just a feature wall!
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Brass aka Brave
Dare to use it!
Copper is more for styling; Brass is for Architects.
And don’t forget Copper changes color in the face of nature! It turns green with envy at Brass!!!
😛
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Hey Jasper, that’s a pretty passionate arguement you’ve put forward, with some fighting words! Interesting how you’ve associated brass with Architects. Why is that?!
Yep, copper is so mysterious that it has the ability to change colour. Kneel at the feet of copper! ; )
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How about this? Copper is mostly, but not always, used passively (keeping the rain out)whereas brass is often to be found in aggressive employment. Brass cannon, parts for guns etc. Too ‘left field’?
Brian
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Haha, Brian! Slightly more unorthodox methodology but I like it 🙂 It also shows copper in an even better light due to its nurturing and protection. Nice!
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Great post – I too had no idea that there was such a divide! I too prefer copper for it’s warmer tone adding a touch of luxury too! But I do prefer brass with pastel tones ; )
Natalia
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Hi Natalia, thanks for your contribution! I’ve never thought about using brass with pastel tones – I must look into that!
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Oops! You’re right about the pastel thing!! My 3D visual for Grand Designs Live used a lot of brass with pastel tones! https://anitabrowndesignstudio.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/close-up-edison-bulb-final-anita-brown1.png
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Very nice! I’d love to learn how to do this!
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Thanks, Natalia. It requires the patience of a Saint!!
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Hi Anita, I am an interior architect, no, no, it’s better to say I WAS an interior architect and now I am an artist working on metals, specially on copper sheets. I love copper to work with and make some artworks. copper is my friend, I know it very well, I talk to it whenever I work with it!
I invite you to have a look at this link:
https://www.myconcierge.com/swan-palace-gallery-dubai
Thanks for the article.
Regards,
Abbas
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Thanks for your link, Abbas! I’ll definitely have a look at your work 😉
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Being in lighting we are expected to work in both copper and brass. My personal favourite is however copper the same as you and you may also be pleased to hear we sell more copper than we do brass. Its just simply cooler!
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Thanks for your input, Russell! Copper sells more than brass, eh?! You’re so right, it IS cool! #longlivecopper
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