How and Why to Combine Different Metals in Interior Design

The combination of brass with nickel or copper with chrome in one interior is no longer considered a faux pas, but rather a welcomed approach. Together with the Center for Design and Interior "Expobuild on Nakhimovsky," we explore why mixing different metals is not only possible but also necessary, and share secrets of harmonious combinations.

What are the advantages of mixing different metals?

It allows you to easily set accents, add shine to the interior, and create interesting solutions. By the way, glossy and satin metals with a subtle glow effect, such as in the Regenbogen Life Galatea LED ceiling light, excel at these tasks.

Design: Natalia Shirokorad

How many metals to use?

In active combinations, limit yourself to a pair of contrasting metals, locally diluting them with a third neutral one. If you're planning a soft, nuanced mix, choose three to four types with similar texture or color.

By the way, these don't have to be only metal elements. Try incorporating textiles, finishes, and accessories with a metallic finish, such as in the Pascal chair, Argento Lucido mosaic, or Sirpi Rhinoceros wallpaper — this will add expressiveness to the room.

Victoria Carpet
Pascal Chair
Pamir Tile
Horse Statue
LUNA Candle Holder
Regenbogen Life Galatea LED Wall-Mounted Ceiling Light
Aparici BONDI Tile
Argento Lucido Mosaic
Sirpi Rhinoceros Wallpaper

How to choose?

All metals must have something in common. A universal solution is to start from the texture: bright gold pairs well with polished chrome or copper, while aged bronze is supported by brushed surfaces, like in the Luna candle holder.

Design: YUCUBEdesign

How to combine?

Determine what will be the main and what will be the secondary metal in the combination. This is important to ensure that the combination looks structured and does not feel random. Use a 70/30 ratio to help create the right balance.

Design: Irina Vasileva

What to complement with?

Add an element in the interior that includes colors of all involved metals. This could be a painting, wallpaper, tiles, or a carpet that incorporates multiple colors, such as in the Aparici BONDI tile or Victoria carpet. This reinforces that different metals in your setting are a deliberate choice, not a random mix. Popular today are interior items decorated with several metals, such as the Horse statue, which also make great additions.

Design: Margarita Rasskazova

How not to overdo it?

If you're unsure whether the combination will be harmonious, try mixing warm gold with copper and cool chrome with silver or nickel.

To balance the setting, add more glass, stone, or wood, such as solid oak "Provence Oak" planks or Pamir tiles. Natural materials usually include both warm and cool tones, which harmoniously support any metals.

What styles suit this?

When choosing the base for metal combinations, consider not only personal preference for certain metals but also the characteristics of the interior style.

Countryside, Provence, and vintage interiors usually require warm variations — brass, copper, gold. Industrial interiors and lofts look great with matte or brushed metals. In modern styles, emphasize neutral chrome.

9 Ideas on How to Combine Different Metals in Interior Design

Refresh a neutral living room or kitchen with several identical lights in different metal finishes... and a pair of bottles and jars for storage. Mix dishes and tableware painted in colors matching different metals — sophisticated guests will appreciate it. Pay attention to items, accessories, and furniture that already feature multiple metals — these are currently trending. Choose one or two walls to hang paintings and photos in various frames, and complement everything with accessories in matching tones. Strong effect in a mix of different metals is achieved with fabrics featuring metallic finishes. Calm down an interior filled with items made from various metals by arranging them symmetrically. If the interior is already built from identical metals, a single large item in a different metal finish can quickly and harmoniously refresh the space. Mixing warm or cool metals is a universal solution.