Have you ever heard someone say that mixing metals is a no-go when it comes to interior design? Well we're here to tell you otherwise. Mixing metals can elevate any room (from the kitchen to the bathroom) and adds a pop of interest to any aesthetic (from eclectic to minimalist). Check out our favorite tips for how to mix metals and metal finishes below.

Psst: Need a refresher on types of metals, mixed metals, and finishes? Or just trying to figure out how to categorize the metals in your life? Skip down to the Metal Types + Finishes section below.

How to Mix Metals

Step 1: Strategize

Choose one of the tactics below before you pick out the types of metal you want to use in your designs.

Choose a Dominant Metal

Choose one dominant metal type and then another metal as your accent. For example, if your kitchen is mostly stainless steel, make that your dominant metal and then complement it with cast-iron, nickel, or brass lighting and cabinet pulls.

Mix 2 or 3 Metals at Most

When mixing metals, either stick with one dominant metal and one accent metal or mix three different metals evenly. If you're obsessed with all things metal but trying to streamline your choices, consider choosing different finishes of metal instead of different types of metal. (Think: polished brass with brushed brass or polished nickel with satin nickel). All the variety without overdoing it? Yes, please.

Go High (+ Low)

Spread your metals out evenly across rooms, and don't forget to look up and down. If you're looking for a unique way to include three different metals, consider separating them by height. For example, use the same metal for all light fixtures, use a different metal for cabinet hardware, and then use a third metal for faucets and mirrors.

Step 2: Plan Your Mix

Keep Hues + Colors Similar

If you're looking for an easy rule to keep in mind when mixing metals, consider keeping metals similar to the colors of the room. Try warm-toned metals (think: copper, brass, and gold) in warm-colored rooms (think: white, taupes, and red). And try cool-toned metals (think: stainless steel, polished nickel, and chrome) in cool-colored rooms (think: blues, grays, and greens).

Cast Iron is the New Neutral

Cast iron and other black irons are considered a neutral in the world of metallics. It's modern, it's industrial, and it can be mixed with both warm and cool metals. This makes it the ideal accent metal. The deep black of cast iron is a great way to ground any color palette. It also offsets other metals with warmer tones like gold and brass. Cast-iron light fixtures are one of our favorite lighting choices for living rooms because of the bold contrast between light and dark.

Tips for Implementing Mixed Metals

Be Reflective

Add a mirror to create a reflective vibe when paired with brass hardware like door knobs and other metal hardware like a nickel faucet, or an iron wall sconce. Mirrors are great in rooms with a lot of metallics, because the reflection will complement the depth of metal. Already have a gallery wall? Choose a coffee table with a gold metal finish and a mirrored top. You'll still get the powerful reflection, and mirrored tables bounce light upward, making the room appear taller.

Stay Soft

If you're worried about going overboard in your efforts to add more metallic pieces to your apartment, balance mixed metals with soft furniture and decor. A velvet sofa or a chunky-knit throw blanket will still feel cuddly even with a brass-legged coffee table, nickel desk lamp, or stainless steel light fixture.

Metal Types + Finishes

Check out our easily bulleted checklists below for determining the different types of metal and their finishes.

Warm Metals

Brass

• Gold-toned.
• Commonly seen in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Great for mirrors and lighting.
  Copper
• Bronze-toned.
• Super durable.
• Great for outdoor furniture and accent pieces like garden stools.
  Gold
• Rich and deep color.
• Great for kitchen hardware because it can go with light and dark cabinetry.

Cool Metals

Stainless Steel

• Silver-toned.
• Made by mixing metals like nickel.
• Commonly seen in bathroom fixtures and kitchen appliances.
  Aluminum
• Silver-toned.
• Similar to stainless steel, but it's lighter and not as strong.
• Great for outdoor furniture.
  Silver
• Contemporary and clean.
• Great for modern bathroom hardware.
  Nickel
• Silvery appearance.
• Used to create mixed metals like stainless steel.
• Versatile finishes available for nickel including polished nickel, satin nickel, and brushed nickel.
• Widely-available nickel hardware options to choose from (door knobs, faucets, light fixtures).

Neutral Metal

Cast Iron

• Dark and heavy for a sleek look.
• Matches every metal hue whether warm or cool-toned.
• Great for door knobs and handles in bathrooms or kitchens.

Metal Finishes

Polished

• Finished to be reflective, like a mirror. A good example is polished nickel and brass hardware.
• Best for modern and minimalist aesthetics.
  Brushed
• Finished to look super smooth, almost like a paintbrush went over it.
• Best for eclectic and glam aesthetics.
• Good metal finish for a relaxed look on brass, steel, and nickel hardware.
  Satin
• A happy medium between matte and polished metals.
• Best for classic and traditional aesthetics.
• An available finish for metals like brass and nickel.
  Antiqued
• Meant to look weathered.
• Best for rustic and industrial aesthetics.
• Great when mixing metals of the same finish like antiqued-brass, steel, and nickel.
  Hammered
• Looks like it was pounded with a tiny hammer.
• Best for rustic and vintage aesthetics.
• Creates a cool contrast when paired with polished metals (think: a hammered nickel sink paired with a polished nickel faucet or polished nickel light fixture).

Looking for ways to add more mixed metals to your life?