Mixing Metal Finishes

April 20, 2023 Elke Bretz

I was recently asked if I am a gold or silver person and if I tend to stick to my metallic preference in my interiors. This made me think… Does every piece of hardware, each fixture and all framing really need to match perfectly? With brass, gold and copper really coming back in style, there has been quite a shift in adopting metal finishes throughout interior spaces — and mixing them!

Mixing metallic finishes can be very stylish if you follow just some basic guidelines. Here are my top tips when it comes to mixing your metals.

// Step 1

PLAN YOUR MIX OF METALS

All metals go together as long as you repeat it as an element throughout your space. However, in order for your metals to coexist in perfect harmony, plan your finishes and styles and how they might co-exits.

Consider how each element works with the other to create a style that is not too overwhelming. For example, cool metallic tones (silver, nickel and steel) bring a slick, modern aesthetic whilst warmer tones (gold, rose gold, bronze and brass among others) really ooze a touch of glamour. A mixture of the two can offer quite unique looks – contemporary and glamorous, minimalist with a raw appeal. You might even wish to incorporate a beautiful two-toned piece to fuse the metal look. A single piece with multiple metals can tie a design together effortlessly and beautifully.

// Step 2

CHOOSE A DOMINANT METAL AND ACCENT METALS

Pick a dominant metal (the one you’d love to be the most prominent one) for 80% of the metal in your space, then select 20% of one or two metal accents to complete the look. The idea is that the dominant metal creates a feeling of cohesion in your space while the accent metal adds nuance, variety and interest. This approach will guide the eyes throughout the space.

I would recommend not to use more than three different metal finishes in any space — using more that three and you might risk your space no longer looking unified.

// Step 3

BLEND WARM AND COOL METAL TONES

If you think your space feels ‘too cool - as in cold’, consider adding some brass or gold tones. As a rule of thumb, you might want to mix cool metals with warmer metals. Cool metals include chrome and nickel. Warmer metals include copper, brass, bronze and gold. It’s about finding that metallic equilibrium…

// Step 4

REPEAT THE FINISH IN MORE THAN ONE ELEMENT

Repetition means it is a purposeful choice (or statement), not a mistake. Spreading the dominant finish throughout your space really gives mixing your metals some context and builds synergy. Repeat each metal at least twice. I like to separate my metals by height and/or proximity so that the similar metals are in closer proximity to form a little unity. You might also want to try mixing shiny with more matte finishes i.e. natural brass with stainless steel. That leads me on to my next tip…

// Step 5

CONSIDER THE METAL FINISH

Different metals are available in a variety of finishes — polished brass, aged brass, unlacquered brass, etc. - and the finishes might even differ between different suppliers. If you plan to use items in a lot of differing tones and finishes, find a common theme which unites them. The finish you choose should fit in well with the style you’re trying to achieve.

// Step 6

IT’S IN THE MIX

Pay attention to your overall colour palette to keep the look and feel consistent. Warm metals (brass, gold, copper) work well with warmer hues (such as browns and yellows) while some cooler metals (like chrome and silver) pair well with with cooler hues (blue, green or grey). My personal favourite is to add warmth to crisp white by adding warm metals (such as brass accents).

// Step 7

IF IN DOUBT…

If in doubt, use matte black to balance metals like gold and silver. Black metals (iron or gunmetal) are considered neutral and pair well with pretty much anything. Imagine the combo of black metal with gold or brass! Just beautiful! Coloured metals like champagne bronze or brushed nickel are very warm metals that always look stylish with black.

Mixing metals is a growing trend. My advice is to focus on the beauty of the contrast and highlight your statement piece(s) without going overboard.

drift & co