Why We're Obsessed With Brushed Brass Taps (And You Should Be Too)
Let’s be honest for a second. Choosing tapware used to be boring. It was chrome, chrome, or maybe... chrome. But things have changed. At The Blue Space, we have watched the shift happen right in front of our eyes. People stopped wanting their bathrooms to look like sterile laboratories. They wanted warmth. Personality.
That is exactly where taps finished in brushed brass come in.
We are seeing this finish everywhere right now. In massive renovations. in tiny powder room updates. Everywhere. And we get it. It’s not just a trend that will vanish next year. It feels permanent. Solid. It’s the kind of change that makes a house feel like a home.
But we also know that buying tapware online can be tricky. You can’t touch it. You can’t see how the light hits it. So, we are going to break this down for you. We want to explain why we love it, where it works best, and what you actually need to know before you buy.
What Is It, Actually?
You might hear "brass" and think of the shiny, yellow gold from the 1980s. Stop right there. That is not what we are talking about. Gold taps have grown up.
Brushed brass is softer. It has texture. Instead of a mirror-like finish that screams for attention, it has fine lines running through the surface. This does two things.
First, it diffuses the light. It glows rather than shines. Second, and this is the part our customers love the most, it hides fingerprints. If you have kids, or if you just hate cleaning, this is a massive win. The brushing distracts the eye. It looks cleaner for longer.
Most of the high-quality brushed brass tapware we stock uses a PVD finish. That stands for Physical Vapor Deposition. Sounds technical. We know. But what it really means is that the colour is bonded to the metal in a vacuum. It’s incredibly tough. It won’t peel off like cheap plating. It stays looking good. Years down the track.
Where Does It Work?
The short answer? Pretty much anywhere.
But let’s get specific. We see kitchen taps in brushed brass acting as the "jewellery" of the room. If you have an all-white kitchen, brass adds the warmth you are desperate for. It stops the room from feeling cold. If you have dark cabinetry—think navy blue or charcoal—brass pops. It looks luxurious.
In the bathroom, it is equally versatile. We love pairing bathroom taps & mixers in this finish with terrazzo tiles. Or concrete. The industrial roughness of concrete sits perfectly against the soft glow of the brass. It’s a balance. Hard and soft. Cool and warm.
Breaking Down The Types
Okay. You are sold on the colour. Now you need to pick the actual hardware. This is where people get stuck. There are so many options. Let’s look at what you might need for different parts of your home.
For The Basin
This is usually where you start. The most common choice is one of our basin mixers. It’s a single unit. Easy to use. Easy to clean around.
But maybe you want something different. If you are renovating a heritage home or just love a classic look, check out bathroom taps (three piece). You get a spout and two separate handles. It feels traditional. Substantial.
For a really clean benchtop, we always point people toward wall basin bath mixer sets. By getting the tap off the vanity and onto the wall, you save space. It looks incredibly sleek. Just make sure your plumbing allows for it.
We also have separate basin spouts if you are mixing and matching, or dedicated bathroom basin taps for specific configurations.
For The Shower and Bath
Do not forget the shower. You want everything to match. A simple shower mixer in brushed brass looks stunning against a white subway tile. Or a dark stone tile.
If you have a bathtub, you have choices. Bath fillers are great, but if you have the space, nothing beats freestanding bath mixers. They stand on the floor next to the tub. They look like sculptures. Seriously impressive.
The kitchen tap is the hardest working appliance in your house. You use it fifty times a day. Maybe more. So it has to work well.
We love a gooseneck sink mixer. The high arch means you can fit big pots underneath it easily. But if you want real functionality, look at a pull out sink mixer. Being able to pull the hose out to rinse vegetables or clean the corners of the sink? Life changing.
For a different aesthetic, there are sink mixers with square spouts, or even the classic 3 piece sink set if you prefer separate hot and cold handles.
Specialty and Tech
Tapware has gotten smarter. It’s not just about water on, water off.
We are seeing huge interest in progressive mixers. These are cool. You twist the handle, and it starts cold. Keep twisting, it gets warmer. It’s a simple, single motion. Very minimal design.
Hygiene is on everyone's mind these days. That is why electronic sensor taps are moving out of shopping centres and into homes. Wave your hand. Water flows. No germs.
We also stock accessible taps that look great but are easier to turn, and lead free taps for peace of mind regarding water quality.
And for those specific setups, we have spouts and hob mixers to fit any basin configuration.
