Guide to the Best Brass and Copper Decor & Dinnerware for Indian Homes | Brass and copper care guide

September 11, 2024

Indian homes have long embraced the beauty and functionality of brass and copper in their decor and dinnerware. These materials are not only timeless but also add a sense of tradition and luxury to any space. With the rise of minimal luxury decor, brass and copper items have made a strong comeback, blending elegance with modern aesthetics. This guide will explore some of the best brass and copper decor and dinnerware products available in India and how you can incorporate them into your home. Plus, we’ll share some simple care tips to ensure these items remain beautiful for years to come.

Why Choose Brass and Copper?

Brass and copper have been used in Indian households for centuries, valued for their durability and beauty. Whether you're looking to elevate your dining table with elegant dinnerware or add a touch of luxury to your living room, pure brass decor and copper items are perfect choices.

These metals carry a sense of sophistication that pairs well with modern interiors while also connecting to our rich cultural heritage. Brass and copper items, such as a brass urli or brass charger plate, effortlessly add character and warmth to your home, making them must-have luxury items.

Best Brass and Copper Decor & Dinnerware from Lair Living

At Lair Living, we curate some of the finest brass decor and copper products that combine luxury with functionality. Here’s a look at some of our top products that can elevate your home:

Brass Elephant Urli: A modern take on the traditional urli, the brass elephant urli features intricate designs of elephants, symbolising good luck and prosperity. This piece can be placed in your living room or entryway, filled with flowers or water, adding a touch of serenity and elegance to your home.
Antique Brass Urli: For those who love a vintage vibe, the antique brass urli is the perfect addition. Its aged patina gives it an old-world charm while still fitting seamlessly into modern spaces.
Brass Candle Stand: Minimal yet luxurious, the brass candle stand from Lair Living brings warmth and style to any setting. Perfect for a dinner table or as a decor item on your living room shelf, this piece adds an understated elegance.
Brass Jewellery Box: A unique blend of style and function, the brass jewellery box is a decorative storage solution. Place it on your dressing table or even in your living room as an eye-catching statement piece.
Brass Charger Plate: Looking to elevate your dining experience? The brass charger plate is an elegant addition to any dinner setting, making it perfect for special occasions or even everyday use when you want to add a touch of luxury to your meals.

How to Incorporate Brass and Copper Decor in Your Home

If you’re aiming for a mix of modern and traditional, brass and copper items are the way to go. The key is to balance these luxurious pieces with other minimalist elements in your home for a refined, cohesive look.

Living Room: Start with a centrepiece like the brass elephant urli or the antique brass urli. Add subtle touches with items like the brass candle stand or a brass jewellery box placed on your coffee table or bookshelf.
Dining Area: Impress your guests by incorporating brass charger plates into your dining setup. Pair them with neutral dinnerware to create a striking contrast. You can also use reed diffusers as table decor to create a sensory experience that enhances your meal.
Bedroom: For a touch of luxury in your personal space, place a brass jewellery box on your bedside table. Pair it with an aesthetic soy wax candle for a calm and inviting atmosphere.

These pieces are versatile and work beautifully in both traditional and contemporary settings, making them a perfect fit for any home.

Brass and Copper Care and Cleaning Steps

While brass and copper are highly durable and can last for generations, they require regular care to maintain their shine and prevent tarnishing. Over time, exposure to air and moisture causes these metals to develop a natural patina—a greenish or brownish film that some people find appealing for its vintage charm. However, if you prefer your brass and copper items to retain their polished, golden hues, proper cleaning and maintenance are essential. Let's dive into more detailed steps for cleaning and caring for your brass and copper decor and dinnerware.

Cleaning Brass: Tips for Maintaining That Golden Glow

Brass is a beautiful alloy made from copper and zinc, known for its warm, golden appearance. Keeping it shiny and looking its best requires some periodic maintenance.

