Is Matte Black Hardware Going Out of Style? Interior Designers Weigh In

Hardware isn't the biggest element of your home, but it can be very impactful. The right faucet, knob, or hinge can elevate a room, making it feel more cohesive, or even providing a bit of bling.

However, just like any element of home design, hardware trends often wax and wane. One prime example is matte black hardware, which was once all the rage, but has slowly faded from the spotlight. So has this color palette really gone out of style—or is it just experiencing a momentary lull? We asked interior designers for their thoughts.

Tastes Are Shifting

Matte black hardware was once considered a staple of the modern home. Its sleek, subdued profile proved a welcome antidote to louder finishes, like polished brass or chrome.

Now, tastes are shifting. "[It's] become so commonplace over the last 10 years, especially in flip renovations and spec homes, that it now reads as builder-grade," says Micaela Quinton, director of design at Copper Sky Design + Remodel.

Durability complaints are another concern, she notes. A matte black faucet may look beautiful when it's first installed, but over time it will start to chip, revealing the silver material beneath, and ruining the piece's sleek, contemporary look.

"It's just not the only go-to finish anymore," says Elizabeth Valkovics, founder and creative director of Batten Court Design. "Clients are definitely requesting it less."

How to Style Matte Black

There are scenarios where matte black hardware can still look elegant, even if it's fallen out of favor. "It's fantastic when I’m working with clean lines, graphic contrasts, or industrial-leaning interiors," says Valkovics. "It anchors a space and creates a bold silhouette."

For example, if you're going for a black-and-white, minimalist color palette, then a graphic black knob or pull can be the perfect complement.

It has a bit of a masculine edge, too, that works well when paired with materials in the same color palette. "Matte black still works selectively as door hardware, especially exterior doors and on steel doors—and in more modern spaces with dark color palettes," says Quinton.

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What Else Is Trending

So what's taking the place of matte black hardware? Interiors are shifting toward subtle color palettes that feel warm, lived-in, and unique. As a result, unlacquered, aged, and antique finishes are exploding in popularity.

Quinton notes that burnished brass and bronze are in high demand. Mixing materials is commonplace, too: "Pieces featuring wood, leather, marble, or ceramic accents can bring a more distinctive artisan touch," she adds.

Valkovics notes that these finishes provide a "richness, timelessness, and warmth that matte black doesn't offer." Instead of builder-grade and cold, they feel intentional, nuanced, and bespoke.