5 FABULOUS TIPS FOR MIXING METALS IN DECOR
Mixing metals easy to do and can add a bit of interest and fun to your home. There are a few designer secrets for mixing things up a bit so all the different metals look like they work together and don’t look confusing. Ready to mix metals?
Metallics bring life and sparkle and spark and fun to a room!
They can be shiny, dull, burnished, brushed, hammered, polished, antiqued, sandblasted, burnished, and glazed. Finishes can be satin, drybrushed, rusted, oil-rubbed, chemically enhanced, and more!
Metals come in many colors as well. And all this gives a home decor enthusiast so many fabulous choices for our homes!
So let’s mix those metals and do it with style! Here are a few tips that will help you get started.
BEST TIP FOR MIXING METALS
Go ahead and mix golds with silvers, warm metals with cool ones. Just make sure to have one primary metal in a room.
Let one metal dominate the others. If you have a big gilded mirror, like I do in my dining room, let it shine! Let gold be the predominate metal and add in other metal accents like the antique silver nailhead on the chairs or the mercury glass candlesticks on the dining room table and the lamp on the buffet!
DON’T OVERDO IT
Mix metals but use an edited hand! You want to think “balance” when mixing metals. Two or three different metals mix well whilefour or five looks confusing!
Keep is subtle. Nailheads on chairs and tables, a great pair of candlesticks, a fun pillow. Just don’t go too crazy with metallics!
And there are certain metals like copper that are so so pretty, but they like to call attention to themselves. A tad of copper goes a long long way!
THINK ABOUT TEXTURE
Yes, textured metal. Think about hammered, brushed, mercury glass and antiqued metals. Even metals that have a pattern worked or stamped on them add lots of texture! They have tons of visual texture and work happily with other metals.
MIX METALS THROUGHOUT A ROOM
If you are mixing different metals spread them around the room! Don’t clump one metal together in one area. Again, use an edited hand!
A little bit here and there works like magic!
HAVE A NEUTRAL METAL
Iron, oil-rubbed bronze and any other very dark oxidized metal should be considered a neutral and looks so so pretty with metals like gold, nickel, brass, stainless steel, and brushed metals! If you like metals consider adding some dark, flat-looking metals to your decor!
Think of them as the Miss Congeniality of the metallic world! Use them more liberally and along side of more shiny metals.
Now you know! Mixing metals is a big ooh la la and yes, please!! So get out that silver and bronze and iron and mercury glass and experiment adding them to a room in your home!
Enjoyed your post about mixing metals. Normally it is something that I wouldn’t do but now I see how nice it can look. Thanks!
Love the mixing of metals!!! Worked on some items in my living room today!!!
Great ideas as usual bringing out my different metal objects and doing some playing around today. Thanks for the ideas.
I like this, it all looks so pretty.
I love sharing your posts with my decorator friends
thanks for the support to mix metals I’ve done it in small doses and like it!
I like the idea of mixing metals and like the idea of spreading things around and not clumping the metals together. I need to remember this.
Love metals…. love your decor !
I am so glad mixing metals has become popular now because it always stressed me out when I did it (and wasn’t “supposed to”!) You always give such beautiful examples too. Enjoy your weekend of spring temps – it’s supposed to be in the 70s here in NJ today! Just crazy!
LOVE that early spring weather!
I always look forward to your posts and pictures! I love adding metals to my decor ,but I’m always a little nervous about mixing them. After reading your article, I’m going to give it a try. Your metals really bring some “bling-bling” to the spaces. Thanks for helping those of us who struggle with decorating! ?
You are so right Missy!
Thanks for the reassurances. The days of not mixing metals, or even different wood finishes, still haunt me!
Thanks for the permission! I’m planning on stainless steel appliances with aged bronze backsplash when we renovate the kitchen. After seeing pictures on Pinterest & your post I’m going to go for it!
Great tips!
Great s! It is hard to get rid of the old mindsets sometimes.
I have been looking for a larger planter/pot like the gray one on your dinning table. I want to make a large orchid arrangement just like you have . Where did you get yours?
The only rule about mixing metals was the one I learned young, and it was not mixing metals in the jewelry you wore. I guess at some point decorators picked up on this conundrum in the way they’re used in the home. I never thought about it…. I put out what I like and don’t worry about things matching.
love the nubby texture and mercury glass in your dining room. gonna copy that one, girl! also enjoying hearing your pretty voice on the podcasts.
Love mixing metals especially rustic bronze.
Love the post and love your blog! You are wonderful inspiration.
