Our guide to using mixed metals in home décor

Brass was everywhere in 2022 – and, from statement pieces to subtle accents on kitchen taps and wardrobe door handles, its warm tones are still popular for the understated elegance they bring. But before the copper alloy had the chance to take over every kitchen trend, chrome entered the picture. After that, you'd want to choose either one or the other.

In 2025, though, we're tearing up the rulebook. There's no need to be so black-and-white when it comes to a metallic aesthetic. Here's how to mix metals in home décor and incorporate this rebellious trend into your interior.

Why use both copper and chrome?

Interior designers have taken a uniform approach to metals over the past few years, swapping out brass for chrome to update the look. This methodical move suited contemporary homes at the time but, lately, chrome has been on the way out.

We're now combining metals to make it feel as though they've been gently introduced and layered over time, creating a comfortable and familiar feel.

Contrasting metals can make a space seem interesting, too. While metallic finishes traditionally lend themselves to industrial-style homes, they can complement a range of design styles and colour palettes. Whichever living space you focus on, mixed metals in home décor let you bring different combinations into the room. They add hints of warmth to a kitchen, enhance first impressions in the hallway and bring clean modernism to the bathroom.

How to mix metals in your home décor

Choose opposites

Start by selecting contrasting metals. This will streamline your design process and help you avoid extensive deliberation since some metals look very similar. This will make sure that you've not simply made a mistake by choosing satin nickel instead of chrome.

If you're stuck for inspiration, here's how you could start thinking about the right metals for your space:

·       Design the colour scheme in the room to help you decide which metal tones could work well. For example, if you have a room painted in vibrant jewel tones like ruby red or emerald green, you might find that chrome and brass accents make a playful and eye-catching combination.

·       Pick out some metals that are clear contrasts. This might involve some trial and error as you test against your home's existing colour palette, so try to start small. You could always ask for specific paint samples to test the effect of different combinations.

Warm or cool?

Metals play an important part in determining the temperature of a room. They affect how light travels across the space, illuminating smaller details that might otherwise go unnoticed.

From nickel to chrome, polished metals with silver tones appear sleek and refined, cooling a space down. Meanwhile, the rosy and reddish tones found in copper and brass feel warm, adding a cosy ambience to smaller spaces. The dappled glow of brassy detail is enhanced and accentuated by candlelight.

Our top tips:

·       If you'd prefer a mix of warm metals, delicate brass and bronze make a wonderful combination. Both are known for their corrosion resistance and durability, and they're malleable enough for almost every purpose.

·       Alternatively, add a pop of colour to cool chrome-filled interiors with warm copper details. These deliver an intense and characterful contrast in larger spaces.

Choose where the metals need to be

Finally, you'll need to ask yourself where you'd like your metals to be. Think about how you'd prefer to present mixed metals in your home décor: sometimes they work well placed close together but many homeowners prefer a more subtle arrangement.

A few of our favourite ways to introduce a combination of metals include:

·       Choosing a tall, elegant chrome standing lamp and brass-coloured photo frames. Together, these add depth and texture to a room, providing eye-catching features at varying heights.

·       Using shelving and bookcases to display bronze ornaments and brass mirrors. If you've installed a bespoke bookcase from Hammonds, we'll show you how to finish the look with dainty handles and details.

·       Opting for gold-coloured door handles and satin nickel table lamps. These add an effortlessly feminine touch, maintaining a clean and contemporary style for your living space.

Talk to our interior experts today

Ready to enhance your interior and start mixing metals in home décor? Creating an expertly refined colour palette takes time and we understand that a professional opinion can be invaluable.

At Hammonds, we're here to help you build a fitted furniture solution that's perfectly tailored to your tastes and requirements. Please get in touch today to book a free design visit with one of our experts. We'll walk you through the styles, sizes and designs available – and we'll happily discuss customisation options too.