Mixed

We love handing out interior design tips and one of the most common questions we get is, “how do you mix metals in your home?” Today, we’re answering that question. Over the years, as our interior design experience grew and trends changed, we’ve shifted our preferences on the topic, but it has been minor shifts. In general, mixing different kinds of metal in one space is perfectly fine, but it always depends on the room, the other elements in the design plan, and the aesthetic you’re wanting to accomplish. Figuring out when to mix and when to match can be confusing, and we’re hoping that sharing a few tips and general guidelines will help you get the look you’re going for.

For more tips like these, check out Shea’s book, The Art of Home, and specifically the styling guides at the end of the book.

It can be hard to know where to start when selecting metals for your home, and if you’re starting a new project or remodel, you might be wondering how many metals you should mix. We suggest curating two to three metals that work well together by identifying their undertones. For example, nickel has a warm undertone and generally works better than chrome when paired with brass and gold. When it comes to black metals, we call it a neutral, it goes with everything, and so we don’t count it as a metal finish when pairing.

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Black Metal Light Fixtures

Aurelia Ring Chandelier

McGee & Co.

Jonas Linear Chandelier

McGee & Co.

Fontaine Vertical Chandelier

McGee & Co.

You may think that you need to distribute each metal you choose equally, but typically, we prefer to choose one dominant metal and use the others as an accent. When you’re mixing metals throughout the home, you will likely have one dominant metal for all of your major finishes. From room to room, you want to have one metal flow consistently through the house and change up the accents. We like to use the same metal on all of our door handles but play with the hardware.

For example, in The McGee Home, Shea chose more unlacquered brass than any other metal, but black was used in a few areas for some extra dimension and interest. Explore more of The McGee Home here and the Refresh here.

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Gold Metal Light Fixtures

Georgiana Pleated Chandelier

McGee & Co.

Florko Chandelier

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Cortes Hanging Shade

McGee & Co.

When mixing metals in one space, we like to separate our metals by height so that the similar items are on the same plane. We often use one metal for a lighting fixture and another for cabinet hardware and faucets to create a cohesive blend.

Spreading the dominant finish throughout the home gives mixing metals context, balancing all of the finishes and allowing them to work together. Another way to create this balance is by using decor accents to create synergy. On the exterior of The McGee Home, we chose copper gutters and lanterns that will patina over time and age with the home. Although Shea didn’t use copper in any other of the major finishes throughout the home, she infused it in other ways, like the vintage pans in the pantry.