The ultimate guide to choosing the perfect finish for your home
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Here is an explanation of each of Schlage's twelve finishes, as well as suggestions of knob/lever and trims that go best with each.

Bronze-to-black tones

Aged bronze
Aged Bronze is a traditionally inspired finish that is styled from the Victorian Era, but also has roots in the Arts & Crafts movement. Aged Bronze works exceptionally well with ornate, handmade, craftsman-style furnishings.
Recommended pairings
Aged Bronze lends an air of luxury to the Siena knob with Wakefield trim or Avila lever with Addison trim.
Natural tones. This could be wood floors or natural paint colors like browns, yellows and greens.

Matte black
Matte Black has never been more fashionable—catering to a modern look that takes style cues from Bauhaus homes, wrought iron fences and fixtures made by blacksmiths in the Colonial Era. Matte Black is unique in its ability to serve as a bridge between the worlds of modern and traditional styles.
Recommended pairings
Matte Black is a stylish and daring choice best suited for the Bowery knob or Broadway lever with Greenwich trim.
Coordinates well with
Grey tones, geometric forms and large windows. Matte Black is a modern finish that fits best with a modern look. Big windows help keep a space from feeling too dark and crowded.

Oil-rubbed bronze
The Oil-Rubbed Bronze finish is suited for a specific look and feel — blending seamlessly into Mediterranean and Tuscan settings. The dark brown tones in the hardware lend it to warm colors. Oil-Rubbed Bronze is a “living finish” that changes over time to give it a constantly evolving presentation.
Recommended pairings
The Oil-Rubbed Bronze finish works with several styles, but looks particularly charming on the Siena knob or Flair lever with Camelot trim.
Coordinates well with
Luxurious wallpapers and stone accents. Oil-Rubbed Bronze is all about ornate details that you can find in many Mediterranean and Tuscan homes, but are also very prevalent in Craftsman homes.
Gold tones

Bright brass
Bright Brass is common in older, colonial homes, especially homes styled in the 1990s. The widespread availability of Bright Brass makes it easy to find and, therefore, easy to match with other hardware, fixtures and accessories. This finish will fit easily into almost any house.
Recommended pairings
Bright Brass is common in older, colonial homes, especially homes styled in the 1990s. The widespread availability of Bright Brass makes it easy to find and, therefore, easy to match with other hardware, fixtures and accessories. This finish will fit easily into almost any house.
Coordinates well with
Vintage style. Bright brass pairs well in homes that have a very classic, elegant style. Homes where an ornate chandelier would not feel out of place.

Satin brass
Satin Brass can be considered the “modern brass alternative.” It offers a more refined take on the rustic look of unfinished brass. The Satin Brass finish is becoming one of the most popular choices for the home. The matte look of the Satin Brass finish won’t show fingerprints or tarnish easily, which often makes it more appealing than bright brass.
Recommended pairings
Satin Brass looks particularly great on the Georgian knob or Accent lever with Camelot trim.
Coordinates well with
Dark surfaces, modern accents and details. This finish is best displayed against dark surfaces where it can really stand out. It fits well with and brings elegance to a house that has modern touches.

Antique brass
The Antique Brass finish closely resembles the look of natural brass and has a warm look due to its brown and golden tones. Though Antique Brass stems from the Victorian Era, its high-gloss finish gives it a touch of the modern world.
Recommended pairings
The Georgian knob with the elegant Brookshire trim or the Flair lever with Addison trim are often finished in Antique Brass for a sophisticated look.
Coordinates well with
Stacked stone and exposed wood. You will often find these elements in Craftsman homes, but many other styles of homes have wood flooring and stone fireplaces.
Silver tones

Bright chrome
Bright Chrome is inspired by the Art Deco movement and the jazzy style of the roaring 20s, but can easily transition into the minimalist approach of the 1930s and 40s that is becoming more popular in modern styling. The smooth, mirror-like finish makes Bright Chrome a statement piece that could fit into any contemporary home.
Recommended pairings
Bright Chrome is often seen on the contemporary Merano lever or the Latitude lever with Century trim.
Coordinates well with
Neutral colored doors and walls. Bright Chrome is an eye-catching finish that shines best when it isn’t competing with bright colors.

Satin chrome
Satin Chrome has a contemporary look and feel and originates from the Bauhaus style movement. It is typically used in commercial applications as it is a finish that doesn’t stand out too much and fits in with most styles.
Recommended pairings
Satin Chrome feels fashion-forward when paired with the Orbit knob or Elan lever with Century trim.
Coordinates well with
Stainless steel appliances, grey tones and reclaimed wood. This finish is modern and clean and does best in an environment that is simple and not overstated.

Polished nickel
Polished Nickel was inspired by the sophistication of the Victorian Era. It is made from solid nickel and a change of lighting can change its color and appearance. The lacquered look of the Polished Nickel finish makes it one of the easiest to clean.
Recommended pairings
Polished Nickel looks expertly paired with the Sacramento lever or Bowery knob with Greyson trim.
Coordinates well with
Reflective surfaces, glass and bright lighting. Polished Nickel is a bright finish that does best in a bright environment. It shines best when paired with similar surfaces.

Distressed nickel
Distressed Nickel has a rustic vibe that is reminiscent of the Old World. Today, the finish is growing increasingly popular and can be seen in urban lofts in cities across the globe. Because Distressed Nickel is tumbled to get the look, no two pieces are exactly alike.
Recommended pairings
Distressed Nickel looks particularly stunning on the Georgian knob or Accent lever with Addison trim.
Coordinates well with
Reclaimed wood, concrete and exposed brick. This finish fits well into Industrial Modern homes that are styled around exposed building components.

Satin nickel
Satin Nickel rose to popularity with the Victorian and Mid-Century Modern design movements. Satin Nickel looks great against dark colors like black, navy blue or grey. Its looks best when paired with bold, geometric shapes and patterns, bright solid colors and edgy, unconventional furniture.
Recommended pairings
Satin Nickel is an excellent finish for almost any piece of Schlage hardware, but is often paired with more refined styles like the Bowery knob or Accent lever with Camelot trim.
Coordinates well with
Dark-colored doors and geometric shapes. Satin Nickel is a chic finish that does best when it stands out from its surroundings. Its modern look helps it to go well with bold patterns and furniture.