What’s the difference between satin and polished finishes?

Satin finishes have a softer sheen with low reflectivity, helping to hide marks. Polished finishes are high-gloss and reflective, creating a brighter statement look.

Which finish is best for bathrooms, kitchens, or coastal areas?

Stainless steel and satin nickel are commonly chosen for humid environments because they are durable and practical for high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens, including coastal properties.

Is it okay to mix finishes in the same home?

Yes. Mixing finishes like black and brass or chrome and nickel can look intentional when you repeat each finish across multiple touchpoints (handles, knobs, lighting details or accessories).

Which finishes suit heritage or traditional properties?

Aged brass, antique black, pewter and beeswax finishes are popular for period homes because they offer texture and character that suits traditional joinery and restoration work.

Finish

Q: What is the most popular finish for door handles?

Polished chrome and satin brass are two of the most popular finishes because they work across modern and traditional interiors and are easy to match with other hardware.

Choose the Right Door Hardware Finish for a Cohesive Look

Our architectural hardware finishes help you keep every detail consistent — from door handles and hinges to window furniture and cabinet knobs. The right door hardware finish isn’t just visual; it also affects durability, maintenance, and how well your ironmongery performs over time. Whether you’re restoring a period property or specifying a modern interior, you’ll find finish-matched options across our most popular ranges.

Popular finishes for architectural ironmongery

Different finishes create different styles — and they can change how practical the hardware feels day-to-day. Browse our most requested finishes below.

Chrome finishes

Polished Chrome – bright, modern and reflective for a crisp contemporary look
Satin Chrome – softer sheen, easy to live with and ideal for busy homes

Brass finishes

Satin Brass – warm, contemporary and a popular choice for modern interiors
Aged Brass – characterful and timeworn for heritage-inspired schemes
Polished Brass – classic high-shine for traditional homes and restorations

Dark finishes

Matt Black, Black Nickel, Antique Black – bold contrast that suits modern doors, industrial styling, and feature joinery

Pewter & beeswax finishes

Pewter – textured, rustic and ideal for period properties
Beeswax – traditional forged look with authentic heritage appeal

Nickel & stainless steel finishes

Polished Nickel & Satin Nickel – versatile neutral tones that sit between chrome and stainless
Polished Stainless Steel – durable, hygienic and well suited to kitchens and commercial use
Satin Stainless Steel – modern brushed finish that’s easy to maintain

Where matching finishes make the biggest difference

For a consistent look, many customers match finishes across multiple categories — including door furniture, window fittings, kitchen & cabinet hardware, hinges, and accessories. This is especially useful on larger projects where you want the same finish on handles, locks, knobs, pull handles and fixings throughout.

Pros and considerations when choosing a finish

Polished finishes: standout shine and a premium look, but can show fingerprints in high-use areas
Satin & brushed finishes: subtle, lower maintenance and great for everyday family homes
Dark finishes: strong contrast and modern styling, best cleaned gently to protect the surface
Textured/rustic finishes: full of character for heritage interiors, often best for indoor use or regular care

UK-wide supply for trade and retail projects

We deliver across the UK including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Sheffield, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Newcastle, Bristol and the wider regions. Our finish collections help you specify confidently for domestic refurbishments, new builds, and commercial fit-outs — with trusted ranges from brands such as From The Anvil, Carlisle Brass, Heritage Brass, and Frelan Hardware.

From The Anvil Hammered Collection in different finishes

Create a Seamless Look with the Right Finish

Complete Your Space with Coordinated Hardware Finishes

Choosing a door hardware finish is more than just a design decision — it sets the tone for the entire space. Whether you prefer the clean shine of polished chrome, the bold elegance of matt black, or the warmth of aged brass, Trade Door Handles provides a full suite of coordinated finishes to help you achieve the perfect result.

Use a single finish across your door handles, kitchen knobs, window stays, and bathroom bolts — or combine finishes like black nickel with satin brass for a more modern layered look. Our collection makes it easy to match hardware by product category:

Match your door handles and letterplates using our Door Furniture collection – including escutcheons, knockers, and letterplates.
Finish your window stays and fasteners with our Window Furniture collection – ideal for sash, casement, and espagnolette window types.
Choose cabinet knobs, cup pulls, and edge handles from our Kitchen and Cabinet Hardware range – designed to complement any kitchen or built-in furniture.
Select matching finishes across parliament, ball bearing, and kitchen hinges in our Hinges collection – ideal for consistent hardware across rooms.
Add the finishing touches with coat hooks, door bolts, and handrail brackets from our Accessories collection – designed to coordinate throughout your home.
Explore more hardware types on our Architectural Ironmongery

Whether you’re designing a kitchen in Manchester or upgrading doors in a listed property in the Lake District, we’ve got finishes to suit every need — all with fast UK-wide delivery.

Discover Over 15 Premium Architectural Finishes – Chrome, Brass, Bronze, Black, Pewter, and More | Trusted UK Supplier Since 1976 | Fast Delivery to London, Manchester, Leeds & Nationwide | Need Help? Contact Our Expert Team Today

Unsure Which Finish Suits Your Project?

Let Us Help You Choose the Perfect Look

Selecting the right finish isn’t just about trends — it’s about functionality, setting, and long-term satisfaction. From new builds to heritage renovations, our team understands what works where.

Not sure whether to go with polished nickel or satin chrome? Wondering which finish pairs best with wood tones or painted cabinetry?

We’re here to help.

👉 Get in touch with our team for friendly expert guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular finish for door handles in the UK?

Polished chrome and satin brass are highly popular for their modern appearance and adaptability to both new builds and period homes.

What’s the main difference between polished and satin finishes?

Polished finishes are highly reflective and add brightness, while satin finishes offer a brushed texture and hide fingerprints better.

Are certain finishes better suited for bathrooms or kitchens?

Yes — we recommend satin nickel, stainless steel, or polished chrome for high-moisture environments like bathrooms or coastal locations.

Can I mix hardware finishes in a single room or home?

Absolutely. Mixing finishes can create a dynamic, layered look. Popular combinations include brass and black or chrome and nickel.

Which finishes are best for listed buildings or heritage properties?

Choose from beeswax, pewter, antique black, and aged brass — all of which offer historic charm and suit traditional décor.

Do finishes affect hardware durability?

Yes — all our finishes are selected for their durability. Polished chrome and stainless steel are highly corrosion-resistant, while beeswax requires occasional maintenance for lasting beauty.

Proudly Trusted Since 1976

UK Experts in Architectural Hardware Finishes

Trade Door Handles is the online store of T.H Wiggans Ironmongery, a family-run supplier that’s been supporting tradespeople and homeowners across the UK since 1976. Based in Kendal in the Lake District, we’ve supplied joiners, builders, developers, hotels, schools, and homeowners with reliable architectural ironmongery for nearly 50 years.

We work closely with respected brands to ensure long-term performance and quality across all finish types, including:

Timeless handcrafted ironmongery from our From The Anvil collection – ideal for heritage renovations and rural homes.
Modern and traditional hardware in multiple finishes from our Heritage Brass range – perfect for both residential and commercial use.
Trusted UK-sourced fittings from Carlisle Brass – a popular choice for developers and trade professionals.
Functional and stylish pieces from our Frelan Hardware selection – suitable for homes and hospitality interiors.

🛠️ Whether you’re fitting out a cottage in Cumbria or a full-scale development in London, we offer fast, secure delivery across the UK — including Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, and beyond.

Can’t find what you need?

👉 Contact our friendly team here and we’ll help source it.