A Guide for Mixing Metals

Tip #1: Pick your dominate metal finish, and use the other as an accent

Choose a metal finish you love the most to be prominent in your space, and then select one or two more metal finishes to complete the design. Creating one dominant metal finish allows the space to have unity, while the other finishes give the space more character. A great dominate metal is Chrome, since it’s a more universal standard color and will match between different brands.

Tip #2: Only choose 2-3 metal finishes for your space

When selecting your finishes, you don’t want your space to be overwhelmed with too many colors. Two to three options are the perfect amount to create visual interest and depth. One finish you can never go wrong with is black.

Black goes with everything!

By Studio McGee-brass, nickel and black

By Chris Loves Julia- antique brass, chrome and black

Tip #3: Pair cool and warm tones

You will get the most impact out of your design when you mix warm and cool metals. To achieve this, you will need to place the metal fixtures around, and not clump them all in one area. Make sure to have more than one piece of each accent metal finish. That way your design looks intentional and thought out.

Warm metals, like gold and brass, come off as a rich pop of color and texture when placed with cool metals like silver and chrome.
— Kathy Kuo, Interior Designer

Tip #4: Spread out the dominate finish throughout the space

Spreading the dominate metal finish throughout your design will give your space more balance and unity. You want to show more of the dominate finish, so it will allow your eyes to be guided throughout the space.

Tip #5: Make sure alike metal finishes are on the same vertical plane

For example, use one metal finish for the lighting, cabinet hardware, and faucets.

By Studio McGee- Chrome, gold and oil rubbed bronze