Mixing Metals in Decor: Tips and Ideas for a Modern and Eclectic Look

If you want to give your home or office space a unique look, you should try mixing and matching. Yes, there is beauty in a “mix and match” style, and if you want to go further, you can try mixing metals in decorating. Here are a few tips and ideas on how to do it successfully:

Why mix metals in decor?

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When done right, mixing metals in decor will give your space an interesting look that has depth and dimension. It also creates an eclectic look that reflects your own personalized taste and style. Mixing metals also provides a cohesive and balanced design by adding contrast and visual interest.

Furthermore, mixing metals can be an excellent way to make your decor versatile and flexible. Incorporating different types of metals into a room can complement or contrast with other design elements. This makes redesigning easy without having to overhaul. In short, if you enjoy changing the decor every now and then, this is a good idea for you to try.

Tips for Mixing Metals

Mixing and matching metals in a decor can seem intimidating, and rightly so. You can end up with a disheveled or generic look that may give you the appearance you’re going for. Here are some valuable tips when mixing metals in decor:

Select a Dominant Metal

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Choose a dominant metal that will be the anchor point in your design. Whether it’s brass, copper, or nickel, this is the metal that will be the most prominent in the design. It should appear in the most significant pieces in the space, such as furniture or major decorative items.

Pair Complementary Metals

Some metals are perfect to mix and match as they naturally complement each other. Here are some examples:

• Gold and Silver: these precious metals complement each other as gold gives off a warm and classy appeal while silver provides a cool and sophisticated look.
• Copper and Bronze: warm-toned metals that create a warm and rich color palette.
• Brass and Black: the golden tone of brass complements black’s sleek and modern look.
• Iron and Zinc: two metals that have that rustic and industrial appeal if you want a raw and edgy aesthetic in your space.
• Chrome and Nickel: while copper and bronze are warm-toned, chrome and nickel are the opposite, as they can add elegance and sophistication quite easily.

Consider the Metal’s Finish and Texture

To make your metal mixing a success, it pays to consider the finish and texture of your metals. Metals with a similar finish can make for a sleek and modern look, while contrasting finishes can create a dynamic appeal. Make sure to use a dominant finish to tie down the whole design and build a balance in your space.

Mix Metals in Specific Decor Elements

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Another factor to consider is where you will use the metal. You can mix brass and chrome in lighting fixtures or a stainless steel and copper pairing in kitchen appliances. Mixing metals in specific decorative elements can create a subtle and cohesive look that ties the room together.

Balance Warm and Cool Tones

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Mixing metals that have different tones can create a beautiful contrast. As mentioned above, gold and silver are a good balance of warm and cool. While mixing two warm-toned metals can look good, make sure to balance them with cool-toned pieces such as accessories or smaller decors. 

Great Ideas for Mixing Metals

Here are a few ideas that you can try when doing a mix-and-match of metals in your home or office spaces:

• Mix metals in wall decor: Add a gallery where you can place a mix of metal frames. Pair an antique brass frame with a sleek silver frame. The key is to experiment to find the best pairings.
• Mix metals in lighting fixtures: Your lighting fixtures can be an excellent place to mix metals in your decors. You can use a chandelier with copper and bronze finishes or a pendant light with a mix of brass and silver. 
• Mix metals in accessories: Experiment with mixing metals in minor accessories such as trays, vases, and other decorative items. You can try pairing a silver tray with a brass vase or a copper sculpture with a black iron candleholder.
• Mix metals in hardware: Unexpected places such as cabinet handles, drawer pulls, and doorknobs can be a great way to mix metals. Try a combination of brushed nickel and matte black or polished chrome and brass.
• Mix metals in furniture: A coffee table with a copper base and glass top would look great when paired with a side table with a polished nickel frame and a brass top.

Modern and Eclectic Mixed Metal Decor Styles

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To achieve that modern and eclectic decor style in your metal mixing journey, below are a few tips and ideas:

• Choose a dominant metal – select a metal that appears more frequently or the finish of a larger decor item.
• Layer metals with textures – layer metals with different textures like hammered, brushed, and polished.
• Experiment with shapes – use geometric shapes and clean lines to achieve a modern look. Mix metals in different geometric shapes like circles, squares, and triangles to create interest in a space.
• Mix metals in unexpected places – consider mixing metals in a wallpaper or a patterned rug and other places where you wouldn’t expect metals as part of the decor.
• Add splashes of colors – try adding colorful accessories like pillows or rugs to balance the metallic tones.

To create the look you’re going for, mixing metals can significantly help. The key is to enjoy the process. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations and textures until you find the perfect mix for your space.

Final Thoughts

Mixing metals in decor is a great way to add your style and personality while giving your space visual interest. With it, you can add depth and character that showcases your personal style. Go ahead and have fun mixing and matching!