Routine Cleaning: For regular cleaning, use warm water and mild soap to gently clean your brass items. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers, as these can damage the surface. After washing, rinse thoroughly and immediately dry the item with a soft, clean cloth. This prevents water spots from forming, which can dull the brass over time.
Polishing Brass: If your brass item starts to lose its shine, a brass polish can help restore its lustre. Apply the polish with a soft cloth, using circular motions to gently buff the surface. Always read the polish instructions carefully, as some products are designed specifically for lacquered brass, while others are better suited for uncoated brass items. If your brass decor has intricate designs, you can use a soft toothbrush to get into the small crevices.
Homemade Brass Cleaner: Prefer a more natural cleaning method? You can create a homemade brass cleaner using common household items. A paste made from equal parts lemon juice and baking soda works wonders on tarnished brass. Apply the paste with a soft cloth, gently rub it into the brass, and then rinse it off with warm water. Make sure to dry the brass completely to avoid water stains. Another option is to use vinegar and salt, which can also effectively clean tarnish without the need for harsh chemicals.
Preventing Tarnish: Brass can tarnish if exposed to air and moisture over long periods. To reduce tarnishing, store your brass items in a dry, cool environment. If your brass decor is on display, consider wiping it down with a dry, soft cloth regularly to remove dust and oils from your hands that can accelerate tarnishing.

Cleaning Copper: Preserving Its Natural Beauty

Copper, like brass, develops a natural patina over time. While this is a sign of authenticity for many, you might prefer to keep your copper decor and dinnerware shiny. Here’s how to clean and care for copper to ensure it stays looking beautiful.

Vinegar and Salt Cleaning Method: One of the best ways to clean copper is using a mixture of vinegar, salt, and flour. This is especially effective for heavily tarnished copper items. Simply mix the vinegar and salt into a paste, then apply it to the copper surface. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the level of tarnish, and then rinse it off with warm water. Be sure to dry the copper immediately with a soft cloth to prevent any water spots from forming. This method is gentle and effective, helping to restore the copper’s natural shine.
Lemon and Salt Polishing: For a quick touch-up, you can cut a lemon in half, dip it in salt, and rub it directly onto the copper surface. The natural acidity of the lemon combined with the abrasiveness of the salt will work to remove tarnish and oxidation. Afterward, rinse the copper thoroughly and dry it with a clean cloth. This simple yet effective cleaning method works well for both decor and copper dinnerware, ensuring that your items remain gleaming and pristine.
Long-Term Copper Care: Like brass, copper is prone to tarnishing, especially when exposed to moisture. To reduce the need for frequent cleaning, make sure to keep your copper items in a dry place and avoid handling them with oily hands. Regular wiping with a soft, dry cloth will help keep your copper looking fresh. If you prefer the aged patina look, you can simply allow the copper to age naturally without polishing it frequently. For those who prefer shiny copper, applying a copper polish or beeswax after cleaning can help maintain the luster longer.
Avoid Scratches: Copper is a soft metal, which means it can scratch easily. When cleaning, always use soft cloths or non-abrasive sponges to avoid damaging the surface. If scratches do occur, a light buffing with a copper cleaner can help, but it’s best to prevent them by handling the items carefully during use and cleaning.

Why Regular Care Matters

Regular care and cleaning of your brass and copper decor not only help maintain their beauty but also ensure their longevity. These metals are timeless, and with proper care, they can last for generations, continuing to bring luxury and elegance to your home. Whether you're maintaining a brass elephant urli, brass candle stand, or copper dinnerware, the right cleaning methods will keep these items looking their best. At Lair Living, our collection of pure brass decor and dinnerware items is designed to stand the test of time, and with the care tips outlined above, you can enjoy their beauty for years to come.

Why Choose Lair Living for Brass and Copper Decor?

At Lair Living, we offer the best luxury brass decor available in India, carefully curated to suit both traditional and modern homes. Each piece is crafted with the finest materials, ensuring you get long-lasting quality along with exquisite design. From brass charger plates to brass candle stands, our collection embodies the essence of minimal luxury decor. Plus, we provide detailed care instructions to ensure your pieces stay as beautiful as the day you bought them.

Whether you're starting small with a brass table bell or looking to invest in larger statement pieces like an antique brass urli, Lair Living has everything you need to create a luxurious and stylish home.

Incorporating pure brass decor and copper items into your home can transform your space into a luxurious yet warm environment. With the right care and a few key pieces from Lair Living, you can bring elegance, tradition, and modernity together in your home.

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