4. Quality metal finish
You can tell very quickly whether a hardware or light fixture is cheap or not based on the finish of the metal. Mass-produced factory finishes like antique brass, satin brass, and oil-rubbed bronze generally look like cheap imitations of the real deal. The problem is either fake brass color, incorrect color representation, or troublesome repeating patterns. Cheap finishes unfortunately result in cheapening the design of the entire room.
Generally when it comes to brass, bronze and antique nickel/pewter finishes, the cheaper the price, the cheaper the finish looks. High quality brands produce high quality finishes because they are using real materials with natural ingredients giving them a more handmade feel.
On the other hand, chrome, polished nickel and matte black finishes can be found at more affordable prices without compromising on beauty.
Factory finishes I avoid: oil rubbed bronze, satin brass, brushed brass, and any “fake” brass.
Real finishes I like: antique/aged brass, polished brass, unlacquered brass, chrome, antique nickel/pewter, iron, bronze, and matte black.
