Natural stone and brass in bespoke furniture: a designer's guide

Natural stone and brass are among our favourite materials for bespoke furniture. Both have been used in architecture for centuries, both gain character with time and, used well, both can turn a piece of furniture into a sculptural object. Both also demand a careful design and production process.

Choosing the stone: block, veining and colour

Stones such as Calacatta, Nero Marquina and travertine vary greatly from block to block, even under the same name. For a bespoke piece, choose the stone from the actual slab whenever possible, not from a catalogue. The direction of the veining should be considered together with the form: horizontal veining makes a long console look even longer, while vertical veining gives a more monolithic effect.

The finish defines the character

The same stone looks very different polished, honed, brushed or antiqued. A polished finish deepens the colour but shows scratches and stains more readily. Honed or brushed finishes look more natural and cope better with daily use. With porous stones such as travertine, whether to fill the pores is also an important design decision.

Weight is a design input

The weight of natural stone affects how a piece is moved and installed, and even the floor loading of the building. Where a solid-block look is wanted, weight can be reduced considerably with honeycomb-backed thin slabs or hollow box sections. This decision belongs at the very start of the design.

Brass: a living material

Brass changes with air and touch. Lacquered brass stays bright for a long time; unlacquered brass darkens and develops a patina. Which to choose depends on where and how the piece will be used. On frequently touched details, the natural patina of unlacquered brass often gives the most beautiful result.

Joinery shows quality

The points where stone meets metal, or stone meets timber, reveal the quality of a piece. Avoid visible screws and glue lines, allow for different rates of expansion between materials and design joints as deliberate details.

Maintenance

Natural stone, especially around kitchens and dining areas, should be protected against staining with regular impregnating sealer. Acidic substances can etch marble. For brass, a soft cloth and the right care products are enough. Giving the client a simple care guide at handover helps the piece last for generations.

In short

Furniture designed in natural stone and brass can, with the right decisions, become an object used for generations. When stone selection, finish, weight and joinery are considered together from the start, the result is not only beautiful but lasting.

You can explore pieces we have designed with these materials on the collection page.