Copper in Interior Design: 5 Ideas, 25 Examples

If the American Color Institute Pantone declared 2015's main color as marsala, then experts at the British Color Institute AkzoNobel are betting on the luxurious copper tone. It combines orange and pink tones and easily complements other colors—from neutral whites to other "metallic" hues. We've gathered the best ideas for incorporating copper into interior design depending on your goals.

Idea #1: Elegant Decoration

Metallic elements add luxury to any interior, but unlike cold silver or bright gold, copper brings warmth into the home. Especially effective for this purpose are decorative elements. Copper sheets can be used to cover an entire wall or copper paint can be used.

Light furniture pairs well with a honey-toned copper accent, while a dark interior becomes warmer and cozier with reddish metal. By the way, polished copper to a mirror finish reflects light well and is perfect for decorating spaces that lack natural sunlight.

Idea #2: Original Furniture

Times when copper was used only for making wires and pipes have long passed: in recent years it is increasingly being used as a material for furniture. Nowadays, furniture is often made from this metal with table legs and coffee tables being the most common examples, although table tops and seats can also be made from copper, as it is a strong, corrosion-resistant material. It's no wonder that copper has become popular with modern designers—take a look at the interior collections of French designer Julien Reno or Polish designer Oscar Zieta, known for his copper chairs that look like inflated balloons.

Idea #3: Warm Light

Copper inspires light fixture designers: lamps from the British brand Tom Dixon are increasingly appearing in modern interiors. Specialists love copper for its malleability—it can be shaped into a lampshade of any form. Additionally, the relatively low cost of the material allows for models accessible to most buyers. Among cast and forged, polished and unfinished accessories, it's easy to find décor that suits your taste. Round pendant lights balance the strict lines of an interior, while whimsical models made from copper pipes bring a loft-style accent to the space.

Idea #4: Shiny Plumbing

It's long been known that copper has antibacterial properties, so it is used for making countertops, sinks, door handles and dishes—essentially all items we touch regularly in the kitchen or bathroom. Especially eye-catching are copper baths, which also retain heat well. However, it's unlikely you'll find a budget-friendly model: a handcrafted copper bathtub is one of the most expensive elements in bathroom fixtures.

Idea #5: Stylish Details

The simplest way to incorporate copper into an interior is to place copper accessories in the apartment. Budget-friendly copper candlesticks and vases are easy to find in stores: such decor is available in Crate & Barrel or H&M Home collections. By the way, it's not necessary to use metallic décor—textiles in the year’s trendy copper tone can also change the look of a living room or bedroom.