Haddon Brassware Buying Guide
Brassware plays a defining role in the character and functionality of a home. From kitchens to bathrooms, taps, showers and radiators are daily touchpoints that shape how a space feels and performs. At Haddon, our brassware collections combine enduring materials, thoughtful engineering, and finishes designed to sit beautifully within both contemporary and traditional interiors.
This guide explores the finishes available, how to choose the right one for your home and how to care for your brassware to ensure it continues to look and feel exceptional over time.
What Is Household Brassware?
Brassware is crafted from solid brass, most commonly taps, showers and radiators. Brass is favoured for its strength, resistance to corrosion and ability to carry a wide range of finishes with clarity and depth. While often associated with bathrooms, brassware is used throughout the home, creating a consistent design language across kitchens, utilities and washrooms.
Choosing Your Brassware Finish
Each finish brings its own character, interacting differently with natural light, surrounding materials, and the overall palette of the room. Across our collections; Arlington, Nuvo, Fulham, and Harrow, you will find a curated selection of the following signature finishes.
Polished Nickel
Polished nickel offers a bright, mirror-like silver softened by a gentle warmth. Its reflective surface brings light into a room, making it particularly suited to timeless interiors or schemes inspired by classic detailing.
In the Arlington tap collection, polished nickel highlights elegant silhouettes and finely considered proportions.
Brushed Stainless Steel
Our brushed stainless steel collection delivers a refined, satin finish with subtle linear textures. Its cool neutrality makes it one of the most versatile options, blending effortlessly into all spaces. The finish is naturally resistant to fingerprints and suits environments where a calm, understated look is preferred.
Chrome
Chrome is a design staple, bright, crisp and beautifully timeless. Its high-shine surface enhances modern spaces while remaining sympathetic to traditional ones. As one of the most durable finishes available, chrome is an excellent choice for busy households and areas where longevity and low maintenance are key.
The Nuvo stainless chrome taps offer chrome across a range of profiles, from wall-mounted mixers to tall basin taps.
Brushed Gold
Brushed gold brings soft radiance and warmth, offering a contemporary interpretation of a classic tone. The fine brushing diffuses reflections, giving the finish a subtle, tactile quality. It works remarkably well with natural stones, textured tiles, creating a sense of quiet luxury without overwhelming the space.
Add the element of gold to your room through radiators, taps and accessories.
Matte Black
Matte black creates striking contrast and architectural definition. Its velvety, PVD coated (the superior method of coating brasswear) surface introduces a modern edge while remaining beautifully balanced when paired with white ceramics or organic materials. This finish is ideal for those seeking a bold, contemporary statement. View our matte black showers as an example.
Caring for Your Brassware
Proper care preserves both the performance and visual integrity of your brassware. While each finish is crafted to stand up to daily use, gentle maintenance ensures it continues to age gracefully.
- Polished nickel: clean with warm soapy water and buff occasionally with a soft cloth to maintain its reflective lustre.
- Brushed stainless steel: low maintenance; wipe with warm water and dry with a microfibre cloth to preserve its even, matte finish.
- Chrome: suitable for mild bathroom cleaners; avoid abrasives and finish with a quick polish for clarity.
- Brushed gold: use warm water and a soft cloth only; avoid acidic or chemical cleaners to protect the brushed surface.
Matte black: clean with warm water; never use polishes or abrasive cleaners, as they can alter the matte sheen.
Finding the Right Finish for Your Home
Selecting a brassware finish is about more than colour alone. Consider:
Your Material Palette
Warm tones like brushed gold complement natural woods and warm stones, while stainless steel or chrome pairs seamlessly with cooler palettes.
Light Levels
Polished finishes amplify light, whereas brushed or matte finishes soften it.
Design Intent
Choose a finish that complements the overall character of your home. Polished, warmer tones lend themselves beautifully to classic or transitional interiors, while brushed and more architectural finishes are well suited to contemporary spaces with clean lines and minimal detailing.
Practicality
Matte black and brushed finishes naturally conceal fingerprints; polished finishes benefit from more frequent light cleaning.
View the Collection
Explore our curated brassware range to find pieces that balance considered design with everyday performance. Whether you are creating a cohesive look throughout the home or selecting a statement finish for a single room, our brassware collections offer timeless solutions made to last. View the full collection here.
Need help?
Frequently Asked Questions
Brassware is typically constructed from solid brass, a durable alloy known for its strength, corrosion resistance, and longevity. This makes it ideal for taps, mixers and other water-based fittings throughout the home.
Yes. Brassware is designed for use across the home, including kitchens, cloakrooms and utility areas. Choosing a consistent finish allows for visual continuity between spaces
Brushed and matte finishes help disguise fingerprints and water marks, making them practical for everyday use but they are all easy to clean and maintain.
High-quality finishes are designed to remain stable with proper care. Some finishes, such as polished nickel, may gently soften in appearance over time, adding character without compromising performance.
Yes, though balance is key. Many homeowners choose one primary finish and introduce a secondary finish subtly, ensuring the overall design remains cohesive.
When crafted from solid brass and maintained correctly, brassware can perform beautifully for many years. Gentle cleaning and adherence to care guidelines help preserve both function and finish. You can feel safe with the knowledge all our brassware comes with a 15 year guarantee as standard.
Yes. Abrasive or chemical cleaners can damage surface finishes and should always be avoided. Warm water and a soft cloth are recommended for routine care.