4 Tips for Mixing Metals in your Home Decor

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Mixing metals in your home decor can seem very overwhelming; what exactly are the rules? Can you mix warm and cool metals? Is it ok to have gold light fixtures and a copper sink? The good news is, there really aren’t any rules when it comes to mixing metals. This is a relatively new trend that’s emerged in home decor, and anyone who says you can’t do it is living in the past. Mixing metals is a great way to give your home dimension and visual interest. That being said, although there aren’t really any “rules”, there are some tips you can follow to ensure your metals end up looking like an eclectic mix of elements that flow well together as opposed to looking like competing design elements that are fighting to be the focus of a space. 

1. Choose a dominant metal.

You’ll want to choose one type of metal that’s dominant throughout your house, and then everything else will be considered accents. This will keep your space looking balanced, and it should hopefully give you some good direction when it comes to adding in other metals and finishes. Most houses already come with a dominant metal selected; for example, if all your kitchen and bathroom fixtures are brushed copper, that’s probably going to be your dominant metal. You’ll then want to choose other metals that pair nicely with brushed copper as accents.

2. Familiarize yourself with all the different options.

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There are 5 main types of metals: aluminum, brass, cast iron, copper, and stainless steel. Brass, copper, and gold are considered warm metals, aluminum, stainless steel, and other silver-hued metals are considered cool tones, and cast iron and black metals are considered neutrals. You CAN mix warm and cool metals, but I personally think it’s easier to stick to the same family and then add in some neutrals. For example, if your dominant metal is gold, try adding in some cast iron accents for an edgy and elegant design.

3. Consider your color palette.

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Another reason you need to think about warm, cool, and neutral-toned metals is because you’re going to be adding them in with your paint colors which are probably also cool and warm-toned. If your paint is mostly warm, you’ll want to select warm metals like brass and gold. If your house is painted in cool blues and greys, stainless steel and aluminum will be better choices. OR you can play it safe and add in black and cast iron accents that will go with any paint color. 


4. Start with accessories and then work your way towards finishes.

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One way to try out the trend of mixing metals without having to make a huge commitment is by mixing metals in your home accessories. Consider choosing a coffee table with a different finish than your other pieces of furniture, and add in a gold mirror for a pop of color. Light fixtures are an easy way to mix metals without making a major change that can’t be undone. Live with these small choices for a while to get used to the idea of mixing metals, and once you get more comfortable you can move on to bigger pieces like your kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures, etc.


Like the idea of mixing metals in your home but just not sure how to get started? Did you know that at Bottega we offer design services? They can be purchased ala carte or bundled in with a tile purchase, so you can have an expert interior designer help you select the perfect tile that’s guaranteed to complement the rest of your home decor. And with over 50 years of experience in the design industry, you can bet we know a thing or two about trending designs like mixing metals. Stop into our Fort Worth shop and let us help you take your decor to the next level.