Gone are the days of all monochromatic metals and matching fixtures. Interior designers and DIY enthusiasts alike are embracing mixed metals in every room from the entryway to the kitchen. In fact, mixed metals landed on the 2018 Pinterest 100 list released earlier this year.
Mixed metals is a home decor trend that’s here to stay. Not only are there tons of easy DIY tutorials to help you update the current metals in your home (hint: spray paint is your best friend), but mixing metal finishes is also a budget-friendly option because it doesn’t require you to purchase new fixtures or furniture every time you want to update a space.
When it comes to mixing metals, bathrooms and kitchens are the most popular rooms–most likely because they have the most fixtures. But you can also use mixed metals in bedrooms, entryways, and more. Today as part of our Color Files series, we’re sharing some of our favorite mixed metal spaces and how to achieve a similar look in your own home.
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Learn more and read our full disclosure policy here.
Mixed Metals in the Bathroom
The first design trick to remember is that matte black goes with everything. From brass and copper to brushed nickel and silver, matte black looks good with all metal finishes.
Need proof? Just take a look at the bathrooms showcased below. Gold vanity lights combined with a black faucet or cabinet hardware
Master Bathroom Update via A Place of My Taste
DIY Bathroom Reveal via The Painted Hive
DIY Faux Gold Mirror via Designer Trapped in a Lawyer’s Body for Remodelaholic
Bathroom Makeover Reveal via IHeartOrganizing
Mixed Metals in the Kitchen
When mixing metals in the kitchen, appliances do not need to match fixtures or other room accents. We repeat: kitchen appliances do not have to match your fixtures. While it’s still standard to purchase matching kitchen appliances, there’s no reason you need to coordinate your fixtures.
An easy and fun way to break up the metal accents in your kitchen is to choose a range hood or overhead lighting in a different finish than your appliances. Copper or gold fixtures pair nicely with stainless steel appliances. Bring in other metal finishes with bowls
Mixing Metal Kitchen Finishes via BHG
Fixer Upper The Ramsey House via Magnolia
Copper +Silver Mixed Metals Kitchen via BHG
Fixer Upper The Carriage House via Magnolia
Mixed Metals in the Bedroom
You can’t go wrong pairing metal finishes that contrast with each other. The easiest way to do this is to combine a cool metal with warm metal. Try silver, chrome, or brushed nickel for your cool metal and gold, copper, or brass for your warm metal.
Some classic metallic combos include silver and gold, nickel and silver, and copper and iron. Subtle metallic touches found on the lamps
Fixer Upper The Americana House via Magnolia
Bedroom Refresh via A Place of My Taste
Bedroom in Tribeca Town Home via Elite Building Group
Mixed Metals in the Entryway
Hate the metal finish of your chandelier, door knobs, or door hardware? Use metallic spray paint to change the metal finish on a home decor item. Your entryway chandelier
Check out Corey from Sawdust 2 Stiches‘ tried and tested method to upgrade door knobs with spray paint. Or take a que from Corey W at TinySidekick and DIY your own Hemmeli Hurricane Pendant Light.
Light Fixture Makeover via Bless’er House
Entryway Closets that Gather Everything You Need via BHG
How to Style a Small Entryway via Lolly Jane
Below, we’ve rounded up decor items, lighting, and fixtures to help you achieve the mixed metals style in your own home. Simply click any of the images below to learn more about each item. You may have to double-tap on mobile.
More decorating and design tips:
Tips for decorating with warm metals in modern decor
Tips for decorating with neutrals and mixed metals
Choosing a paint color that works with wood tones
Great article. I’ve always liked mixing metals and have done this for the majority of my life. With comments such as “Oh you are supposed to use the same color/texture (e.g., chrome) throughout the bathroom or kitchen. Nope, not me.