Who Makes The Good Stuff?
This is the question we get asked the most. "Which brand should I buy?"
The truth is, we only stock brands we trust. But they all have different styles.
If you want bold, modern Australian design, look at Phoenix taps. Their brushed gold is iconic. It is consistent. It looks expensive.
Another massive favourite of ours is Meir taps. They specialise in matte finishes and their champagne/tiger bronze is stunning. It’s a bit earthier. Very grounded.
For those who want reliability and a huge range, Fienza taps are brilliant. They have a way of blending modern trends with classic usability. Nero taps are similar—great designs, great price points, and their brushed gold is beautiful.
Maybe you want something a bit more architectural. Check out ABI Interiors (if we have them in stock) or Modern National tapware. They push the boundaries of shape.
If you are chasing that heritage look, or maybe a modern farmhouse vibe, Turner Hastings kitchen taps are incredible. They pair perfectly with a butler sink.
We also carry the big names you have known for years. Caroma taps and Dorf taps. These guys invented modern plumbing in Australia. They know what they are doing. Their brass finishes are top-tier.
For sleek, designer vibes, look at Methven taps or Oliveri tapware. Oliveri, in particular, matches their taps to their sinks perfectly.
And we can't forget the others. Clark taps are great for budget-conscious renos that still need style. Greens tapware brings some awesome New Zealand innovation. Indigo taps, Seima taps, and Suprema all offer fantastic options to round out your home.
Why We Love Brushed Brass (The Benefits)
1. It Warms Up The Room
Bathrooms are full of cold surfaces. Tiles. Glass. Porcelain. Mirrors. It can feel a bit clinical. Brushed brass adds instant heat. It’s like lighting a candle in the room. It makes the space feel welcoming.
2. It matches... almost everything
This surprises people. You might think gold is hard to match. It’s not. It looks amazing with marble. It looks great with timber. It looks incredible with concrete. It even works with pastel colours like sage green or blush pink. It is a chameleon.
3. It is timeless
Trends come and go. Rose gold had a moment. Matte black is still cool, but it can be harsh. Brushed brass feels like it has always been there. It references the past but looks modern. That is the definition of timeless.
Other Considerations (The Practical Stuff)
We want you to be happy with your choice ten years from now. So, here is the advice we give everyone in the showroom.
Watch the Colour Variation
This is important. "Brushed Brass" is not a standard colour code. One brand's brass might be quite yellow. Another might be more bronze or red. If you buy a Phoenix tap and a Meir shower, they probably won't match perfectly. Our advice? Try to stick to one brand for all your brassware in a single room. It keeps things consistent.
Be Careful With Cleaning
Yes, PVD is tough. But it’s not invincible. Do not use harsh chemicals. No bleach. No acidic cleaners. And definitely no steel wool. All you need is warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Microfibre is your friend here. If you look after it, it will stay glowing forever. If you scrub it with chemicals, you might damage the coating.
Think About The Accessories
Don’t stop at the taps. To really nail the look, you need the towel rails, the toilet roll holder, and the robe hooks to match. Most of the brands we listed above—like Nero and Fienza—do full ranges of accessories to match their taps. It’s those little details that finish the room.
We are genuinely excited about this finish. It has changed the way Australians design their bathrooms. It brings a level of sophistication that we just didn't see ten years ago.
If you are still stuck, or if you are debating between two different shades of gold, give us a shout. We look at these taps all day every day. We can help you pick the right one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose brushed brass taps for my home?
Brushed brass taps offer a warm, luxurious aesthetic that enhances any space. Their subtle glow and durable finish make them a versatile and long-lasting choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
Are brushed brass taps durable?
Yes, brushed brass taps are made with high-quality finishes that resist tarnishing, scratches, and everyday wear and tear. This ensures they maintain their warm, elegant appearance even with regular use.
What types of brushed brass taps are available?
Our collection includes a wide range of brushed brass taps, including mixers, basin taps, bathroom taps, shower taps, kitchen taps, and laundry taps. Each type is designed to meet specific needs and enhance the style of your space.
How do I maintain brushed brass taps?
Brushed brass taps are easy to maintain, thanks to their matte texture that resists water spots and fingerprints. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water is usually sufficient to keep them looking their best.
Can brushed brass taps fit into any design style?
Yes, brushed brass taps are incredibly versatile and can complement a wide range of design styles, from modern and minimalist to traditional and rustic. Their warm tone allows them to blend seamlessly with various materials and colours.