Brass is back, and with it comes the many questions about mixing metal finishes. Today, we’re discussing how you can get in on this fun new trend that’s sure to stand the test of time! We hope our guide to mixing hardware finishes will inspire you to be daring with metals in a sophisticated and layered approach!
Let Your Color Scheme be Your Guide to Your Mixed Metal Finishes
When it comes to picking out the finishes you want on your new hardware, a good place to start is to consider how the mixed metal finishes will look with other colors in your space. Use the color scheme of your space as a guide to picking the most complementary metals.
Mixing Hardware Finishes – Texture
When you’re looking for the perfect mixed metals for your bathroom, you can blend shiny chrome with brushed designs to break up and soften the shine. If you’re mixing metals in the kitchen, bring practicality to the forefront, opting for brushed and antiqued hardware in high-touch areas (fingerprints – who needs them?) and shine on items that are less likely to acquire all the handprints.
If gold is the dominant finish in your space, don’t be afraid to mix shiny and matte textures together. We are all about layering a space with a variety of gold tones and textures along with the others for a unique look that can only come with mixing metal finishes! From appliances, , handles, and pulls to doorknobs and faucets, mixing hardware finishes in your home is sure to add a cool look you’ll love.
What Metals Go Best with My Aesthetic?
Whether you’re on team “bright-and-light” or “dark and woodsy,” you can put mixing metal finishes to work to enhance your space. And don’t think that you’re pigeonholed into only using certain color palettes – embrace the mix and update to your heart’s content.
Mixing Metals in a Bright-and-Light Space
A neutral room with light walls and bright white cabinetry is our favorite place to use vibrant bronze as the dominant finish. A bright white space with a mix of gold tones and stainless steel with an added pop of brushed nickel creates a sophisticated space, thanks to mixing hardware finishes.
Best Metals for Light Rooms:
- Bronze
- Gold & Brass tones
- Stainless Steel
- Brushed nickel
Mixing Metals in Dark-Toned Rooms
In a space dominated by dark cabinetry, try using contrasting metals, like brushed nickel and burnished antique brass, for your mixed hardware finishes. To break up the brushed textures and add a pop of flair, offset the space with a shiny chrome faucet.
Best Metals for Dark Rooms:
- Brushed nickel
- Antiquing / Antique Burnished Brass
- Chrome
Which Rooms Are the Best for Mixing Metal Finishes?
While any room in your home can benefit from mixing hardware finishes, the two that get the most bang for the buck are the kitchen and bathroom. Mixing metals in the bathroom can make your basic space feel like a spa, and mixing metals in the kitchen can leave your guests begging you to tell them who your interior designer is.
Extra Tips for Mixing Metal Finishes in your Home:
Mix between 2-4 metal finishes per room
Rule of thirds: 2/3 dominate finish, 1/3 contrasting finish
We are all about mixing metal finishes, but your hinges and door hardware should always match each other
If you are too afraid of mixing metals, try mixing the texture of your finishes (i.e., gilded, hammered, brushed, polished, etc.)
We’d love to hear your favorite ways to mix hardware finishes!