Thank you for such a great post!!!!!!
I have a pair of beautiful brass lamps and I just dont want to give up on them.
I love metals my favorite is mercury glass. I have antique brass ion my cabinet pulls and dark oiled bronze fixtures on my first floor I love the textures it comes in. Personally I like to mix metals. I think it makes a pop of the unexpected. Thank you for your posts I enjoy them very much. Your podcasts. Maybe a video will be next.
Great tips Yvonne,I like the element of metals mixed in your decor at StoneGable. Have a great weekend!
I’m from the “no mixing metals” generation. So, Thanks for giving me permission to mix it up! That was a great post.
I love Brass and chrome! Thank you for this informative read about using them! I have a few pieces and now I can place them thanks to this! Wonderful read Yvonne! Loved it!
Am I the only who now reads your posts in your voice? LOL After listening to your podcasts, I now hear your voice in my head as I am reading along! 🙂
I’ve been struggling with the mixing metals, but after reading this article, I’m going to try it! Thanks!
Always great tips and how-to’s! Thanks for a few ideas using things I have but never thought of using together.
Great tips. I finally feel better about mixing metals now!!
As I read your comments, I glanced around my living room and I took note of the different types of metals through out the room. Since I had purposely placed each item in the specific spot I had wanted it to go I concluded I’m content with things are they are. Thanks for keeping us updated in the newest decor trends!
Thank you for letting me feel OK that I have still have some oiled rubbed bronze in my home. When you constantly read that something is out, it makes you feel it’s necessary to change. I feel it suits my home. Into that mix is antiqued gold and silver. Your explanation of mixing metals and spreading them throughout the room is very helpful.
I have always mixed metals whether in jewelry or home decor. Our home has always had our own style.. Thanks for all your great tips and inspiration. Enjoy the weekend to the fullest!!
Not too much of any one element in a room is good feng shui. I never thought mixing metals was an issue bc they have the same tonal value, only difference is whether finish is polished or brushed. Thanks for your insights.
Affirmation! Just finishing the table setting for tonight’s dinner party with chunky candles in aged mercury glass and distressed silver ones with my little cast bronze birds here and there down the middle of the table.
Always such good advice!
I know it’s a lot of effort to put this blog out every day, but I sure do enjoy all the decorating tips. Thank you!!
Thank you for mixing metals blog. Over the years I’ve bee so frustrated with the changes in metals, because it makes me feel I need to update my metals so my house won’t feel dated. Now I feel a little more confident with combining the different metals.
I enjoyed this article so much. It is so funny how brass was soooo outdated a few years ago. I love that it is back and love the way you have mixed your metals. Your home is so beautiful and bright !!! Enjoy the rest of your week-end. The temps in Va are wonderful !
It is so nice to be able to open my computer, go to your site, and feel so inspired by all the pictures and information! Mixing metals wasn’t something I ever thought about but I pulled out some antique silver and copper pieces and added a green varigated plant and the look is stunning! Thank-you!
I don’t use metals too much in my house , and I think because I didn’t really know how to use them together. Thanks for the great tips!
I’ve always mixed my metals. for economic purposes and because so many things are handed down from folks I love and if I loved them and they were different, why wouldn’t I love their different things together!
Great tips
I loved your post on mixed metals. I got a lot of ideas and excited to put them in my home!!
Excellent information. Have always mixed metals because I love all the colors in a room. So glad others agree. Hope the mixed metals stay in vogue. It will for me regardless.
Just as with oriental, I could live with a piece or two but I wouldn’t want a house full. You make it look so fashionable though, Yvonne.
What a timely post! I just mixed a few this week and thought, “Well, this looks okay to me.” Mercury glass is definitely my favorite. I still have out some mercury balls that I used at Christmas. I have them in a dough bowl with antlers, pinecones, etc. I appreciate your advice.
Great ideas!
It’s good to know the old “rules” are gone. It’s even OK to mix metals with jewelry! Opens up so many options!
It’s good to know the old “rules” are gone. It’s even OK to mix metals with jewelry! Opens up so many options! Thanks!
Just love your dining room:)
Thanks for the fabulous tips and tricks of mixing metals. Love your blog and always look for your posts in my inbox. Love to go through all your pictures for inspiration. I will have to try mixing metals in my home. I appreciate all the hard work that you put into each post.
Thanks Yvonne for all the tips! I have been mixing metals for awhile and usually I have just picked what I liked and it has mostly worked together. I have a pretty good eye, so have mostly followed most of the rules you’ve mentioned. My favorite metal right now is the rose golds! So pretty!
