Jennifer Jung 
When you touch the door handle you can feel something different?
Not just cold metal, but if you feel something smooth, hard, and easy to grab, then there is a chance that it may be an antique brass door handle. These perfect pieces are not just beautiful to look at, they have real, and amazing substance. But what are they made of? And what gives them that soft, smooth, golden finish touch that we all love?
Let’s discuss this below — no technical jargon, just a clear explanation.
What Is Brass?
In the core, brass is a metal that can be made by mixing copper and zinc. It is the combination of two metals, just a perfect blend of two strong, versatile metals.
Adding more copper causes a warmer, reddish tone. Conversely, less copper causes the metal to be a paler, yellowish shade. For antique brass doors, we usually move toward higher copper addition, giving it that deep, vintage glow we associate with old-world and antique design.
How Do They Get That “Antique” Look?
Here’s the interesting part. The metal might be brass, but that aged, vintage appearance? That’s crafted with care.
After we shape the handle (usually cast or forged), then we darken parts of the surface that make it elegant and beautiful. The process of making the handle also involves oxidizing the metal or chemical patina that simulates years of natural aging.
Then the next step is polishing— not too much — just enough to let the metal to shine while keeping the antique charm, because our main concern is the antiquities of our handles.
Even the handle may be old or new it can have an old look. Like the story to tell about the metal.
Solid Brass vs. Coated Brass — Know the Difference
Here’s where quality matters.
A solid brass door handle is made entirely from brass, through and through. It feels weighty in your hand and lasts for decades.
In contrast, some cheaper handles are made from aluminum or steel and just have a thin brass-colored coating. These may look similar at first but they:
- Wear out faster
- Chip or peel over time
- Lack the warm, solid feel of real brass
If you’re after something that lasts and actually gets better with age — always choose solid brass.
Why Designers & Homeowners Love Antique Brass
Let’s be real — part of the love for antique brass is emotional. It just feels right. But there are practical reasons too:
- It’s incredibly durable — doesn’t rust easily
- The patina improves with time, not fades
- It has natural antibacterial properties, which is great for something that’s touched often
These are the few materials that make the product classic and modern and give our home a beautiful touch.
Tips for Buying Real Antique Brass Handles
Before you buy, here’s what to check:
- First you check the “solid brass” in the product description
- Don’t go by shine alone — real antique brass has a muted, soft finish
- If it feels too light, it probably isn’t real brass
- Ask whether the patina is hand-applied — that’s often a good sign of quality
Brass Has Always Had a Place in Great Design
Back in Victorian times, brass door hardware wasn’t just popular — it was considered luxurious. And even today, when styles keep shifting, brass stays put. Why?
Because it blends beauty with function. It’s reliable, strong, and stylish — all at once.
Brass Has Always Been a Part of Great Design
From big old buildings to modern apartments, brass has never gone out of style. In old times, it was considered luxurious and best handled — a sign of elegance, classy and good taste.
And even today, it continues to be loved for the same reasons: it’s strong, beautiful, and timeless.
Good for You, Good for the Planet
Did you know brass has a superpower? It’s naturally antibacterial — which means it quietly helps fight off germs every time someone touches the door. That’s a huge bonus for something used so often in homes.
But it’s not just good for you — it’s good for the planet too. Solid brass lasts for decades, so you won’t need to replace it again and again. No more tossing cheap handles in the trash.
When you choose antique brass, you’re not just choosing style — you’re making a smart, long-lasting, and eco-friendly decision for your home.
In a Nutshell…
What are antique brass door handles made from?
They are made from the perfect and balanced blend of copper and zinc , polished and finished with a look that makes they look antique and old. They are not just a piece of metal, they can add beauty to our house and make it elegant and classic. If you want something that feels as perfect as it looks — something solid, warm, smooth and full of elegance — antique brass is the way to go.
Let your door handle be more than just a handle. Let it be a touch of history in your hands.
