There’s something undeniably appealing about the timeless allure of metal finishes in a home—but not just a single metal type in each room; a mix of various surfaces is what adds true luxury. Now, the question is, what metal finishes are available to begin with, and what’s the key to using metal finishes in interior design? We’ve contacted our Arizona-based designers for professional advice, the highlights of which we will share with you below 🤍
Why Metal Finishes Matter
The aesthetics metal finishes add… absolutely unbeatable. But that’s not it. There are so many more reasons why such textures are a must-have in interior design.
- Metals are versatile, so they complement every design style, be it Art Deco, industrial, traditional, modern, or whatever is on the rise.
- Metals add texture and contrast, especially when combined with softer materials, like fabric, stone, or wood.
- Metals offer timeless appeal. They never go out of style, and you always have something classic to flaunt.
- Metals make a small room look bigger, thanks to their reflective properties that utilize every inch of light available.
Popular Metal Finishes & Their Characteristics
Brass
A metal that seamlessly blends into every aesthetic, but is mostly seen in traditional, bohemian, and modern spaces. Elevates every room, and makes a great statement choice.
While polished brash is still popular, designers are using brushed, antique, or matte finishes to create a connection to the past. The metal works particularly well against darker colors, like navy blue, green, or burgundy.
Copper
With its distinct reddish-brown color, copper is considered a statement of luxury. Many people limit their imagination to copper cookware, and, by extension, use copper only in the kitchen. However, the warm, rich aesthetic of the metal makes it a stunning choice for both rustic and industrial interiors, where it can pair effortlessly with natural materials, like wood and stone.
Gold
When you think of opulence, you think of this metal. It introduces a sense of luxury to any interior, that, too, instantly. Though gold is used less today than in past years, touches of the material still hold a timeless charm, adding warmth to any space.
Polished Nickel
A metal that gains love for its versatility. Nickel adds sophistication with an industrial edge. It’s aesthetically pleasing and, best of all, captures a nostalgic vibe. Great if you’re using it in high-traffic areas (like the kitchen) because it’s great at masking fingerprints.
Chrome
The high shine of chrome reflects a ton of light, perfect for boxed-in rooms that need a hint of openness. The metal has made a big comeback in recent years, perhaps because of its retro flair—and incredible versatility to work with materials like cashmere, wool, and mohair.
Bronze
Earthy & aged, bronze sits beautifully in vintage-inspired homes, where hints from the past are cherished. Pair it with a neutral palette for a minimal interior, or decorate a biophilic design with bronze + neutral hues.
Matte Black
A classic for every interior, one that adds a contemporary, edgy vibe. Combines beautifully with a ton of different color schemes, but goes particularly well with lighter tones & a minimalist aesthetic.
How to Incorporate Metal Finishes in Your Space
Lighting Fixtures
One of the most impactful ways to introduce metal finishes in your home. Choose chandeliers, pendants, or sconces with brass, copper, or polished nickel to create a focal point in the room. Match the metal choice in your lighting with other accents in the space for a cohesive design.
Hardware
Double functional items as stylish accents, including door handles, cabinet pulls, and faucets. Matte black or brushed brass hardware adds subtle luxury to kitchens and bathrooms. Polished chrome, on the other hand, lends a clean, modern touch.
Furniture Details
Furniture with metal bases, frames, or inlays adds an upscale touch to any room. Think a brass-framed coffee table. A bed frame with bronze detailing. Or dining chairs with chrome legs.
Decorative Accents
Smaller decor pieces, like picture frames, vases, or mirrors with metallic borders, can add shine. Grouping metallic accessories together enhances their impact while maintaining balance.
Tips to Follow when Mixing Metal Finishes in Home Decor
Mix Opposites for Contrast
A room looks a lot more purposeful if the tones of mixed metals are different. If mixed metals are too similar in finish or color, the end result might look like an error. Designers suggest choosing a combination of opposites, like polished brass + satin nickel, so that it’s clear the aim is to create contrast. Another combo to avoid? Gold and brass—these two clash.
Take Note of Undertones
When mixing, for example, brass with another metal, choose an option with the same warm undertone as brass to achieve a harmonious look. But it gets trickier in some other combos, such as bronze, brass, and copper. Bronze (more reddish-brown) and brass (more yellow-gold) mix well because both have similar undertones. Copper won’t usually pair well with bronze or brass because it exudes a look that’s similar to either one.
Achieve a Curated Look
Properly mixing metals with an end result in mind gives the home a curated feel. Combining various metal finishes creates the impression that the design has evolved over time. It’s a foolproof way to make a room feel cohesive rather than pulled right from a catalog.
To mix metals properly, there needs to be a purpose to each metal’s presence. A good rule of thumb is that each metal type is seen at least twice in a room, excluding appliances.
Avoid Mixing Too Many Metals
Excessive metal mixing can backfire. The space will appear confusing, cluttered, and busy. If, for example, the bathroom has black door handles, you’d want to keep the robe hooks black, too—even if your sink pulls and faucets are brass.
Professional designers recommend mixing not more than one to two metals in small rooms, and a maximum of two to three in large rooms. Think of a small powder room; it’s best to stick to no more than two metals for a coherent look.
Although there are no hard-and-fast rules, select a dominant metal that carries the space, and then place the remaining metals as accents.
Choose a Dominant Finish
Opt for a dominant metal when mixing together 2+ metals in one space. For successful results, rely on the 60-30-10 decorating rule.
Selecting a dominant finish is important for another reason. That is, the same finish from one manufacturer might not be the same as from another manufacturer. Chrome usually looks the same, no matter the manufacturer, but oil-rubbed bronze can vary. As an example, use chrome as your dominant metal and oil-rubbed bronze as accents to reduce variances. Or, if you want oil-rubbed bronze to be the dominant metal, make sure to source all pieces from the same manufacturer, so there’s little to no quality difference.
Pick Metals That Make Sense
Choose your mix of metals by keeping in mind the room’s purpose and overall feel. For example, more formal rooms (like a primary bathroom or powder room), would do good with a warm choice like brass, regardless of what metal is used around the rest of the home.
By extension, matte black and gray iron are a no-fail combo for every interior, with other eye-catchy combinations including…
- Chrome + black
- Brass + chrome
- Black + brass
- Polished nickel + satin brass
- Gold + stainless steel
Use a Neutral Background
A toned-down color palette highlights the beauty of mixed metals without overwhelming the space. Keep the walls and major furniture pieces coated in trending neutral hues, so your luxurious metal accents can shine bright.
Final Words
Metal finishes in a home enhance the decor in seconds. Minimal. Opulent. Stunning. And if you, too, are looking to introduce such textures in your home, our Arizona-based interior designers can help; ring us today 🤙