Brass is Back: Why Traditional Finishes Are Trending in 2025's Modern Homes

Walk into any high-end home renovation showroom today, and you'll notice something striking: the gleaming brass electrical fittings  that once screamed "1980s excess" are making a sophisticated comeback. But this isn't your grandmother's shiny brass – today's revival is all about refined, heritage-inspired finishes that blend seamlessly with contemporary design.

The Great Brass Revival

After decades of chrome dominance and minimalist white plastic, brass electrical accessories are experiencing their biggest moment since the Georgian era. The numbers tell the story: decorative socket sales have grown by an estimated 30% in the past year alone, with brass finishes leading the charge.

"We're seeing brass move from luxury hotels and period properties into mainstream residential projects," explains a trend analyst from the electrical accessories market. "It's no longer just about restoration – it's about adding character."

Why Brass, Why Now?

The resurgence isn't accidental. Several cultural and design forces have converged to make brass the finish of choice for discerning homeowners:

Heritage Aesthetics Meet Modern Living

Today's brass offerings strike a perfect balance between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary functionality.

Companies like Click have revolutionised the category with their Deco range, featuring satin brass finishes on sleek, curved designs that would look equally at home in a Georgian townhouse or a modern apartment.

The Premiumisation of Everyday Objects

As homeowners become more design-conscious, even the most utilitarian elements are getting the luxury treatment. Brass sockets and switches have become the jewellery of interior design – small details that make a significant impact.

Warmth in an Increasingly Digital World

While chrome and steel can feel cold and clinical, brass brings warmth and humanity to spaces. In an era of smart homes and digital interfaces, there's something deeply satisfying about the tactile, organic feel of brass fixtures.

Beyond the Basics: The New Brass Landscape

Today's brass electrical accessories aren't just about polished shine. The market has evolved to offer sophisticated variations:

Satin Brass leads the trend with its subtle, brushed finish, which avoids the mirror-like reflection of traditional polished brass. This finish works particularly well in modern interiors where understated elegance is key.

Antique Brass - brings depth and character, with its slightly darker patina suggesting decades of gentle use. It's perfect for those seeking the heritage look without the high maintenance of genuine period pieces.

Brushed Brass - offers a more contemporary take, with fine linear textures that catch light beautifully while maintaining a sophisticated, understated presence.

The Market Players Driving Change

The brass revival wouldn't be possible without innovation from key manufacturers. Leading the charge is BG Electrical's Nexus Metal collection, which has transformed antique brass from a niche luxury into a mainstream choice. Their comprehensive range spans everything from basic double sockets (like the popular NAB22B with black insert) to cutting-edge smart solutions, including the NAB22UAC45B - a double socket with integrated USB-A and USB-C charging at 45W.

What makes BG's approach particularly compelling is the thoughtful integration of modern functionality with traditional aesthetics. Take their NAB22UWRB model: , a double socket that includes a WiFi extender and USB charging, all housed in that warm antique brass finish. It's precisely the kind of product that bridges the gap between heritage design and contemporary living.

Click's Deco Victorian range offers another fascinating approach, with products like the VPAB536BK featuring distinctive "ingot" styling that adds texture and visual interest beyond the standard flat plate. Meanwhile, Knightsbridge's Square Edge series, including models like the CS9AB  and CS9940AB,   demonstrates how clean, contemporary lines can work beautifully with traditional brass finishes.

Perhaps most significantly, these manufacturers have moved beyond simple switches and sockets to create complete ecosystems. From dimmer switches and fan isolators  to blanking plates and specialised outlets, you can now achieve total consistency throughout a property - something that was impossible just a few years ago.

The Design Psychology Behind Brass

Interior designers are increasingly recognising brass's unique psychological impact. Unlike the stark neutrality of white plastic or the industrial edge of chrome, brass creates an immediate sense of quality and permanence. It suggests craftsmanship, tradition, and attention to detail – qualities that resonate strongly in our fast-paced, disposable culture.

Brass also has the remarkable ability to complement both warm and cool colour palettes. It can enhance the cosiness of earth tones and wood textures while adding sophistication to monochromatic schemes and contemporary materials like concrete and glass.

Making the Switch

For homeowners considering the move to brass, the key is consistency and quality. The comprehensive ranges now available from manufacturers like BG Electrical, Knightsbridge, and Click make it possible to achieve total coordination throughout a property. Mixing metals can work, but brass makes its strongest statement when used systematically.

The brass revival represents more than just a passing trend – it's a reflection of our desire to create homes that feel both timeless and thoroughly modern. In a world of rapid change, there's something deeply comforting about the enduring appeal of beautiful, well-crafted objects that improve with age.

As we move deeper into 2025, expect to see brass electrical accessories continue their journey from luxury accent to design essential. After all, in an age of smart homes and digital everything, sometimes the most revolutionary choice is the most traditional one.