Mastering the Art of Mixing Metals: 2 Designer Tips for an Elevated, Cohesive Look

Say goodbye to the days of “matchy-matchy.” Do you remember when it was practically unthinkable to mix metals in home design? Everything had to match – brushed nickel pulls, bushed nickel curtain rods, brushed nickel light fixtures, you get the point.  Don’t get me wrong, I love brushed nickel (it’s a classic!), but let's be honest: it’s not the right choice for every single application, and in some cases mixing it with another metal might give you the aesthetic you’re looking for. Mixing metals has become an ideal way to create a layered, interesting space.

That said, there’s still a time and place for mixing metals. The trick is knowing when to break free from uniformity and when it works best to keep things simple. It all depends on the aesthetic you’re going for and the vibe of your home.

by Allison Elebash Interior Design, Charleston

When to mix metals

Mixing metals is a fantastic way to bring depth and personality to a space, creating a layered, textured feel that’s both dynamic and stylish. By introducing a secondary metal, you can shift the mood of a room, whether you’re looking for something brighter and more energetic, or a softer, more inviting vibe. For example, adding the gleam of chrome can really lift a room, giving it a fresh, clean feel, while brushed brass adds a sense of warmth and elegance. When you choose accessories like a two-toned light fixture, it’s almost like an open invitation to bring those metals together throughout your space, allowing you to seamlessly blend the two and make your design feel cohesive and unique.

Two tone chandeliers tie in the gold faucests, chairs and black sliding doors. Lighting: HudsonValley

When not to mix metals

Let’s be honest—there are times when sticking with a single metal is exactly what your space needs. Sometimes, a more cohesive look is the way to go to achieve a specific vibe. For example, if you’re aiming for a calm, serene atmosphere, choosing brushed gold for all your metal elements can create a soft, harmonious feel. On the flip side, if you’re going for a sleek, minimal modern look, sticking to polished chrome or brushed nickel can keep everything clean and streamlined.

And here’s a big one: don’t mix metals that are too similar. For instance, if you have a beautiful black cast iron front door, avoid introducing brushed bronze—it’s close, but not quite the same. It can end up feeling off and disrupt the flow of the space, rather than enhancing it.

Two simple rules for mixing metals that can really elevate your space:

1. Choose a primary metal.

   Start by selecting one metal to be the star of your space. For example, if you have dark bronze metal windows, let that be your primary metal. Or, if your furniture features metal trim, arms, or legs, use that as your starting point. This gives your space a cohesive foundation. Once you have your primary metal, feel free to add secondary and even a third metal in smaller doses throughout the room. This approach is similar to the 60-30-10 rule designers use for color—creating balance and harmony.

   
   

2. Match metals for similar functions.

   When you’re selecting metals for specific functions, like faucets and shower heads, try to keep them the same metal. The same goes for lighting, cabinet pulls, and knobs. This keeps things feeling unified. But here’s the thing—this is a general guideline, not a hard-and-fast rule. Sometimes, breaking the rule can lead to something special (after all, rules are meant to be bent, right?).

Here’s a real-life example: In this primary bathroom, polished nickel is the main metal—featured in the faucet, shower head, trim on the shower glass, and towel bars. Polished nickel is stunning, but I wanted to add a little pop of gold to bring in some dimension. I love mixing polished nickel (which has subtle gold undertones) with brushed gold. It’s a beautiful combination that feels sophisticated and timeless. But, to avoid overwhelming the space, I kept the gold accents limited to the cabinet pulls and a gold semi-flush light fixture. Now, if I were strictly following the rule, all of my light fixtures would be gold, but in this case, I felt that less was more, so I kept the sconces in polished nickel to match the faucets. The result? A balanced, yet fresh mix of metals that feels just right.

Mixed polish nickel and brushed gold. Design by Beth Seabrook Design

Here are a few examples of perfectly pulled off mixed metals.

Black leather chairs with chrome frame blends well with the other black accents such as the table base and cabinet hardware. Thayer Design Studio

Beautiful white kitchen with light fixtures featuring white painted metal and gold trim, playing off the gorgeous gold hardware. Simple, clean, elevated yet comfortable. Sarah Crooks Design

Vintage Sellars

Bright white kitchen with polished nickel accents and two gorgeous gold chandeliers give the room the perfect amount of warmth. Photo from Happy Haute Home