What a timely topic…have been unearthing some wedding silver pieces, wondering how to incorporate them in decor…you’ve just given me permission to go for it!!!!
I have wanted to redecorate my living room in my 1930s house in an “English country house” manner, with dog statues, tartan and lots of pillows. I have collected brass and faux silver and porcelain dogs and of course English china plates. I lack motivation! I so need “recovered from surgery Yvonne” to come and advise me. I hope to accomplish this when my husband goes on a week’s business trip in mid march. Does anyone else like to redo when husband is gone?
Oh, I enjoy your blog so much! And you have inspired me in so many ways to try new things in my decor.
I am trying to bring a little Spring into my home & I was having trouble getting through my head how to put everything together. Perfect timing for me from your blog. Thank you, as always, for seeing us through where our home decor & our spirituality lifts us up.
Thank you Yvonne. After reading your tips with mixing metals, I took your advice and played around with some items I have and found they do look great if mixed according to your advice. Great tips!
I love your ideas!I love mixing metals with wood, such as branches in a pewter pitcher.
Yes, I remember the days when mixing metals was a no-no. It is so much more interesting with a mix…
I have never mixed metals. Thanks for the tips.
Great decor ideas as usual Yvonne. I love to mix brass with black and now I won’t hesitate to bring in some brushed nickel in an accent piece or two.
I enjoy all your posts, even though I rarely do anything like it at my home.
Great ideas!
Great tips and beautiful photos!!
🙂
Love the ideas on mixing metals! Thank you
I am a new subscriber to your blog and I enjoy reading for inspiration.
Hi Jenn! Welcome to the StoneGable family!
I am very sorry to say that not only have I never tried to mix metals, I have never painted a room before.
Even my living room furniture is over 10 years old
Love your table with the mixed metals. In fact, love all your decorating as your home is just beautiful! The mercury glass items are so pretty. I don’t have any but plan to purchase something. Thanks for all the great ideas.
Great ideas as always!
I do love both silver and bronze colored metals. Your tips will make mixing them so much easier. thanks.
Makes good sense. I have always liked my woods mixed. Why not metals.
Thank you so much! for years I have been battling a chronic illness and have been in a slump. reading your blog and listening to your podcasts have given me the motivation I need to freshen things up. I love it, and it really does make me feel good! Bless you
So glad to see this article. I love mixing metals and ignore those who think it is wrong!
Exactly what are the black bars and hooks over the farm sink?
I always look forward to your ideas. Thanks for sharing, Yvonne. Love the podcasts too!
Glad to hear this again. Another decorator also told me this. It is still difficult for me to do.
Love the mix!
Great ideas about how to add medal to décor. I try to use different materials
following Feng Shui decorating and this gave me some good ideas!
Yes sort of like jewelry for your room. I will mix gold and silver too but like to group it as well. Good tips!
Love your table decorations and how you mix metals, I already started to mix them and to my surprise I like it!. Thank you
I used to like gold, then discovered silver so I have more silver now than gold in my home, but I use them both, I don’t think it has to be all one or the other, it’s nice to have a mix.
these are wonderful tips on metal accents!
Thanks for the great ideas
I love metals! Now I have information to make it work. Thanks so much. Can’t wait to try it out.
Thank you for this lovely post. I do believe I have some items in storage that just may need to resurface from the days of old! You’ve got my ideas rolling!
Golden Ideas!
I just found your blog and I love it! I’m learning how to decorate and this site is
such a huge help to me. I’m still scouring everything you’ve posted! I love this
post in particular about mixing metals. You are an inspiration to me! Thank you!!
Hi Lisa, I’m so glad you found us! Welcome to the StoneGable family!!!
Pretty. Not over done.
Thank you for these helpful tips.
I LOVE the small chest in the first Photo. Can you provide a source?
TIA
Hi BJ, this chest is from Hooker and I found it on Wayfair. It’s out of stock. Sorry!
I absolutely love all of your posts. You give us such great ideas on everything. Yours is the one I watch for all the time. Am so glad I found you several years ago.
Thanks for all your tips and showing us all how it works together.
Yvonne,
Don’t know how you keep these great tips coming…always helpful and on point…Hope you are doing well!!
I have mixed metals in my house too because I love the little surprise of sparkle in each room. The one thing I haven’t been able to make myself do however, is turn all of my books around so that the pages are showing instead of the spines. Now THAT is probably more telling of my age than not bringing myself to mix metals! Lol!
