Dipping Your Toe into Metal Mixing
In almost every room in our home, you’ll find loads of texture, neutral hues, and a mix of metal finishes too. But I’ll admit, mixing metals wasn’t always my forte. I used to be a self-proclaimed “matchy-matchy” kind of gal, terrified of creating a mismatched mess. That is, until I baby-stepped my way into the world of mixed metals – and now, there’s hardly a space in our home where stainless, gold, and other finishes aren’t all thrown into the harmonious mix.
If the idea of mixing metals in your bathroom has you feeling anxious, take a deep breath. I’m here to share some foolproof tips that will have you decorating like a pro in no time. Because the truth is, when done right, mixed metals can elevate your bathroom design to a whole new level of style.
The Two-Metal Rule for Newbies
A good rule of thumb for metal mixing newbies is to stick with only two different metal types in your bathroom and use each one in more than one place. Are there stunning spaces that break this rule? Absolutely! But if you’re just dipping your toes into the mixed metals pool, this is a smart guideline to follow.
Let’s use my own master bathroom as an example. I love the soft, warm contrast of brushed nickel and brass, so I incorporated both metals throughout the space. The bathtub filler, shower hardware, and vanity faucets are satin/brushed nickel, while the mirrors and vanity lights feature a beautiful brass finish. By sprinkling these two metals around the room instead of clustering them separately, I was able to create a cohesive, well-balanced look.
Of course, I did end up breaking my own “two-metal rule” by sneaking in a third finish – a dark bronze chain on our woven pendant light. But the key is that this third metal seamlessly blends in with the other two, rather than sticking out like a sore thumb. [1] The moral of the story? As a mixed metals novice, stick to two main finishes. Once you get the hang of it, you can start experimenting and bending the rules.
Contrast is Key
When choosing your two metal types, make sure they offer a clear contrast in undertones and sheens. Pairing brushed nickel with chrome, for example, or shiny brass with matte gold, is going to look like you failed at matching your metals. Instead, you want that intentional, curated clash of finishes.
That said, subtle variations within the same color family can work too. In my bathroom, the brass mirror and vanity lights have slightly different undertones, but the contrast is soft and complementary. [2] The key is to avoid anything too identical – different brands may even label very similar metals with completely different names, so focus on the actual appearance, not just the label.
Oh, and one last note on metal contrast: Don’t be afraid to mix in some dark, moody finishes like iron or gunmetal. These act as gorgeous neutrals that play nicely with both warm and cool-toned metals. In fact, the combination of black and brass is one of my personal favorites. [3]
Choosing Your Dominant Metal
When mixing metals, it’s important to establish a clear “lead” or dominant finish. This will be the metal you use most throughout the space, acting as the backbone of your design.
For my bathroom, polished chrome is the dominant metal. The shower head, tub filler, and sink faucets are all chrome, creating a cohesive thread that ties the room together. I then used the brass accents, like the vanity lights and mirror frames, to complement and enhance the chrome rather than compete with it.
The key is to make sure your dominant metal shows up in at least three places – that way, it feels intentional rather than an afterthought. And while you can certainly go with a warmer metal like brass or copper as your dominant, chrome and nickel tend to be the most foolproof options, especially for bathrooms. [4]
Mixing Up Your Finishes
Now, let’s talk about those accent metals. While I used shiny brass as my accent in the bathroom, there are actually quite a few warm-toned finishes to choose from, including oil-rubbed bronze, gold, and copper. And just like with the dominant metal, you’ll want to make sure your accent finishes have some contrast.
The trick is to stick to the same finish across any given element. So if you’re using brass for your vanity hardware, make sure your mirror frame, sconces, and other accessories are in the same brass tone. Mixing different brass finishes in one space can start to look a bit messy. [5]
The good news? If you do end up with a metal combo that just isn’t working, it’s usually a quick and easy fix. A little spray paint or Rub ‘n Buff can transform just about any finish in a matter of minutes. I actually used Rub ‘n Buff to change the bronze mirror in our bedroom to a warm, shimmery gold – no power tools required! [6]
Start Small, Then Dive In
Still feeling a bit hesitant about mixing metals in your bathroom? I’ve got the perfect beginner-friendly tip. Start by curating a small gallery wall or floating shelf filled with an eclectic mix of metal photo frames. Play around with different finishes and sizes until you land on a combination you love.
Once you see how beautifully those contrasting metals can come together, you’ll be ready to take the plunge and incorporate mixed metals throughout your entire bathroom design. [7] Just remember to have fun with the process – at the end of the day, your home should reflect your unique style, not anyone else’s rules.
Ready to get mixing? I can’t wait to see what metal magic you create in your bathroom! And if you need a little extra inspiration, be sure to check out these other gorgeous mixed metal spaces. [8] Happy decorating, my friends!