6 Tips For Using Mixed Metals In Your Home


72" Novak Teak Vanity, Lentz Widespread Bathroom Faucet, Towel Ring in Matte Black, Novak Round Vanity Mirror for mixed metals 72" Novak Teak Vanity, Lentz Widespread Bathroom Faucet, Towel Ring in Matte Black, Novak Round Vanity Mirror for mixed metals

While using the same finish throughout an entire room achieves a cohesive look, more and more spaces feature mixed metals in the same room. This effect offers a lived-in feel, as if each fixture was installed at different points in time rather than all at once—as they often are in new construction homes and renovations. To help get you started, check out our five quick tips on mixing metals in your home.

TIP 01

Pick A Dominant Finish


Even when you mix things up, you still want to select one finish as your main ingredient and use it the most. When choosing your dominant metal, consider what's already in the room. For example, polished brass really pops in a kitchen with black appliances, and polished chrome keeps a light and airy feel in a room painted white or light gray.

Eiler Kitchen Faucet in Brushed Gold, Ponderay Brass Cabinet Pull in Antique Brass for mixed metals in kitchen
TIP 02

Choose One Or Two Accent Metals


After you've chosen your dominant metal, select one or two accent metals to create contrast. Don't overdo it—more than two or three metals in a space can result in the room looking too busy. Mixing warm and cool tones is encouraged, such as polished brass or gold alongside chrome or silver. Polished copper is a fantastic contrast to brushed nickel or stainless steel. Sprinkle in some black or iron pieces here and there, which act as neutral colors to break up the tones.

Mixed metals with Ridgeway Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet, Colmar Cabinet Knob in Matte Black, Deller Shelf Bracket in Brushed Nickel
TIP 03

Separate Metals By Height


Place similar finishes on the same visual plane to guide the eye through the room. In a bathroom, use the same metal for all your accessories, and another finish for each of the faucets. This will demonstrate that careful planning was put into the design rather than a bunch of items being thrown together.

Ridgeway Kitchen Faucet in Brushed Gold, Bauman Square Cabinet Knob and Pull in Black Bronze for mixed metals in bathroom
TIP 04

Balance Is Key


Maintain symmetry in your space by using each metal at least twice. If you’ve chosen chrome as an accent metal to use on cabinet hardware, hang a matching framed mirror to support the presence of the finish. Use your dominant metal more than the accents. If you've chosen gold as your main element, sprinkle some throughout the room with decor to solidify its dominance. If you're afraid of too much consistency, break up the metals using neutrals or different textures. Try a matte or hammered finish to subtly separate it from an abundance of polished ones.

Greyfield Widespread Faucet & Towel Ring in Brushed Gold, Ulric Vanity Mirror in Gold Leaf for mixed metals in bathroom
TIP 05

Try Two-Tone Fixtures


One instant way to achieve a perfectly curated mixed metal look is through fixtures with this concept built in. Offering a dynamic appearance from two-tone faucets to cabinet hardware, bringing a lived-in look to your space has never been easier.

Ridgeway Pull-Down Two-Tone Kitchen Faucet in Brushed Gold and Matte White for mixed metals in kitchen
TIP 06

Start Small


If you're doubting your ability to masterfully mix metals in your space, experiment with small pieces that can easily be swapped out. Picture frames, mirrors, wall art, or any small decor that can be removed or moved around. Keep your mixture to two finishes rather than three. You can always add a third metal later through decor. Once you start to feel comfortable, move on to more permanent fixtures such as faucets, cabinet hardware, and pieces of furniture.

Contemporary Retractable Wall-Mount Pot Filler Faucet in Matte Black, Deller Brass Shelf Bracket in Brushed Nickel

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