The first time I properly noticed antique brass curtain hardware, I was standing in a friend’s Victorian terrace in Islington, admiring her living room and wondering why it looked so effortlessly pulled-together. Everything else was fairly ordinary — a mid-range sofa, some IKEA shelving, a rug from TK Maxx. And then I looked up at the windows.
Those curtain rods. The rings. The brackets. They were warm, slightly muted, not shiny — and they made the entire room feel like it had always been there. Like the house had exhaled and said, yes, finally, someone who gets it.
That’s the thing about antique brass curtain hardware. It doesn’t shout. It doesn’t demand attention the way chrome or matte black does. Instead, it whispers class — and in older UK properties, that whisper is deafeningly appropriate.
Whether you’re restoring a Victorian terrace, styling an Edwardian semi-detached, or you’re an interior designer sourcing fittings for a boutique hotel, this guide has everything you need. We’re talking the best UK suppliers, how to clean and maintain your fittings, what to pair them with, and where to find the right antique brass curtain rods and hardware for every budget.
There are several types of brass finish you’ll encounter when shopping for curtain hardware in the UK:
| Finish | Appearance | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
|
Polished Brass |
Bright, mirror-like gold |
Contemporary, maximalist, Art Deco interiors |
|
Brushed Brass |
Soft, satin gold, no shine |
Modern Scandi, minimalist, new-builds |
|
Antique Brass |
Warm, slightly darkened, aged patina |
Victorian, Edwardian, traditional, heritage homes |
|
Unlacquered Brass |
Raw brass that ages naturally over time |
Period properties, organic or artisan interiors |
Antique brass sits in that perfect sweet spot: it’s warm enough to feel luxurious, aged enough to feel authentic, and versatile enough to work in both period and transitional interiors. It doesn’t look like a DIY afterthought, which — let’s be honest — a lot of curtain hardware does.
In UK homes specifically, where Victorian and Edwardian architecture dominates huge swathes of towns and cities, antique brass just belongs. It echoes the original fixtures. It complements original cornicing, sash windows, and fireplaces. And it photographs beautifully — which matters if you’re an Airbnb host or interior designer trying to impress on Instagram.
Based in London, Byron & Byron is probably the most prestigious name in UK curtain hardware. Their antique brass collection is exceptional — hand-finished, weighty, and genuinely beautiful. They supply to interior designers, stately homes, and luxury hotels. Prices are high, but the quality justifies it entirely.
Best for: Interior designers, luxury residential, heritage properties.
One of the UK’s largest curtain hardware manufacturers, Hallis Hudson offers a wide range of antique brass curtain rods, rings, and accessories. They’re trade-focused but accessible to the public through their website and various stockists. Great mid-range quality.
Best for: Trade buyers, interior designers, large property projects.
Yes, Dunelm. Don’t underestimate them. Their curtain hardware range has genuinely improved in recent years, and they now carry antique brass effect poles that are solid value for money. Available in store and online, with free click & collect — very convenient.
Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners, quick turnarounds, rental properties.
The John Lewis curtain hardware range is dependably good. Not the most adventurous selection, but reliable quality, excellent returns policy, and nationwide availability. Their antique brass options lean slightly towards warm brass rather than truly aged, so check the product photos carefully.
Best for: Homeowners wanting reliability and easy returns.
A lesser-known gem, but worth a mention. Croft specialises in traditional ironmongery and hardware, and their antique brass curtain fittings have a proper handmade, heritage feel. Excellent for anyone restoring period properties and wanting fittings that look genuinely Victorian.
Best for: Period property restoration, heritage enthusiasts, B2B buyers.
1] Amazon UK — The obvious choice for variety and speed. The antique brass selection is massive, though quality varies wildly. Stick to brands like Stout by Best Home Fashion, Smith & Noble, or verified-review products with 4.5+ ratings. Good for budget buys.
2] eBay UK — Brilliant for genuinely vintage and antique brass curtain hardware. You can find original Victorian and Edwardian curtain rings, brass finials, and ornate poles that simply don’t exist in modern retail. Takes a bit of digging but the finds are extraordinary.
3] Etsy UK — Hands down the best place for handmade, bespoke, and truly unique antique brass pieces. You’ll find independent UK metalworkers making beautiful one-off finials, hand-cast rings, and custom poles. Higher price point, but genuinely special.
4] Wayfair UK — Wayfair has a surprisingly strong curtain hardware category, and their antique brass range has improved considerably. Frequent sales, good photography, and detailed spec sheets make it easy to shop confidently.
