Stainless steel is the coolest metal in the range and has the clearest effect. It supports glass and stone without visual weight and creates a contrast that no warm metal can achieve. Two things are regularly underestimated: the surface finish and the location.
Polished or brushed
Polished surfaces reflect, appear very prominent, and show every fingerprint and every fine scratch. This finish is suitable for pieces that are rarely touched, such as a console table against a wall or a pedestal. Brushed surfaces have a fine, directional texture, scatter light, and are significantly more forgiving in daily use. When cleaning brushed steel, always wipe in the direction of the brush marks; wiping across them will create visible streaks.
Why even stainless steel can rust
Stainless steel protects itself with a thin passive layer that regenerates itself with oxygen. If this layer is disturbed, stains can appear. Two causes are practically relevant. First, flash rust: tiny iron particles from the environment, such as from steel wool, a grinder, or a railway line, settle on the surface and rust there. This is external rust, not the steel itself. Second, chloride: salt air by the sea, road salt, and pool water attack the passive layer. If you are placing items by the coast or a pool, you should pay attention to a higher grade of stainless steel and rinse more frequently with clear water.
Care
For daily care, a soft cloth, warm water, and a small amount of dish soap are sufficient; afterwards, wipe dry to prevent water spots from leaving limescale marks. Special stainless steel cleaning products that leave a thin film can help against fingerprints. Steel wool, abrasive powders, chlorine-based cleaners, and descalers are not suitable: they create precisely the damage you want to avoid. Flash rust can be removed early with a stainless steel cleaner; later, a scar will remain.
Where stainless steel works best
Stainless steel is most effective as a frame under a heavy top, because the contrast between the solid surface and the thin frame makes the top appear to float: a stone slab on a slender frame, a glass top on a polished base, see Glass. In warm, richly textured rooms, it acts as an organizing element; in already cool rooms, it can quickly become too much. In such cases, brass is the better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can stainless steel rust?
The steel itself rarely rusts, but foreign particles can rust on it, which is called flash rust. Additionally, salt air, road salt, and chlorinated water can attack the protective passive layer.
Polished or brushed, which is more suitable for everyday use?
Brushed. The fine texture scatters light and makes fingerprints and fine scratches less noticeable. Polished surfaces have a stronger effect but require significantly more maintenance.
How do you clean stainless steel?
With warm water, a small amount of dish soap, and a soft cloth, then wipe dry. Steel wool, abrasive powders, and chlorine-based cleaners are prohibited.
Consultation by an authorized dealer
Casa Luxury is the interior world of an established, authorized Eichholtz specialist dealer. We are listed in the brand's official dealer directory and provide advice on materials, finishes, and delivery times, both online and in our showroom in Essen. For questions about a specific piece, please contact us at info@casa-luxury.de.
Stainless Steel by Eichholtz: Surfaces, Corrosion, Care: Models from the Collection
A selection from the areas discussed on this page. Each image leads to the product page.
Further in the guide: Eichholtz Console Tables · Eichholtz Glass · Eichholtz Outdoor · Eichholtz Care