Mixing Metals in Interior Design

Metals are an incredibly popular accent in interior design because they add such an amazing pop of glitter, sheen, and shine.

With so many different metals to choose from, it can be hard to limit yourself to just one. The good news is, you don’t have to! Mixing metals is an awesome way to pump up the sparkle and pizzazz of your home decor. You just need to follow a few simple design rules to make sure your mixing and matching doesn’t create a visual mess.

Consider the room’s color palette

Metals function best as design accents, so when you’re choosing your metals, look for ones that will complement the color palette of the room. The basic rule is that warm metals look best with warm colors—likewise with cool.

For example, if your room’s color palette is based on cozy beiges, browns, creams, and pinks, then similarly warm metals like brass, copper, and gold are your best bets. A room adorned in stately greys and steely blues will come to life with pops of chrome and silver.

Pick a dominant metal

What often makes the difference between a thoughtful design that just feels “right” and an assortment of elements that feels jumbled and chaotic is a focal point. Picking a dominant metal can set an overall tone that snaps the room into focus and makes it feel pulled together and polished.

Your dominant metal should be, well, dominant, so choose it for the largest or most prominent pieces in the room. For instance, if your dining room has a high ceiling, you can draw attention upward with a chandelier that features gold pieces. Then, choose smaller pieces that complement the chandelier, such as warm brass-colored tableware or a clear glass vase rimmed with gold as a table centerpiece.

Mix warm and cool tones

When coordinating your design elements, you don’t want to over-coordinate, since this can create a look that is too “matchy matchy.” Contrast is your friend, so be bold about mixing warm and cool metal tones to inject a little variety and visual interest into your space.

As for which metal combinations work best, the truth is that all metals can go well together—you just need to be selective and take a “less is more” approach. Limit yourself to no more than three different tones and let your own natural taste and design preference be your guiding light.

Pay attention to texture and finishes

The same metal can look completely different depending on the type of texture or finish that is applied to it. Matte metals lend a subtle and refined quality, while polished metal introduces a high-shine “wow” factor. Hammered finishes are super cool and eye-catching. Play around with the different options to see what you like best.

Test drive the look first with small decor

Before committing wholeheartedly to new, metal-heavy interior decor, give yourself a sneak preview of the aesthetic by making small decor updates first.

Updating the faucets and fixtures in your kitchen is a good way to start and lets you get a bite-sized version of how metals will look and feel in the space. Once you’re sure you’re happy with the change, you can go full steam ahead and start incorporating metals into other areas, like your backsplash, tables, cabinets, and more.

Start designing your dream interior decor

Are you feeling inspired to add some shine and sparkle to your home with metal? We can help you pick the perfect metal accents to breathe new life into your space. Reach out to us today to get started.