As an interior designer, you’ll always see me mixing metals. Why? Doing so adds depth, warmth, and an intentional layered look to every room. When done right, this approach feels curated, rather than chaotic or mismatched. Whether you’re choosing cabinetry hardware, plumbing fixtures, or lighting, understanding how to mix finishes like a designer will help you create a cohesive and timeless look that feels effortless and classic. Click through for my tips!
Why Mixing Metals Works
Design is all about balance and contrast. Combining metals- like brass, polished nickel, and bronze, adds visual interest and prevents your space from feeling flat. Each finish contributes its own tone and texture, allowing you to layer depth and personality into your home from a classic aesthetic. The key is to find harmony, not uniformity. When everything matches, your room looks too predictable and cookie cutter. Here’s how to avoid that…
5 Designer Rules for Mixing Metals
Choose a Dominant Finish
Start with one main metal that serves as your foundation, usually the finish that appears most frequently or has the most visual weight in your room (like cabinet hardware or light fixtures). Then, bring in a secondary finish or two to complement it.
Stick to 2–3 Finishes Max
More isn’t always better. Aim for no more than three metallic finishes in one room to keep things cohesive. If you’re looking for some examples, here’s how I did this in my home:
- In the Kitchen: I paired antique brass cabinetry hardware with polished nickel plumbing and light fixtures.
- In the Guest Bathroom: I installed antique brass plumbing fixtures, polished nickel vanity hardware and overhead lighting, with bronze wall lighting and accents.
Contrasting Undertones
I prefer to mix contrasting metals for a designerly juxtaposition. Usually it helps achieve balance. For example, I’ll pair cool metals (like chrome, polished nickel, or stainless steel) with warmer tones (like brass or bronze) to create a rich, layered look. Mixing warm and cool finishes is usually my go-to, since I crave contrast.
Vary the Sheen
Don’t forget about finish sheen. Combining polished, aged, oxidized, antiqued, and burnished textures add another layer of depth and sophistication. In our basement bedroom, I mixed a bronze sconce and framed art with brass hardware.
Repeat Each Metal at Least Twice
To create visual rhythm, repeat each finish in at least two places within your room. If you introduce bronze hardware, echo it in your lighting or a picture frame for cohesion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I also think it’s worth mentioning some common mistakes I often see, and how to correct them. There is a point of taking it too far…
- Mixing too many metals in one small space.
- Ignoring undertones (warm vs cool).
- Forgetting to repeat finishes for balance and cohesion.
- Overusing trendy metals that may date the space (like matte black and cheap brass).
FAQ
Absolutely! Bronze and antique brass is a classic, designer-approved combo that feels timeless and sophisticated.
Stick to two or three finishes (max) per room for an intentional look.
I actually try to avoid this. I usually choose different colors for my plumbing fixtures and cabinetry hardware. The main thing to remember is making sure finishes complement each other and the undertones work well together.
Yes! Varying the sheen adds dimension and makes your space feel intentionally layered. I would be cautious of certain matte finishes though- as they can date your space. I stick to antiqued, burnished, or oxidized finishes that look old, rather than newly manufactured matte finishes.
Antique brass, polished nickel, and bronze stand the test of time across styles and trends. I will always choose bronze over matte black, if it’s an option. I think matte black and cheap matte brass finishes will quickly date your home.
Related Interior Design Posts
Looking for more interior design, styling, or home renovation advice? I’m going to link some reader favorites for you below. I hope they’re helpful!
- How I Designed a Classic Kitchen That Still Feels Timeless
- Is Brass Out? How Polished Nickel is Replacing The Favorite Metal
- Designer Tips for Making Outlets & Light Switch Plates Look Better
- How to Design a Cohesive Home That Flows Room to Room
- Timeless Tips for a Bedroom Refresh Without Renovating
- 12 Designer Tips to Make Your Ceiling Look Taller
- My Top Paint Color Picks for Dark Kitchen Cabinets
- How to Make a Small Bathroom Look Larger
- The Best Interior Design Books for Timeless Home Inspiration
- Classic Bathroom Plumbing Fixtures from Wayfair
When it comes to mixing metals, trust your eye and intuition. Design isn’t about following strict rules… it’s about creating a space that feels cohesive, lived-in, layered, and uniquely yours. A thoughtful mix of finishes will add warmth and personality to any vignette, proving that the best designs come from contrast. Let me know if you have any questions in the comment section below!
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