When selecting finishes for faucets, door hardware, or other home fixtures, two popular options often come up: Oil Rubbed Bronze and Venetian Bronze. Both finishes exude timeless elegance and are loved for their classic appeal, but they aren’t identical. Homeowners and interior designers frequently find themselves wondering what sets these two finishes apart.
In this article, we’ll break down the characteristics, appearance, durability, and care of Oil Rubbed Bronze and Venetian Bronze finishes to help you make an informed decision for your home.
What Are Oil Rubbed Bronze and Venetian Bronze?
Oil Rubbed Bronze and Venetian Bronze are finishes applied to metals like brass or copper. They both belong to the bronze finish family but differ in how they are created and how they wear over time.
- Oil Rubbed Bronze: This is a chemically darkened finish that mimics the look of aged bronze. The finish is applied by rubbing a dark solution (often with oil) onto the metal, which gives it a deep brown, almost black appearance. Over time, the finish can wear in certain spots, revealing hints of the underlying bronze or copper. This “living finish” is part of the appeal for many homeowners.
- Venetian Bronze: This finish, while still in the bronze family, is usually more consistent in color and sheen. It’s typically a powder-coated or painted finish, resulting in a rich, dark brown with subtle copper undertones. Unlike Oil Rubbed Bronze, Venetian Bronze is not a “living finish,” meaning it maintains its color and texture over time with less variation.
Appearance: Key Visual Differences
One of the main distinctions between Oil Rubbed Bronze and Venetian Bronze is their appearance.
Oil Rubbed Bronze:
- Color and Texture: Oil Rubbed Bronze typically has a dark, almost black hue, with hints of bronze or copper peeking through in high-wear areas. The finish is often matte, and its color can evolve over time, giving it a more rustic and aged look. This makes it perfect for traditional or vintage-style homes.
- Aging Process: Because Oil Rubbed Bronze is a living finish, it will naturally change as it’s exposed to wear and tear. This patina effect adds character, though it may not appeal to those looking for a more uniform, modern appearance.
Venetian Bronze:
- Color and Texture: Venetian Bronze, on the other hand, is more stable in color and finish. It has a deep brown shade with copper or reddish undertones, often with a subtle sheen. Unlike Oil Rubbed Bronze, this finish won’t patina over time, offering a more consistent, polished look. Venetian Bronze is ideal for those who want a rich bronze appearance without the unpredictability of color changes.
- Uniform Finish: Since it doesn’t wear in the same way as Oil Rubbed Bronze, Venetian Bronze fixtures will maintain a uniform appearance for years to come, making it a popular choice for more modern or contemporary homes.
Durability and Maintenance
When it comes to durability and upkeep, Oil Rubbed Bronze and Venetian Bronze have some key differences:
Oil Rubbed Bronze:
- Durability: While sturdy, Oil Rubbed Bronze can show wear and tear over time, especially in high-use areas like kitchen faucets or door handles. This wear is part of its charm, with the finish developing a unique patina that reflects years of use. However, some homeowners might find this wear to be too unpredictable or uneven.
- Maintenance: Oil Rubbed Bronze requires regular maintenance to preserve its finish. It’s sensitive to harsh chemicals, so cleaning should be done with a soft cloth and a mild soap or water solution. Occasionally, applying a light coat of oil (like mineral oil or a furniture oil) can help restore its original sheen and maintain the dark tones.
Venetian Bronze:
- Durability: Venetian Bronze is more resilient to wear compared to Oil Rubbed Bronze. Since it’s typically a powder-coated finish, it resists scratches, chipping, and fading, making it ideal for high-traffic areas or fixtures that will be frequently touched.
- Maintenance: This finish requires minimal maintenance. It can be cleaned with a damp cloth or a mild cleaner without worrying about damaging the surface. Unlike Oil Rubbed Bronze, Venetian Bronze won’t require oil treatments to maintain its appearance, making it a lower-maintenance option overall.
Cost Implications
Price is another important factor when deciding between Oil Rubbed Bronze and Venetian Bronze.
Oil Rubbed Bronze:
- Higher Cost: Oil Rubbed Bronze tends to be more expensive than Venetian Bronze due to its specialized finishing process. The fact that it’s a living finish, with the ability to change and age over time, also adds to its cost.
- Potential for Replacements: Because Oil Rubbed Bronze develops a patina and shows wear, some homeowners may feel the need to replace or refinish the fixture after a few years if they prefer a more polished look.
Venetian Bronze:
- Affordable Option: Venetian Bronze, while still considered a premium finish, is generally more affordable than Oil Rubbed Bronze. Since it doesn’t require as much specialized care or finishing, manufacturers can offer it at a lower price point.
- Lower Long-Term Costs: Given its durability and low maintenance, Venetian Bronze might end up being more cost-effective in the long run, as it won’t need refinishing or replacement due to wear.
Common Applications
Both finishes work well for a variety of home applications, but their unique qualities make them suited to different design preferences.
- Oil Rubbed Bronze: This finish is often chosen for its antique, rustic charm. It’s a great choice for homes with vintage, farmhouse, or traditional décor styles. You’ll often see it used for door hardware, light fixtures, and faucets in homes where a weathered, aged look is desirable.
