How Different Shades of Hardware Fit in Your Home

Choosing the right hardware for your home is about more than just function — it’s about creating a cohesive, intentional look that reflects your style. From matte black to polished brass, the finish of your door knobs, cabinet pulls, hinges, and handles plays a huge role in how your space feels.

At Arcadia Sash & Door, we help homeowners, designers, and builders across Arizona find the perfect hardware to match their windows, doors, and décor. Here's a guide to how different hardware finishes fit into various styles and spaces — and how to mix them tastefully if you're feeling bold.

✨ Popular Hardware Finishes — and Where They Shine

🖤 Matte Black

Style Match: Modern, industrial, minimalist

Pairs Well With: Light or neutral walls, natural woods, marble, concrete

Matte black is sleek, bold, and perfect for making a subtle but confident statement. It creates striking contrast in light kitchens or bathrooms, especially on white cabinets or warm wood tones.

💡 Use matte black hardware to give a modern twist to traditional shaker cabinets or to anchor a contemporary front entry.

🥇 Brushed Brass / Satin Brass

Style Match: Transitional, contemporary glam, mid-century

Pairs Well With: Navy, forest green, deep charcoal, white oak

Brass is warm and luxurious, and when brushed or satin-finished, it brings softness and elegance to a room. It's a favorite for designers looking to add a pop of warmth without going full gold.

💡 Try brushed brass handles on bathroom vanities or as a statement finish on interior door levers.

🥈 Brushed Nickel

Style Match: Traditional, transitional, coastal

Pairs Well With: Cool-toned paint, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops

Brushed nickel is timeless, versatile, and a safe choice that works across a wide range of home styles. It’s especially popular in kitchens and bathrooms where clean, consistent finishes matter.

💡 Use it to match appliances and lighting for a unified, subtle look.

🌪️ Oil-Rubbed Bronze

Style Match: Rustic, Tuscan, farmhouse, craftsman

Pairs Well With: Rich wood tones, stone features, neutral walls

This finish has deep brown-black tones with hints of copper or gold underneath. It adds depth and warmth to traditional homes and pairs beautifully with dark stained wood.

💡 Perfect for wrought iron-inspired lighting or old-world entry door hardware.

✨ Polished Chrome

Style Match: Contemporary, art deco, modern

Pairs Well With: High-gloss finishes, white or gray color palettes, mirrored accents

Chrome is shiny, reflective, and ultra-clean. It's ideal for small spaces like powder rooms or high-contrast modern kitchens that need a bright, crisp element.

💡 Great for sleek faucet sets, modern cabinet pulls, or contemporary closet hardware.

🎨 How to Choose the Right Finish for Your Home

When selecting hardware, consider:

• Existing finishes: Match or intentionally contrast with lighting, faucets, and fixtures

• Room use: Durable, fingerprint-resistant finishes (like brushed options) are better for high-traffic areas

• Style consistency: Stay cohesive within a space, but don’t be afraid to switch finishes between rooms

• Cabinet and door color: Lighter tones pop with dark finishes; dark tones pair well with brass or chrome

🔄 Mixing Hardware Finishes — Yes, You Can!

Gone are the days of “everything must match.” Mixing hardware finishes is very on-trend when done with intention. Here’s how to do it right:

• Use one dominant finish and add one accent finish (e.g., matte black with brushed brass)

• Keep one finish consistent per room or surface type

• Match tone families — warm (brass, bronze) or cool (chrome, nickel)

• Use finish changes to signal functional zones (e.g., kitchen vs. pantry)

💡 Still unsure? The design experts at Arcadia can help you create a finish plan that feels both elevated and cohesive.

🏡 Let Arcadia Help You Find the Perfect Hardware

Whether you’re building your dream home or updating a single space, the right hardware makes all the difference. At Arcadia Sash & Door, we offer an expertly curated selection of premium hardware in every shade and style — from classic to cutting-edge.

📍 Visit our Scottsdale showroom or browse our selection online to see and feel the quality for yourself. Our team is here to help you choose hardware that fits your space, your aesthetic, and your lifestyle.

📞 Need help with finish selections or matching hardware to your doors and windows? Contact us today — we’d love to assist.