Lamp Finishes Guide: Satin Nickel, Weathered Brass, Black Nickel and More

A finish is the surface on a lamp: the color and sheen of the metal, wood or shade. It decides how the lamp sits next to your hardware, furniture and walls. Here is how the finishes on the lamps we carry compare, and how to choose between them.

Metal finishes

  • Satin Nickel: a soft silver with a brushed, low-sheen look. It reads cool and neutral and pairs with chrome, stainless steel and gray tones.
  • Weathered Brass: a warm, aged gold that is muted rather than shiny. It suits wood, leather and warm white walls.
  • Brushed Brass: a lighter, more golden brass with a fine grain and a gentle glow.
  • Black Nickel: a deep, dark metal with a slight gunmetal sheen, softer than pure black.
  • Matte Black: a flat black with no shine. It is graphic, hides fingerprints and works in almost any scheme.
  • Gunmetal and Antique Nickel: darker, slightly aged silvers for rooms with a vintage or industrial edge.

Gold and silver leaf

Some shades are lined or finished in gold or silver leaf. It gives a warm or cool glow inside the shade when the lamp is on. Treat leaf gently and use a touch-up pen for small scratches.

Wood finishes

Dark Walnut, Natural Ash, Black Oak, Ebony, Pecan and Light Wood differ in depth of color and grain. Wood is a natural material, so grain and tone vary from lamp to lamp. Keep it out of direct sun and dust it with a dry cloth.

Color and fabric shades

Linen and burlap shades give a soft, textured light. Color shades such as Crimson Red, Turquoise, Mustard, Avocado, Pool Blue and Cashmere Gray add a deliberate accent. Photos on screen vary a little, so judge the color against the photos for each finish.

How to choose

  • Match the metal to the hardware in the room: nickel with chrome, brass with gold or bronze.
  • Pick one dominant metal per room and let one other show up as an accent.
  • For a quiet look, choose white or linen. For a statement, choose black or color.

Not sure which finish suits your room? Send us a photo and we will help you pick.