Perfectly matching all the metal finishes in a room is difficult to achieve, especially in a retro-fit. You may be able to match your handles with your tap, but what about the light switches, or the side table, for example? For those who enjoy a highly coordinated look, sticking to a single metal finish (where possible) is, of course, perfect. If you prefer a more layered, eclectic interior, however, the modern approach to choosing metal finishes is that variety is fine.
Add dynamism and depth by mixing metal finishes
Layering different metals is an excellent way to add dynamism and interest to a space, whether it’s a kitchen, a bathroom or elsewhere. Choosing door handles, cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, taps, light switches, furniture legs and so on in a variety of finishes can result in an appealingly characterful room that feels full of depth and as though it has been put together gradually and holistically.
Get the proportions right
Achieving this harmonious blend may seem daunting, but with a thoughtful approach it is very much possible. The first step is to select the finish that will be most prevalent within the room – whether because it’s already present in some form or another, or simply because it appeals to you the most. Add in a secondary metal finish and, in a larger room, perhaps even a third. Some people find the 60:30:10 rule of proportion useful when designing an interior, and this can be applied to finishes just as much as colours.
Make mixed-metal finishes look intentional
Using the same metal finish everywhere looks highly cohesive. If you have decided to mix your finishes, however, the trick is to avoid combinations that are too close to one another and simply look like a mistake. Brass with gold, for example, is unlikely to work well. Brass with chrome, nickel or black, on the other hand? Interesting and appealing. A balance between bold, look-at-me pieces and more understated accents is ideal, remembering that black and dark grey metal finishes are fairly neutral in effect and usually blend well into the background.
Decide whether to combine warm and cool
For a warm and inviting look, brass, bronze, copper and gold are the perfect finishes. By contrast, chrome and stainless steel have a cool, clean aesthetic. Some designers advise sticking to either warm or cool tones, while others feel the interplay of the two can be intriguing. It’s a good idea to request samples before you finalise your scheme, then assess how they look together with everything else you’re planning to include in the room.
Celebrate your style
Certain finishes help create a specific sense of style, which you’ll need to consider in terms of your own preferences, any period features that you wish to complement and the function of the room. In a sleek, streamlined and modern kitchen, for example, you might combine stainless steel or chrome with matte black finishes, while in an en-suite bathroom in a traditional property the warmer tones of brass, bronze or copper could take precedence.
Consider texture when mixing or matching metal finishes
Surface textures always make a subtle yet important difference to a room’s ambience, and this goes for metals just as much as any other element of a scheme. How about a polished nickel basin tap with a brushed-brass mirror frame, for example, or a chrome boiling-water tap combined with hammered-iron drawer pulls? One final tip: if you’re trying hard to match metal finishes exactly, bear in mind that it’s not only colour but texture that matters, too. While chrome and stainless-steel finishes generally look the same from manufacturer to manufacturer, something more rustic such as coppered bronze may vary from one maker to another. If in doubt, opt for an attractive contrast with a different metal finish entirely.
