Why Your Gold Hardware In Your Home Looks Cheap (And Better Trend Options)

When choosing hardware for your home remodeling project, there are abundant choices in warm and cool finishes. Although the warmth of gold can be attractive, gold hardware is not always the best choice for aesthetic and practical reasons. Gold hardware can look cheap, even if it's expensive. Fortunately, there are better ways to bring the warmth of gold into your home without it looking tacky.

First of all, gold hardware isn't really made of gold. Gold plating is used on everything from jewelry to kitchen and bathroom fixtures. The process involves covering a base metal with a thin layer of gold. The material underneath the plating may be silver, brass, or copper, or other alloys. Many people consider a shiny, bright gold finish on hardware to be tacky and think too much of it makes a home interior look cheap.

Designers promote several reasons why you should stop using gold home decor. Using gold hardware and accessories in homes became popular in the 1980s, and the shiny gold (and other metallic) finishes were overdone, making rooms look gaudy. Another problem with the finish is that it doesn't hold up well to everyday use. The gold layer can wear away with time, and the metal under the gold can begin to show through. The plating itself may tarnish.

If you want the warmth of gold-finished hardware, unlacquered brass is a timeless and environmentally sustainable design choice. Using unlacquered brass hardware and accessories brings elegance to the space, and the material has the durability to stand the test of time. The brass will develop a beautiful natural patina over time, that many people believe enhances its beauty. Unlacquered brass hardware is inexpensive and will give your home a touch of old-world charm with unique fixtures.

If you love a shiny finish, polished brass offers a bright, reflective look that works well in traditional and modern home styles. Polished brass is a sophisticated and glamorous finish that is versatile enough to fit in both neutral spaces and colorful rooms. In addition, polished brass is a sound investment because the metal is durable and easy to clean.

Gold isn't the only option for your hardware. Polished nickel might be currently trending, but it is, in fact, a timeless choice that brings a touch of elegance to your home. Plus, it reflects light, making a room look brighter. Nickel hardware resists tarnishing, rust, and corrosion, and it's easy to clean. The best way to clean nickel hardware is using a glass cleaner or, to tackle water spots, a 50-50 solution of vinegar and water.