Brass Sass

Hunting for bargains is one of my favorite ways to while away an hour, but those are rare moments these days.  Happily, the other day I poked into Homegoods for about fifteen minutes (which is quite a feat in itself) and stumbled upon this beaut.

I know what some of you are thinking.  Brass?  Really?! 

Before you completely write me off, did I mention that it was $10?  That’s right.  Ten big ones for an extra-large, weighty, softly brushed brass (it’s even prettier and softer in real life) fixture boasting craftsman details.  I promise this is not a paid advertisement. 

I did a triple take when I saw the price tag.  The pile of stickers showed that it had been marked down about six times; my theory is that people were afraid of it because the top of the light appears unfinished…like it’s missing pieces that might be necessary for hanging. 

So I looked it up online when I got home, and it turns out this is a flush-mount light from Robert Abbey’s collection.  It normally costs (gasp!) $500, and even when sold “cheaply,” it’s typically sold in the high $300s.  That’s what I call a steal. 

My options: Leave light as is OR spray paint the metal a different finish (such as oil-rubbed bronze or even a punchy blue or red) and someday grace a laundry/mud room, porch ceiling, hallway, or bedroom with its presence (meaning it will not likely be hung in our current house).  If all else fails, I’ll sell it for more than $10 and thank my lucky stars that I didn’t dismiss it while wandering down the clearance aisle. 

If you’re still wondering about brass, here are a few ways it’s bringing charming patina back into homes.