Here's Why Oil Rubbed Bronze is Dominating Farmhouse Kitchen Hardware Trends
Farmhouse style kitchens have captivated homeowners with their timeless, rustic charm. With distressed woods, vintage accessories, and cozy simplicity, the farmhouse look brings classic rural homestead vibes to modern spaces. But what is one finish that really epitomizes the warm, antique-inspired farmhouse aesthetic? Oil rubbed bronze.
This rich, dark metal finish has become wildly popular for kitchen hardware and fixtures in today's farmhouse-chic homes. But why does oil rubbed bronze pair so perfectly with farmhouse style? Let's explore what makes this unique living finish such a favorite for cabinet knobs, pulls, and handles.
What is Oil Rubbed Bronze?
Oil rubbed bronze refers to a metal finish with a deep, dark patina. It is made by applying oils to bronze, brass, or copper hardware. As the oils oxidize the metal, they create an uneven, mottled appearance. This process gives oil rubbed bronze its signature black, brown, and gray tones.
Unlike static finishes, oil rubbed bronze has a "living" quality. It ages over time as the patina develops. No two pieces will age exactly the same, so oil rubbed bronze takes on an antique, one-of-a-kind look.
The Vintage Allure of Dark, Distressed Metal
The deeply saturated hues of oil rubbed bronze have an inherently vintage vibe. The dark brownish-black finish looks like it has been naturally worn in and weathered over many years. It has the authentic charm of genuinely aged metal.
These darkened antique tones work beautifully in farmhouse spaces where distressed, timeworn materials reign supreme. Oil rubbed bronze has just the right amount of patina to complement reclaimed woods, natural leathers, and rustic textiles without competing with them.
A Finish That Evolves Gracefully Like Farmhouse Style
As a living finish, oil rubbed bronze changes gradually over time. The patina develops slowly and unevenly, with no two pieces aging identically. This natural evolution means oil rubbed bronze hardware maintains its timeworn charm for years.
Farmhouse decor also emphasizes natural evolution with time. Distressed paints chip, wood stains fade in spots, and leathers take on creases. The mellow, dynamic patina of oil rubbed bronze aligns perfectly with these marks of loving wear.
Where to Spot this Hardware in Farmhouse Kitchens
So where do you commonly see oil rubbed bronze hardware adding vintage flair in today's farmhouse kitchens?
Darkened Knobs and Pulls on Light Wood Cabinets
Oil rubbed bronze is an ever-popular finish for kitchen cabinet hardware. The deep hues of knobs, pulls, and handles stand out beautifully against light woods like oak or maple. The dark accents also highlight wood grain details.
Matching Faucets and Fixtures for Farmhouse Sinks
Farmhouse kitchens wouldn't be complete without the quintessential farmhouse sink. Oil rubbed bronze makes the perfect match for vintage-look sinks. It brings cohesion to faucets, sprayers, towel bars, and other accent hardware.
Rustic Door Handles, Hinges, and Window Hardware
Beyond kitchen cabinets, oil rubbed bronze offers timeworn character to all types of ironwork throughout a farmhouse home. It suits interior and exterior door hardware along with window locks, latches, and pulls.
Ready to incorporate this trending finish in your own farmhouse kitchen or bath? Here are some tips for displaying oil rubbed bronze hardware to perfection:
- Mix oil rubbed bronze with other metal finishes like nickel or black iron for visual interest.
- Embrace the uneven patina and don't try to maintain a uniform appearance. Let each piece age authentically.
- Use a gentle touch when cleaning oil rubbed bronze. Prioritize simple dusting over heavy polishing to preserve the vintage look.
It's easy to see why oil rubbed bronze has dominated farmhouse decor. This finish offers timeless, rustic allure that only gets better with age. For hardware that flawlessly epitomizes farmhouse style, oil rubbed bronze is undoubtedly the frontrunner.