Mixed metals in your interior design can add a designer touch…or it can look like a hot mess. Keep reading for tips on how to mix metals in a way that feels intentional and looks fabulous.

1. PICK A THEME OR STYLE

Image:  Delta

To avoid looking completely random, keeping your metal items in the same style family—traditional, farmhouse, contemporary, transitional or whatever—will help keep your design cohesive. When it comes to bathrooms, our friends at Delta Faucets recommend, “Since your faucets will be the most attention-grabbing feature of your bathroom, select them first and then add items like lighting and hardware in the same style….” In other words…

2. MAKE ONE THE STAR OF THE SHOW

Image: Sara Tramp for Emily Henderson

While it may seem the way to go is with a 50/50 metal mix, most experts say that’s a bad idea. The best bet is to use one metal about two-thirds of the time (like the soft brass in the image above) and use the other one (or two if you’re brave) for the other third.  If you go completely random with different metals and finishes everywhere, your room will just look chaotic.

3. AVOID SAME COLOR, DIFFERENT FINISH

Image:  Delta

If all your pieces are the same metal—brass, silver, whatever—but some are shiny and some are brushed, it will end up looking like you bought some, then later went back for more and got the wrong finish by mistake. You’ll want a little more contrast than that to make your design look intentional, like the brass hardware paired with the stainless faucet in this image. For a handy intro to metal types and finishes, check out this post from Vibrant Living by Blakely.

4. MAKE A MOOD BOARD

Image: EssentialHome.eu

Pinterest is great for this: Pin images of all the different metals and finishes you like, then move them around to see which ones play well together. Or you can go old-school with posterboard and cut-out photos. Whatever works for you!

5. FOLLOW YOUR HEART

Image: Kitchen Design Concepts

Don’t let some salesperson/designer/influencer pressure you into getting something you don’t love. Will the fact that it’s on trend make up for the fact you don’t like it? Probably not. It’s more likely that every time you look at it, you’ll wish you’d gone with something else. It’s your home; it should be full of things you love.


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