Brass Furniture, Lighting and Decor

There’s no question that brass is back. Once seen as an outdated material found mainly on retro figurines, lamps and bed frames, brass has re-emerged as chic design gold. This time around, there’s a knowing wink, as brass is used to channel a distinct vintage vibe. Yet at other times, the look of brass furniture, decor and lighting is super minimal and perfectly modern. Let’s take a peek at some of today’s most interesting brass pieces… [photo below from CB2]

Brass Furniture

Brass furniture (including upholstered furniture with brass accents) can create a sleek modern look in your home. Below we see the Maxime Dining Chair from Jonathan Adler, which creates a sculptural statement without a lot of fuss. A brass metal base holds it all together. We’re loving the crisscross back!

Modern dining chairs with a glass base — Modern dining chairs with a brass base

There’s something a bit Deco about the Etched Metal Side Table in Brass from West Elm, which is textured with an etched geometric pattern. The perfect side table for a retro-modern space!

Many of today’s popular “brass” pieces are crafted from another metal but finished with a brassy hue. This Metal Accordion Side Table from Urban Outfitters is one such find. The accordion-style table is available in both brass and antique bronze finishes. The best part: it can easily fold away, and the top is removable for even easier storage!

Here’s another folding table, this time with a touch of acrylic glamour. Say hello to the Novo Acrylic Folding Table from CB2, which brings vintage-modern glamour to your room of choice. Created by Robert and Cortney Novogratz, this piece can also be used as an end table, a nightstand, a dining tray and more!

Brass Lighting

Retro-modern lighting in brass is hard to resist. That’s why we’re crazy about this Meurice Chandelier from Jonathan Adler, available in antique brass or polished nickel. Bring on the sculptural style!

For another look at a lighting option that celebrates spherical forms, check out the Vega Flush Mount Lamp from CB2, the creation of designer Donna Piacenza of Studio 1am. Retro globe light bulbs are given a modern context, thanks to the brass-finished canopy:

How stunning is this Aura Lighting from Ladies and Gentlemen Studio?! Contemporary and minimalist, each of these lights honors the beauty of the bulb, as well as its illuminating glow, thanks to the addition of a brass ring. Available in two sizes, the light also offers a brass or copper option for the base, as shown below:

Copper and brass lighting from Ladies and Gentlemen Studio

Like the brass and glass boxes that might have held your jewelry in the ’70s and ’80s, this pendant lighting can’t help but hint at retro geometry while clearly making a modern statement. Check out the Prism Pendants from West Elm , which are shown here with vintage-style Edison bulbs:

Minimalist wall sconces are all the rage, especially when crafted from brass. No wonder this Swing Arm Brass Wall Sconce from CB2 is so appealing! Brushed brass is the material of choice, and thanks to a swiveling maneuver, you can position the light right where you need it most.

Brass Decor

We end today’s post with a closer look at modern brass decor. And what better way to celebrate how far it’s come than by putting a new twist on the vintage brass bird figurine! These Brass Bird Bowls from Jonathan Adler are hand-cast in solid brass from clay models. Function meets style in a finished piece that’s anything but outdated.

Geo style is alive and well in these Hexagon Pots from ferm LIVING, shown in a modern grouping below. Perfect for holding everything from flowers to jewelry, they are crafted from solid brass and topped off with matte polish.

Don’t these Globo Boxes from Jonathan Adler look good enough to eat?! Ideal as tabletop accents, they are the perfect combination of brass bases and colorful Lucite lids. Choose from green, blue and pink, as well as clear.

Lucite and brass boxes from Jonathan Adler

Modern art meets decor in these Mini Chimes from Ladies and Gentlemen Studio. Stained glass and brass shapes merge for a geometric statement that reflects the sun and makes a delicate sound as the soft wind blows. Leather cording, a wooden bead, glass (you choose the color), and copper or brass combine in each striking piece.

Surround your plant of choice with the Hanging Wire Pot Bracket in Plated Brass from West Elm. Bonus: this item perfectly holds one West Elm Chalkboard Planter (sold separately), as shown below:

Add some shine to your desk with solid brass accessories from ferm LIVING. In the next image, we see the Brass Semicircle Stand (among other treasures), which serves as a convenient holder for letters, magazines and more:

On a similar note, this Brass Letter Holder from Urban Outfitters is the perfect organizer for letters, notebooks, and other desk items that can quickly turn to clutter when not contained:

Why not put a brassy spin on the most mundane of items by adding this Brass Toilet Paper Holder from ferm LIVING to your powder room? Oak wood and solid brass combine to create a sculptural, functional statement.