An Up-Close Look into the World of Vintage Brass Collecting
- America's Antique Mall
- Apr 28
- 5 min read
All that glitters is not gold—sometimes, it's brass! If you're interested in starting a new collection or searching for secondhand décor to beautify your home, it's time to invest in vintage brass décor.
But how do you find the real deal? What items should you be hunting down? Get all your questions answered with this quick look into the world of antique brass décor.
Is Brass Décor Back in Style?
Trick question—brass has never really left the home décor trends! With endless versatility and an ability to blend with any aesthetic, brass wall accents, figurines, and home goods remain some of the most popular collectibles across the board. Whether paired with copper collectibles or displayed amongst maximalist decor, brass decorations are sure to stand out.
Why We Love Vintage Brass Décor
If you dream of a home that reflects your one-of-a-kind style, decorative brass pieces are the way to go. Whether you're adding brass wall accents to your foyer or searching for the perfect trinket to add to your home office, the subtle shine of brass instantly elevates your interior design. Investing in these older patina pieces is the best way to bring a rustic and versatile look to every room of the house.
Antique brass décor is known for expert craftsmanship. With a natural resistance to rust and corrosion and an overall durability that can't be beat, brass designs are made to last you a lifetime. One day, your collection of brass decorations may even become a cherished family heirloom.
What Makes Vintage Brass Décor Valuable?
When it comes to brass, the older the decoration is, the more value it holds. Certain decorative elements can affect the exact dollar amount.
There are plenty of brass décor collectors who dedicate their time, energy, and money to browsing our Highland antique mall to try to turn a profit. With a bit of research and a well-trained eye, anyone can turn their antiquing hobby into a side hustle!
Ways to Identify and Value Vintage Brass Décor
If a piece isn't professionally appraised, you can get a good idea of the potential price by learning to identify brass décor yourself! Once you find a design you like, look closer at the details and try to identify and value brass on your own with these tips:
Look at the Color of the Antique Brass Décor
When it comes to brass décor, coloring tells you almost everything you need to know. Brass is known for its signature yellow gold tone, but the overall hue can clue you into a design's metal composition. If the piece leans a bit redder, the copper content is higher. If the decoration has more of a silvery look, there is more zinc present.
How to Use The Magnet Method to Find Solid Brass
It’s important to note that brass isn’t magnetic. The majority of valuable antique brass décor is made from solid brass, but others disguise their use of other metal with a thin brass coating. The magnet method is the quickest way to determine what percentage of metal is used in the design. If you hold a magnet near the piece and there is no attraction, you know you've found solid antique brass!
Pay Attention to Brass Finishes
Metal content gives brass its initial color, but the finish really makes or breaks the overall look of vintage brass décor. The finish can affect how shiny, dull, light, or dark the piece appears and how it ages over time. When it comes to finishes, every collector has their own preferences.
5 Important Brass Finish Terms to Know
If you're shopping for vintage brass décor online, learning these five finish-related terms will help you understand exactly what you're buying:
Tarnish: the undesirable chemical reaction that occurs when brass is exposed to air and moisture. Unless it's been meticulously cleaned, almost all brass décor will have varying degrees of tarnish.
Patina: a very natural form of tarnish that forms over time. Unlike typical tarnish, patina is often considered a desirable characteristic, praised for giving brass décor its signature aged look.
Varnish: a clear and shiny polish coating designed to protect brass from tarnishing and help it maintain its original shine.
Unfinished: raw or unfinished brass is sold unpolished and unsealed and can be polished or colored to suit your styling needs.
Antique: antique brass décor is darkened with a chemical agent to appear old, even if the actual piece is not.
Search for a Maker's Mark
The quickest way to date and value brass décor is by finding the producer mark. Older antique brass décor will almost always have these marks to indicate their origin and production date.
These letters, numbers, and symbols are often found on the bottom or back of a piece in tiny font. Once you find one, you can browse online reference sheets or bring the brass wall accent in for official appraisal.
Best Brass Décor Appraisal Sites
If you think you've struck gold—or, more accurately, brass, with your latest find, consider having it appraised with one of these popular services:
3 Ways to Bring Brass Décor Into Your Home
The next time you explore your local antique mall, keep your eyes peeled for stylish décor and get inspiration with our three favorite ways to feature brass around the house:
1. Add a Little Character to Your Living Spaces with Brass Figurines
When you search for antique brass décor at the Melbourne antique mall, you'll notice quickly just how many charming figurines and statues are on the market. Brass figurines give a classy and subtle touch to any surface in your living space, whether you line up a set of brass ducks on the mantle or feature nude female figures on the bookcase.
2. Give Your Dining Room a Makeover with Brass Décor
Your dining room should be the epitome of sophistication, and vintage brass décor can make that possible! Florida vendor malls are full of brass candlesticks, teapots, and serving dishes perfect for elevating dinner parties and everyday décor.
3. Spruce Up Your Bedroom with Brass Wall Art
Nothing pops in a space quite like a statement brass wall accent! Add a bold look to your bedroom with bedside brass sconces, vintage signs, picture frames, and 3D sculptures, and enjoy sleeping surrounded by timeless style.
One thing is certain: vintage brass décor never goes out of style! From charming figurines to beautiful brass wall accents, there's something for every taste. Head to your favorite antique mall and start your search today.
