Brass Railings Add Warmth and Luxury to Commercial Designs

Brass railings are making a stylish comeback in modern architecture. After years of monochromatic design trends, designers are embracing brass for its warmth and luster. From upscale restaurants to luxury hotels and office spaces, brass brings both beauty and functionality to commercial spaces.

Why brass handrails?

Brass is an alloy made primarily of copper and zinc. Its high copper content contributes to its warm, golden tones, while zinc adds durability. Brass also contains small amounts of lead or tin, which enhance its resistance to corrosion. Known for its natural antimicrobial properties and resistance to rust, brass is a low-maintenance, high-impact option for heavy traffic areas.

Reasons for brass railings’ enduring popularity

Design trends follow cycles. In residential design, the risks and costs to make changes are not necessarily very expensive. In contrast, in commercial design, the scope of aesthetic changes can result in major costs. Even more, they can lead to customer inconvenience and potential downtime for a space. That’s why commercial developers and designers are extremely thoughtful in their choices: their decisions have enduring implications. 

Brass stands apart from fleeting fads. Here are four reasons why.

1. Brass enhances the look of any space

The radiant golden hue of brass contrasts beautifully with materials like marble, wood, glass, and concrete, or complements classic elements like rich leathers, stone accents, and intricate moldings. Brass also offers versatility in appearance. Over time, it develops a rich patina, creating a unique and distinctive finish. 

2. Brass contributes to a safe and healthy environment

Brass offers more than just beauty — it’s an antimicrobial powerhouse. The high copper content disrupts microbial membranes, preventing mutation and reproduction. 

Studies show that brass significantly reduces harmful bacteria on high-touch surfaces like door handles and railings by up to 83%, and helps to lower infections by 58% compared to stainless steel or plastic. 

Brass’s ability to kill bacteria, including MRSA and coronavirus, lasts two hours from time of contact and remains effective over time. Due to these benefits, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognizes brass as an official antimicrobial material, making it a practical choice for healthcare environments where hygiene is critical.

3. Brass railings outlast other materials 

Brass stands out for its durability. Unlike steel or iron, brass resists rust, corrosion, and degradation — even when exposed to moisture, sunlight, and extreme temperatures. More resistant to scratches and wear compared to materials like wood or plastic, brass railings retain elegance, even in high-use areas.

4. Brass is a sustainable, recyclable investment

For eco-conscious businesses, brass is a sustainable option. Fully recyclable, brass can be reused without losing its chemical and physical properties, giving it the edge over aluminum and steel. Recycling brass reduces the demand for new copper and zinc, minimizing environmental impact and contributing to the circular economy. This practice conserves materials while also providing a potential return on investment through scrap metal sales, as brass retains 75-85% of its original value. 

Installation spotlight: Chef Emeril’s 34 Restaurant

One prime example of brass railings elevating design is Chef Emeril Lagasse’s 34 Restaurant in New Orleans. The 245-seat restaurant features custom brass railings by Lavi Industries, which complement the space’s luxurious design. 

The lustrous 1.5” polished brass tubing, which Chef Emeril personally approved, adds a warm glow and accentuates the curved paths and staircases throughout the space, including the sensational nautilus-shaped entrance. The tube railings, with flush fittings and handrail brackets, are a beautiful accent to the restaurant’s green earth tones, dark woods, and intricate Azulejos tiles. 

Chef Emeril praised the design, noting the brass railings made guests from Portugal feel right at home.

Lavi Industries: Experts in brass railings

At Lavi Industries, we specialize in the design and fabrication of both custom and prefabricated quality brass railings for residential and commercial applications. Whether you’re enhancing a restaurant, hotel, office space, medical facility, or home; whether for hallways, terraces, stairways or even cocktail bars – Lavi premium brass railings offer beauty and performance. Our in-house design team can work with you to meet your exact specifications for any space, any need.

Ready to elevate your architecture with brass railings? 

Explore our Architectural Railing and Fittings catalog or reach out to us at 1.888.285.8605.