The Outdated Kitchen Hardware Material Making A Comeback In 2026

As time goes on, design trends seem to rotate in a circle. Vintage fads of yesteryear phase out only to reemerge later, reinvented for modern preferences. This is especially true when it comes to the design details of one of the most high-traffic areas of the home: the kitchen. Popular kitchen hardware cycles through different colors and materials, but it is always important to choose an option that succeeds in terms of both function and fashion. Pulls and knobs need to open cabinets and drawers with ease while also fitting in well with the existing kitchen design scheme. In 2026, oil-rubbed bronze finishes are returning to make the perfect addition to cooking and dining areas. 

An oil-rubbed bronze piece of hardware has a rich dark brown, almost black coloration with undertones of copper. Its subtle weathering has a lived-in charm. Timelessly classic and crisp, oil-rubbed bronze makes an impression without being overwhelming, as it is tempered enough to match other types of metals of varying shininess. It offers the striking starkness of matte black without the grandiosity that can make a modern home feel outdated. 

Replacing cabinet and drawer handles with hardware that has an oil-rubbed bronze finish is an easy way to revitalize a variety of different kitchen aesthetics. And there's no need to break the bank to incorporate the beauty of oil-rubbed bronze into your space. Since its popularity makes it easy to find inexpensive options, oil-rubbed bronze is a cabinet hardware trend that will give your kitchen an upgrade on a budget.

Oil-rubbed bronze is what is known as a "living finish" that will develop a brighter patina over time. This makes it a better choice for kitchens than high-shine finishes because it does not appear heavily manufactured. Country Living named "planned patina" one of the top kitchen trends for 2026 because it has warmth and personality. "We're seeing a celebration of the imperfect," kitchen designer Tanya Smith-Shifflet told the publication. She added that "hardware with patina [and] hand-painted surfaces that wear gracefully" are what homeowners are increasingly gravitating towards.   

Not only did Homes & Gardens name patina one of the chicest kitchen hardware trends for 2026, but the publication also declared that bronze is getting big again. Oil-rubbed bronze is a finish that combines the best of both worlds. 'We see clients embracing hardware that is less mass-market — using cast bronze pieces that show craftsmanship," shared Laura Gerber, an interior designer at ODE Design. The character and warm tones of bronze are appealing and can even improve with age. Gareth Hull, design lead at Hendel & Hendel, said that for this reason, "Designers are even calling bronze the standout metal for 2026."