A Guide To Our Gunmetal Finishes: Antique Slate & Brushed Gunmetal

There's a reason gunmetal finish has become one of the most popular colours in contemporary interiors. Sitting somewhere between silver and black, it adds a grounded sophistication to a space, anchoring surrounding materials without overpowering them.

At ABI Interiors, we offer two distinct interpretations of this versatile tone: Antique Slate and brushed gunmetal. While both share a deep charcoal foundation, each creates a very different visual effect. Understanding the difference between slate grey vs gunmetal grey is key to choosing the right finish for your space.

A gunmetal finish occupies the cool, neutral end of the colour spectrum: a deep grey with a quiet sense of sophistication. It complements warm timbers, white stone, matte tiles, and crisp whites with ease, making it one of the most versatile hardware tones available.

Whether your space leans moody and dramatic or light and contemporary, gunmetal introduces depth and definition without overwhelming a space.

Like all finishes, however, no two gunmetal tones are exactly alike. Differences in texture, light reflection, and surface treatment all influence how a finish appears in a space.

While both finishes belong to the same charcoal family, brushed gunmetal presents as a dark grey tone with a cool, sophisticated edge. Its appearance feels clean, modern, and quietly commanding. Antique Slate appears deeper and softer, with a more muted slate-grey appearance that feels grounded and organic.

Surface texture dramatically changes how each finish feels within a space. Brushed gunmetal features fine directional brushing that creates a sleek, uniform appearance. The surface feels precise and architectural. Antique Slate undergoes our exclusive three-step vibratory tumbling process, creating subtle irregularities and an organic, lived-in texture that feels distinctly artisanal.

Light interacts differently with each finish throughout the day. Brushed gunmetal’s matte surface diffuses light evenly through its directional grain, giving it a more consistent appearance throughout the day. Its brushed texture also helps minimise the visibility of fingerprints and water spots. Antique Slate absorbs more light, creating subtle shadowing and variation that shifts with surrounding materials and changing natural light conditions.

 

Brushed gunmetal is achieved through fine directional brushing across the metal's surface, creating a subtle linear texture that softens light rather than reflecting it sharply. The result is a polished charcoal finish that lands between matte black and polished silver: modern, adaptable, and architectural. It's particularly well suited to contemporary and minimalist industrial interiors where clean lines and cohesive detailing take priority.

Part of our Antique Collection, Antique Slate is created through our exclusive three-step vibratory tumbling process, which uses ceramic and vibrational technology. Rather than producing a perfectly uniform finish, this method introduces subtle variation, texture, and depth that feels distinctly organic. Its cool, charcoal-grey tone works beautifully in moody, industrial, and architectural interiors seeking contrast and organic character.

While both finishes sit within the same charcoal-toned family, the right choice when weighing up slate grey vs gunmetal grey ultimately comes down to the overall mood you want to create. Brushed gunmetal offers a sleek, contemporary feel with subtle metallic depth, while Antique Slate introduces a softer, more organic texture with greater variation. Consider the materials in your space, the level of contrast you want to create, and whether your style leans toward a refined, architectural look or a warm, character-driven one.

Choose Brushed Gunmetal if:

• Your space feels contemporary, minimalist, or architectural
• You want a clean, uniform finish
• You prefer a subtle metallic sheen
• You're working with black tiles, terracotta, or engineered stone

Choose Antique Slate if:

• Your space leans moody, industrial, or organic
• You want visible texture and variation
• You prefer a matte, aged appearance
• You're pairing with natural timber, marble, travertine, or earthy-toned cabinetry

Both finishes are available across our wider ABI Interiors range, so your decision ultimately comes down to the atmosphere you want to create.

Both Antique Slate and brushed gunmetal are finished using a durable PVD electro-colouring system. This industrial-grade coating strengthens resistance to tarnishing, corrosion, and everyday wear while remaining environmentally conscious. Both finishes are built for longevity without compromising on aesthetics.

Brushed gunmetal and Antique Slate finishes are available across our full range. This includes antique gunmetal tapware, accessories, door hardware, and cabinet handles. 

We always recommend ordering colour samples before committing, allowing you to see how each finish interacts with your materials, lighting, and palette.

Still unsure which gunmetal finish feels right for your space? Our team is here to help. Book a complimentary design consultation for tailored guidance.

For more inspiration, read these guides:

A Guide to Our Brass Finishes: Brushed Brass, Antique Aurum & Tumbled Aged Brass

A Guide to Our Copper Finishes

A Guide to Choosing Coloured Tapware