- Venetian Bronze: For those who prefer a more polished and consistent finish, Venetian Bronze is a good fit. It works well in transitional and modern homes where a sleek, dark finish with subtle bronze undertones complements the overall design. It’s commonly used for faucets, cabinet hardware, and light fixtures, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
Recommended Kitchen Faucet Brands and Models for Oil Rubbed Bronze and Venetian Bronze
When selecting a kitchen faucet in either Oil Rubbed Bronze or Venetian Bronze, it’s important to consider not only the finish but also the brand’s reputation for quality, durability, and design. Below are some top kitchen faucet brands and models that offer these finishes, ensuring that your kitchen combines both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Oil Rubbed Bronze Kitchen Faucets
- Delta Faucet Leland Single-Handle Touch Kitchen Faucet
- Finish: Oil Rubbed Bronze
- Features: Delta’s Leland faucet combines traditional design with modern technology. It features Delta’s Touch2O technology, allowing you to turn the faucet on and off with just a touch. The oil rubbed bronze finish has a beautiful, aged appearance, making it ideal for kitchens with rustic or vintage-inspired décor.
- Why It’s a Good Fit: The aged look of the oil rubbed bronze gives this faucet an authentic, weathered appearance that complements farmhouse or traditional kitchen designs. Delta is also known for its high-quality faucets, ensuring long-lasting performance.
- Moen Brantford Single-Handle Pulldown Kitchen Faucet
- Finish: Oil Rubbed Bronze
- Features: This faucet by Moen offers a timeless, classic design with a high-arc pulldown spout for maximum reach. It also features Moen’s PowerClean technology for a more forceful water spray, ideal for washing dishes.
- Why It’s a Good Fit: The oil rubbed bronze finish of the Brantford faucet offers a rich, dark tone with subtle copper undertones, which can add a sophisticated, old-world charm to your kitchen. Moen’s reputation for durable, easy-to-install faucets makes this a great choice for any kitchen upgrade.
- Kohler K-596-VS Simplice Single-Handle Pull-Down Faucet
- Finish: Oil Rubbed Bronze
- Features: Kohler’s Simplice faucet has a sleek design that fits well in both modern and traditional kitchens. The oil rubbed bronze finish gives it a darker, more antique appearance, while the high arch and 360-degree swivel spout ensure optimal functionality.
- Why It’s a Good Fit: With its living finish that evolves over time, the oil rubbed bronze option from Kohler delivers a sense of timeless elegance. Kohler is known for its sturdy construction and thoughtful design, making this faucet a reliable choice.
Venetian Bronze Kitchen Faucets
- Delta Faucet Cassidy Single-Handle Kitchen Faucet
- Finish: Venetian Bronze
- Features: The Cassidy faucet from Delta offers a sleek, vintage-inspired design with modern functionality. It features a pull-down sprayer and a high-arc spout, with Delta’s MagnaTite docking system to keep the spray head securely in place.
- Why It’s a Good Fit: The Venetian Bronze finish gives the Cassidy faucet a rich, dark brown tone with subtle copper undertones. Unlike oil rubbed bronze, this finish won’t wear down over time, making it a great choice for those who want a consistent, polished look in their kitchen.
- Moen Arbor One-Handle Pulldown Kitchen Faucet
- Finish: Venetian Bronze
- Features: The Moen Arbor series features a versatile design that fits both traditional and contemporary kitchens. With its Venetian Bronze finish, the faucet brings a deep, chocolate-brown hue with a hint of copper. The faucet also offers Moen’s Reflex system for smooth operation and secure docking of the spray head.
- Why It’s a Good Fit: This faucet’s Venetian Bronze finish ensures a consistent, sleek appearance that won’t change over time. Its modern features like pulldown functionality and high-arc spout make it a great addition to any kitchen seeking a luxurious yet durable finish.
- Pfister Ashfield Single Control Kitchen Faucet
- Finish: Venetian Bronze
- Features: The Pfister Ashfield faucet features an old-world pump design, adding a charming, rustic feel to your kitchen. The Venetian Bronze finish is a rich, dark brown color with copper highlights that make it stand out.
- Why It’s a Good Fit: Pfister’s Ashfield faucet is a perfect fit for those who want a rustic design paired with a consistent, long-lasting Venetian Bronze finish. It works well in vintage or country-style kitchens, adding both character and functionality.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Between Oil Rubbed Bronze and Venetian Bronze Faucets
If you’re leaning toward a more traditional or rustic look that evolves over time, Oil Rubbed Bronze faucets from top brands like Delta, Moen, and Kohler are excellent choices. These faucets not only offer the aesthetic appeal of a living finish but also the reliability of well-respected manufacturers.
On the other hand, if you prefer a consistent, long-lasting finish with modern features, Venetian Bronze options from brands like Delta, Moen, and Pfister are ideal. Venetian Bronze faucets offer a rich, dark finish that stays uniform over time, making them perfect for kitchens that need a sophisticated, low-maintenance fixture.
No matter which finish you choose, the recommended brands and models ensure that your kitchen faucet will be a stylish and functional addition to your home.