Today we’re here to bust one of decorating’s biggest myths: you can’t mix metals within the same room. Not only is this “rule” meant to be broken, we’ll even take it one step further: you should mix metals within the same room.
Using multiple metal tones — like silver, copper, gold, stainless steel and more — can add intrigue and depth to your décor, without overpowering one space with a single finish. That said, it’s important to think carefully about how to mix metals in your home design to avoid giving a room a disjointed or careless appearance.
To help you feel confident in your ability to decorate with mixed metals, we’ve put together a list of five tips:
Think of metals as “warm” or “cool”
Warm metals would be anything with yellowish tones, like gold, copper and brass. Cool metals are anything with silver tones, like aluminum, stainless steel or any other silver metal. Once you have metals mentally divided up in these categories, you can balance the use of warm and cool metals in your décor. For instance, if you have a warm metal prominently used, you can use cool metals as accent tones.
Don’t go overboard
While you can think of this post as your official permission slip to mix metals, you still don’t want to go overboard. Stick to two to three metals at most, ideally with one focal metal and one to two accent metals.
Consider finishes
Using different finishes of the same metal — for instance, polished and shiny versus antique and rustic — can add visual appeal and variety. However, again, it’s important not to go overboard.
Use a mirror to add depth
Adding a mirror to a room creates depth by reflecting the metallic notes in your décor and generating a more open feel. Bonus points if your mirror has a metal frame!
Utilize space
Spreading out the different metals you choose will help the room flow better. Aim for metal mixing to happen at various heights and surfaces so the eye isn’t pulled to one plane of the room over another. For instance, if you have brass light fixtures drawing the eye up, you can use silver drawer pulls to bring attention to lower areas of the room.
Above all, trust your instincts. You want your décor to match your style, so don’t be afraid to push the envelope if it feels right.
In the market for a metallic framed mirror? Check out our selection.
Using multiple metal tones — like silver, copper, gold, stainless steel and more — can add intrigue and depth to your décor, without overpowering one space with a single finish. That said, it’s important to think carefully about how to mix metals in your home design to avoid giving a room a disjointed or careless appearance.
To help you feel confident in your ability to decorate with mixed metals, we’ve put together a list of five tips:
Think of metals as “warm” or “cool”
Warm metals would be anything with yellowish tones, like gold, copper and brass. Cool metals are anything with silver tones, like aluminum, stainless steel or any other silver metal. Once you have metals mentally divided up in these categories, you can balance the use of warm and cool metals in your décor. For instance, if you have a warm metal prominently used, you can use cool metals as accent tones.
Don’t go overboard
While you can think of this post as your official permission slip to mix metals, you still don’t want to go overboard. Stick to two to three metals at most, ideally with one focal metal and one to two accent metals.
Consider finishes
Using different finishes of the same metal — for instance, polished and shiny versus antique and rustic — can add visual appeal and variety. However, again, it’s important not to go overboard.
Use a mirror to add depth
Adding a mirror to a room creates depth by reflecting the metallic notes in your décor and generating a more open feel. Bonus points if your mirror has a metal frame!
Utilize space
Spreading out the different metals you choose will help the room flow better. Aim for metal mixing to happen at various heights and surfaces so the eye isn’t pulled to one plane of the room over another. For instance, if you have brass light fixtures drawing the eye up, you can use silver drawer pulls to bring attention to lower areas of the room.
Above all, trust your instincts. You want your décor to match your style, so don’t be afraid to push the envelope if it feels right.
In the market for a metallic framed mirror? Check out our selection.