Mixing Metal Finishes: How To
Mixing Metal Finishes: How To
When it comes to finishes in the home, it may seem taboo to style the room with different types of metal. Some may think: everything needs to match to look cohesive, right? Wrong! Adding different types of materials to the space promotes contrast and visual interest! But, of course, you need to know what you're doing. In this post, we will share some tips on how to style your kitchen and bathroom with contrasting metal finishes.
1) Know Your Options
There are so many different types of metals out there. It can be easy to overlook the plethora of unique options and stick to the more traditional finishes (ie silver). This is especially true for kitchens and bathrooms. The bulk of your options include copper, brass, bronze, steel, iron, gold, nickel, chrome and silver finishes.
2) Set Limits
In order to keep your living space from looking too chaotic or mismatched, limit your design to 2-3 different types of metal. Smaller spaces cannot handle as many colors and textures as larger rooms or open floor plans, so keep this in mind.
3) Use Contrasting Colors
Play up the contrast with metals that are natural opposites. Put lighter metals next to darker ones. In doing so, the design will look intentional rather than messy. For example, brass and gold items pair well with dark iron or bronze finishes.
4) Light Up Your Space
The best way to add in a new metal finish to your design is with lighting! Light fixtures can add a lot of drama to a room without damaging its design. Fixtures made of black metals can be used as neutrals and blend easily into rooms that already have multiple metal finishes. For example, this colonial chandelier has a vintage black finish that would pair well with other colors/finishes. Or you could choose to add a focal point to a lackluster bathroom with something like this old bronze bath light.
5) Play With Different Textures
Texture draws the eye in and can add a lot of visual interest to a room! Textured finishes allow for more creative freedom and bring more options to the mix! An example: a modern gold piece can be paired with aged/distressed brass for contrast even though they are similar colors.
Now that you've got the tips, apply them! If you are looking to add some creative lighting to your home, check out our fixtures in all kinds of finishes and contact us for more information!
