Oil Rubbed Bronze is one of the most popular door hardware finishes on the market. We have several similar finishes classed in this same category because they are similar in color/hue -- but they may vary from brand to brand.

For example, Schlage offers an Aged Bronze finish, which is very similar to the Kwikset Venetian Bronze. Both of these finishes are very similar to Weslock's Oil Rubbed Bronze. We recommend staying with the same brand throughout your home to keep a consistent look. Any of these finishes may work for the look you want, but there will be differences between the brands.

The important thing to remember about an Oil Rubbed Bronze finish is that it is meant to age with time. The more you use it, the more the undertones show through to the surface. The result is a really neat used look. If you like the look of Oil Rubbed Bronze, but don't want the finish to change over time, we recommend Schlage's Aged Bronze which is designed not to change over time. For a great deal on a door knob in this Oil Rubbed type finish, we recommend Sure-loc's Vintage Bronze finish - great quality and look for the price.

More About the Oil Rubbed Bronze Finish

Oil Rubbed Bronze (also known as finish code US10B) is made using several different methods depending on the manufacturer and the base material being used.

Generally oil rubbed bronze is a chemically-darkened finish, sometimes with a lacquer thin-coat over top. Over time as the finish wears, the base tones of the hardware will show through the finish. These undertones are generally reddish or copper in color. As mentioned above it is important to note that oil rubbed bronze finishes are meant to wear over time to reveal the undertones. This gives the knob a unique, worn look. Because of this, most manufacturers don't carry a finish warranty because it is designed to be a "living finish".

As with other door hardware finishes, you should only clean oil rubbed bronze hardware with a very very mild soap or just plain warm water. Chemicals used for cleaning will damage the finish.