Brass has a natural chameleon-like ability to mesh with any design style. Whether used in home furnishings or large construction projects, its durability and resistance to corrosion make it the ideal material for marine lighting.
A brass nautical light will look beautiful paired with coastal décor and other eclectic vintage styles. However, be careful not to overdo the brass!
Durability
There is something about antique brass nautical lighting that sets the ambiance for a room. Maybe it is the way they shimmer in the sunlight or how they set off shadows on a ceiling or wall. Or maybe it’s the fact that these lights aren’t just lamps but also pieces of maritime history. Whatever it is, you can rest assured that the reclaimed brass nautical light fixtures from Big Ship Salvage are durable enough to last for years in your home.
Unlike powder-coated aluminum and plastic, brass is a true metal alloy that can stand up to the elements. It is also very strong, making it less likely to crack and chip like cheaper fixtures. Whether you are a homeowner who wants to create a rustic style or a professional interior designer who works with materials on a regular basis, the durability of these nautical lights is worth the investment in quality.
Brass is an excellent choice for nautical lights because of its ductility and resistance to corrosion. These features make it a superior material for lighting fixtures and other hardware. Brass is typically comprised of copper and zinc (usually 70-30% copper and 30% zinc). The addition of the harder zinc component gives brass the strength necessary for certain applications where softer copper would not work, such as screws and knuckles. Zinc also helps prevent tarnishing, making it an excellent material for indoor fixtures such as lamps, doorknobs, and other decorative hardware.
While many newer light fixtures are made of a variety of materials, including plastic and aluminum, brass is the most durable. Brass can be polished to a beautiful finish for fixtures or left unfinished to develop an aged patina. The patina can be preserved with a clear car wax or furniture polish such as Briwax, or the fixture can be re-polished to its original shine.
The reclaimed brass nautical lights from Big Ship Salvage are a perfect choice for any room in your home, including bathrooms and kitchens. We offer a large selection of nautical ceiling lights in several different styles, including pendants and flush mounts. We can even fabricate mountings to fit a standard electrical box for low-voltage or line voltage applications. We also have a wide range of nautical-style wall sconces, which can be mounted to a wall or hung from a chain.
Style
Nautical-style lighting is the perfect way to bring a bit of ocean charm into your home. These lamps and fixtures are often crafted from brass, a material that’s ideal for the seaside. Brass light fixtures stand up to the salty air and sea spray much better than aluminum or iron alternatives. They also come in a variety of finishes, so you can find the perfect fit for your décor scheme.
Brass is an alloy, a mixture of copper and zinc. While it isn’t as strong as steel, it is very durable. Brass ages beautifully, developing a rich patina that’s perfect for nautical fixtures. While you can polish it to maintain the shine, most people prefer the aged look that comes with unlacquered brass. If you’re worried about tarnishing, try using car wax to protect the finish.
Authentic nautical lights salvaged from actual ships are among the most desirable, as they’ve been built to last and made with high-quality materials. The brass used to make these light fixtures is harder than other types, which makes them able to resist corrosion and rust.
These ship lights can be installed as ceiling pendants, flush mounts, or chandeliers. They’re perfect for kitchens and bathrooms, but you can also use them in a bedroom or as a decorative light over the sofa. Many of these salvaged lights are also rated to be suitable for outdoor use, meaning that they can be installed on your porch or patio without worrying about the elements.
When you choose a brass nautical light, you can select from a polished or satin finish. Polished brass is bright and shiny, a great choice for those who want to add an elegant touch to their décor. Satin brass is a subtler option with a matte finish that’s ideal for those who prefer a more understated aesthetic.
If you’re interested in purchasing a vintage brass nautical light, check out the selection offered by Lannan Gallery. These heavy-duty, cast brass light fixtures can withstand even the most challenging of coastal conditions. They’re not UL wired, but a professional can rewire them to meet your UL requirements.
Warmth
When it comes to light fixtures, brass offers a warm and welcoming glow that other materials just don’t match. This quality can help set the mood in any space, creating a relaxing atmosphere and accentuating any nautical decor.
Brass doesn’t corrode like aluminum, which means it can stand up to harsh weather conditions without deteriorating. Unlike cheaper metals that quickly turn yellow and rust, they can also hold their color. These characteristics make it the ideal choice for outdoor lighting, especially in coastal areas, as it can withstand exposure to salty sea air. While these types of lights may be more expensive than those made of other materials, they are well worth the investment.
In addition to being durable, these fixtures are stylish and look great. They can complement any nautical-themed room, whether it’s a bedroom, kitchen, or bathroom. They can also be used as a porch or garage lighting. They can even be repurposed as table lamps with shades crafted from navigational charts.
Most salvaged maritime lights were once covered in thick marine paint encrusted with salt and debris, but they can be easily stripped to reveal their original beauty. Big Ship Salvage uses soda blasting (20 psi) to strip the old paint and rust from their fixtures, which is less damaging than traditional sandblasting. Once the fixture is clean, it can be polished using 3M Polishing Compound (Brasso works great) or with a bronze wool polish pad for a matte finish. Car waxes such as Turtle Wax can also be applied to preserve the patina.
Once a piece has been cleaned and rewired, it can be installed in any indoor or outdoor space. For example, a brass port or starboard light can be placed on a wall, while a vintage copper helm light can be mounted to a ceiling.
Nautical lighting also pairs well with nautical furniture and decor, such as nautical clocks or nautical mirrors. This creates a complete look for any space and can be an excellent way to make a room feel more beachy. Whether you’re decorating a nautical-themed home, a restaurant, or any other space, a refurbished nautical light can provide the perfect finishing touch.
Eco-Friendliness
Unlike many aluminum or chrome-plated light fixtures that need to be replaced due to corrosion, brass stands up to the elements. It is an eco-friendly material that behaves ideally in very cold temperatures and resists corrosion even when exposed to salty sea air. Rather than rust, brass develops a protective coating called patina.
When a piece of brass is aged or used to age naturally, it often acquires an attractive, dark brown patina that can add to its charm. Brass is also more environmentally friendly than other metals that can be used to make lights, including powder-coated aluminum and steel, because it does not require any toxic chemical finishes.
Brass is also a good choice for nautical lighting because it does not react with water, especially ocean water, which is rich in salt. This makes it the perfect material for coastal areas and any fixture that will be exposed to rain and humidity.
In addition to its durability, this metal is also a great choice because it is easily recycled. It is a more sustainable option than aluminum and plastic because it can be reused again and again without losing its structural integrity. This is because of its unique composition and the way it holds its own over time.
These heavy-duty cast brass nautical lights are made to last and are UL Listed. They are fabricated to cover a standard electrical box and are suitable for either low or line-voltage applications. If you require a custom mounting, please call to discuss.
These salvaged ship lights were originally used on ships to illuminate and guide their voyages. These beautiful pieces of history have been repurposed to grace any room, from a wall sconce in the bath or on the porch to a table lamp or candle holder. Some have been painted with starboard and port colors, while others are unpainted and adorned only with their natural patina. Regardless of the color, these nautical lights are a symbol of their original purpose and are sure to add warmth, style, and character to any home or yacht.
