One of the hardest parts of buying lighting online isn't choosing the shape—it’s knowing exactly what the metal is going to look like when you take it out of the box. A photo can only tell you so much, and with names like "Burnished," "Vintage," and "Antique" often used interchangeably in the industry, it can get confusing fast.
At Astremier, we focus on texture as much as color. The way a fixture catches the morning light or glows in the evening depends entirely on the finish.
Here is a breakdown of our metal finishes to help you get a better sense of what will work in your space.
The Brass Family
Brass has made a massive comeback, but the "shiny gold" of the 80s is gone. Today, it’s all about depth and warmth.
Vintage Brass is likely what you are looking for if you want something timeless. It has a medium-gold tone with a soft, linear grain. It doesn't scream for attention; instead, it sits quietly in a room, bridging the gap between old-world charm and modern clean lines. It’s our "go-to" for transitional spaces.
If you want something with a bit more life to it, consider Burnished Brass. It’s slightly richer and has a "living" quality. The brushing is fine and sophisticated, giving it a glow that feels hand-finished rather than factory-stamped.
Then we have the "Antiques." Antique Brass is mellow and subdued—think of a darker, aged gold that feels like an heirloom. It pairs beautifully with dark wood and rich paint colors. Antique Brushed Brass, on the other hand, is for those who love texture. You can actually see the brush strokes here; the recesses are dark, and the raised ridges are gold. It has a rugged elegance that looks fantastic in industrial or eclectic lofts.
The Silver Tones
When people think of silver metals, they often think of Chrome, which can feel a bit cold or blue. Our Nickel finishes are different—they have a warm, champagne undertone that feels much more luxurious.
Polished Nickel is the jewelry of the home. It’s high-gloss and mirror-like. Because of that warm undertone, it doesn’t feel sterile like chrome can. It’s crisp, clean, and bounces light around a room, making it a favorite for bathrooms and kitchens where you want that sparkling, sanitary feel.
Satin Nickel is the softer sibling. It has a matte, velvety texture with very subtle brush lines. It diffuses light rather than reflecting it. If you want a modern look but hate seeing fingerprints or dust, Satin Nickel is incredibly forgiving and practical.
The Darker Anchors
Sometimes a room feels too "floaty" with light walls and light furniture. You need something to ground the space, and that’s where Bronze comes in.
Oil Rubbed Bronze is our darkest finish. It reads as a soft, matte black in most lighting, but with a warmth that pure black paint lacks. It’s a staple for modern farmhouse designs because it creates such a striking silhouette against white shiplap or neutral walls.
Antique Bronze is a bit lighter and more industrial. It has a brownish-grey metallic hue with visible horizontal grain. It feels earthy and solid, making it a great choice for libraries, dens, or dining rooms featuring natural stone and raw wood.
A Final Tip on Mixing
Don't feel pressured to match every single metal in your house. In fact, it often looks better if you don't. A good rule of thumb is to mix a warm metal (like Brass) with a neutral one (like Matte Black or Oil Rubbed Bronze).
If you are stuck, start with the piece you love the most—whether it's a faucet or a chandelier—and let that dictate the palette.