5] Screwfix / Toolstation — Less glamorous, more practical. If you’re doing a full renovation and need curtain hardware in bulk (think: a landlord refurbing six flats), these are your people. Limited antique brass selection but reliable stock and trade pricing.
| Factor | What to Check |
|---|---|
|
Material |
Look for solid brass or brass-plated steel. Solid brass is heavier and more durable. Brass-plated is fine for lighter curtains. |
|
Finish Type |
Is it hand-aged, lacquered, or natural patina? Unlacquered brass develops a genuine patina over time. Lacquered looks consistent but won't age naturally. |
|
Pole Diameter |
Standard UK poles are 19mm, 25mm, 28mm, or 35mm. Heavier curtains need a wider pole with more bracket support. |
|
Weight Capacity |
Always check the stated kg limit per bracket. Lined velvet curtains can be surprisingly heavy. |
|
Ring Compatibility |
Make sure the rings you buy are sized to match the pole diameter exactly. A loose ring on a 35mm pole on a 28mm ring is a disaster. |
|
Finials |
The end caps make a huge aesthetic difference. Look for acorn, ball, cage, or spear finials for a period look. Many sets sell poles and finials separately. |
|
Bracket Projection |
How far does the bracket project from the wall? If you have deep pelmets or heavy interlined curtains, you need a longer projection to ensure the fabric hangs clear. |
I] Lacquered Antique Brass
Most modern antique brass curtain hardware is lacquered — meaning it has a clear protective coating that preserves the finish and prevents further tarnishing.
II] Unlacquered Antique Brass
Unlacquered brass develops a natural patina over time, which is actually part of the appeal. You have a choice: embrace the patina or polish it back.
To maintain the patina (recommended for period properties):
To polish back to a brighter finish:
Use a proper brass polish like Brasso or Autosol, applied with a soft cloth.
The Lemon and Salt Trick
For a genuinely grimy piece of old brass — maybe something you’ve picked up at an antiques market — the old lemon and salt method still works brilliantly. Cut a lemon in half, dip it in table salt, and rub it on the brass. Leave for a minute, rinse with warm water, and dry. It’s cheap, effective, and satisfying.
Just don’t use it on lacquered brass. You will have a very bad time.
If you’re a commercial buyer — fitting out a boutique hotel, a portfolio of Airbnbs, or a property development — you might wonder whether antique brass hardware is worth the premium over standard chrome fittings.
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- Photography value: Antique brass photographs exceptionally well. It adds warmth and depth to property listings, which directly affects booking rates and sale prices.
- Durability: Quality brass hardware outlasts chrome-plated alternatives by years. It doesn’t peel, rust, or look dated quickly.
- Guest perception: In boutique and upscale accommodation, guests notice details. Antique brass says this place cares about quality.
- Trade pricing: Most of the suppliers listed above offer trade discounts. Hallis Hudson in particular is geared towards trade buyers.
For volume orders, I’d recommend reaching out directly to Hallis Hudson or Byron & Byron for trade account pricing. It’s worth it.
Which UK Companies Specialise in Antique Brass Curtain Fittings?
The standout names are Byron & Byron (luxury, London-based), Hallis Hudson (trade-focused, nationwide), Dunelm (accessible, high street), John Lewis (reliable, mid-range), and Croft Architecture & Ironmongery (heritage, period properties). For bespoke pieces, Etsy UK is genuinely excellent.
What Are the Best Online Stores for Vintage Brass Curtain Rods?
For genuine vintage pieces: eBay UK and Etsy UK. For new antique-effect rods: Amazon UK, Wayfair UK, and Dunelm. For high-end: Byron & Byron’s website or Hallis Hudson’s stockist network.
How Do I Clean Antique Brass Curtain Rings?
It depends on whether they’re lacquered or unlacquered. Lacquered: mild soapy water and a soft cloth, no polish or abrasives. Unlacquered: dust regularly, use Brasso for a polish, or the lemon-and-salt method for deep cleaning. Never use vinegar or abrasive cloths on either type.
Can You Mix Antique Brass With Modern Interiors?
Yes — carefully. It works best in transitional spaces that blend old and new. A pair of antique brass curtain poles in an otherwise modern room can act as an intentional anchor. Pair with natural textiles and warm tones for best results.
What Size Curtain Pole Do I Need?
Measure your window width and add 15–20cm either side to allow curtains to stack back without blocking light. For a bay window, you’ll need jointed or bay-specific poles. Standard diameters are 25mm (most common), 28mm, or 35mm for very heavy curtains.
Trends come and go. Rose gold had its moment. Matte black is everywhere right now. But antique brass? It’s been around since the Victorians and it’s still the right call for period UK homes.
There’s a reason the best interior designers keep coming back to it. It’s warm. It’s characterful. It ages gracefully. And when you pair it with the right fabric — a sweep of linen, a fall of velvet — it creates that room that makes people stop and say, right, where did you get that?
If you’re just getting started, I’d suggest heading to Dunelm or Wayfair for an accessible entry point. If you’re ready to invest properly, Byron & Byron or Hallis Hudson won’t disappoint. And if you want something genuinely unique, give Etsy UK or eBay a proper look — you might just find something extraordinary.
Have questions? Drop them in the comments. And if this helped you find the right hardware for your home, I’d love to hear about it — share a photo!
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