Source: The Designory

Mixing metal finishes continues to be a popular trend in home décor. From furniture to lighting fixtures, all types of metals whether it be copper, gold, brass, silver or black iron work together. While we encourage you to be bold in your design, when it comes to mixing different metals finishes there is definitely such a thing as ‘too much’.

With that in mind, we’ve pulled together our best tips (basic guidelines if you will) to help you mix n’ match your metals with ease.

Step 1: Pick Your Dominant Metal Finish

The prima ballerina never shares the spotlight and that should be the same in your home. Pick a hero finish, it could be the incredible brass chandelier in the dining room or the giant gold mirror in your bathroom. Once you have your principal dancer you can carefully select the backup dancers.

Step 2: Pick Your Secondary Metal Finish

Just like Janet Jackson, we want to be picky about our back up dancers because they can inadvertently take attention away – not something any star wants. You want to select one or maybe two back up finishes to complement your star. Do the finishes work together? Do they complement and help draw your eye around the room? In smaller rooms, it is always best to stick with just one or two finishes. In larger rooms, where you can spread finishes out, you can add in a third. For example, beautiful black iron curtain rods in a living room with a brass coffee table and small silver accents throughout the room.

Step 3: Go Big and Go Small with Layers and Textures

A great opportunity when mixing metals while decorating is to mix the sizes up. Big items like large lamps or tables combine with subtle but beautiful details like small brass handles on a table, or the frame on a photo. Don’t be afraid to layer the sizing and finishes, this adds dimension. Textures too add an element of sophistication. If all your metals are flat it will fall flat on the eye. Try adding in textured details like the framing on a mirror or photo frame to a solid metal like a table lamp.

Tip: Adding metal trim to furniture creates a timeless look.

Step 4: Let Inspiration Guide You

Not quite sure what you want your hero to be or what finishes you love? Shop our home accents and décor to see what’s in store. Or jump on your favourite home décor site or Pinterest for a look at what others are doing and what’s trending.

Mixed metals in interior design is a trend we don’t see stopping. It creates a timeless look and adds a touch of sophistication to your home. From a show stopping hero item to small touches like a collection of small brass birds on your bookshelf, mixing metals is a great way to show off your unique style.

Want more tips and inspiration for your home? Check out our Inspiration blog.

Rebecca, Your Furniture Expert