Hey Angela, you keep showing your pretty book spines! I say, YOU GO GIRL!
Thank you for the great tips on mixing metals. I’ve had so many ah ha moments from reading your blog. Great fun not to stress when I can’t quite figure something out. I don’t give up on myself now. I just keep readjusting for however long it takes until my decorating attempts becomes pleasing to my eye.
I love the mix of a little metallic – it works in any room! Thanks for your latest design help!
I love all of your ideas of mixing metals Yvonne. Happy Saturday!
Thanks for this very helpful post on mixing metals…I’m in the group that has always been afraid to mix different metals…Your guidelines have given me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone and experiment with this trend . Thanks, Yvonne.
These pictures look stunning.
I love the mix of metals.
An interesting post, Yvonne. I tend to like silver and “white” metals, but not so much the gold or brass tones. I do like copper and iron a lot and the greys of tin items. I agree that mixing different metals provides a more interesting setting and I think your advice about not too much in one place is good. I am prone to filling up every little space and really have trouble editing out. It helps me to take a photograph of the room or the vignette. For some reason I get a better sense of balance and color when I look at a photo instead of the real thing. It sounds crazy but it works for me!
I just love everything about every room…..so soothing!
Thanks for the great tips Yvonne!!
Several years ago I purchased a antique pewter tray with dull brass handles. It added a wonderful lift to my extensive pewter collection. Now you’ve inspired me to add a bit more brass. Diney on Camano Island
I love having some metal in my rooms, but I tend to more muted, such as brushed metal, or antique metal that has the aged patina. I think my favorite though, is pewter. At Christmas time however, is when I love putting on the “glitz” with some mercury glass. I am enjoying your site very much.
great tips love your site
I just love your tips for mixing metals. I’m learning so much and love the Farmhouse style. In Australia, our Federation style can be quite heavy and dark but your light and bright style is just gorgeous. Keep your blogs coming. I love them all.
THANKS HAZEL!!!!! I’m so glad you are inspired by StoneGable!
Another thing we have in common..decorating books!
You are so right about mixing metals!!! Aren’t we glad that some “rules” are meant to be broken???!!! I love to have different woods in a room, also. The room then appears to have evolved over time, rather than looking as though everything was purchased at one time. Many people have a problem with this, so maybe this is a good topic for a future post.
Thanks for the very practical tips for mixing metals. It makes me feel better!
I always wondered about this topic, thanks for your advice! It makes me feel so much better about my choices in my own decor!
Love your ideals, try and read them each day, just finished my kitchen renovation, and now it’s time
for another room, I enjoy your rooms each day.
I’m needing to take out all my metals; candle holders, vases and accessories and get going on decorating my home as beautifully as you do in yours. Your ideas are wonderful. Thank you, Yvonne!
Thanks Yvonne. I’ve always been afraid of mixing metals for fear they wouldn’t look right. You’ve given me new confidence to try.
Great tips! Lately I have been collecting mercury glass pieces, vases, candle holders and bowls. Love displaying vignettes especially around the holidays. Also have a lot of bronze, wrought iron decor which pairs beautifully with the silver. Thank you for your ever-inspiring blog! Sure hope you are feeling better Yvonne!❤️
I love how you are able to take different textures mix them together and make it look fabulously. As for me, I still could not make it work, this is why I need you fab designers to come to my house, look at what I have and help me pull it all together. When I try to follow your way of making things come together, I only end up making it look as if I now have to much stuff, and nothing coming together. LOL!
Have a blessed Sunday.
I can’t believe it…brass lamps…makes me wish I would have kept my old pair of brass lamps that I thought was forever outdated.
I’ve noticed numerous times when I follow your links in the shop the look and the links happen to be Wayfair that they go to Wayfair Canada. Is there something on my end that I need to correct to go to U.S. link?
A couple of the links that go to Wayfair Canada in this post are the nubby pillow and the curlacue dresser.
Thanks, Yvonne. Your words are a good reminder for all aspects of decorating, not just mixing metals: “Don’t Over Do It” . . . use an edited hand! You want to think “balance”
Love the article. I do also decorate with lots silver and gold and brass. My new thing is Mercury glass.
I always learn something from your blog. Thank you for all the information you share.
I appreciate your helpful tips! I tend to be “matchy-matchy,” so I was intrigued by your article about mixing metals!
I am loving all the tips you are giving us. I’m ready to start my spring decorating!
Mixing metals is hard for me to do. I’m such a matchy-matchy person. But I’m going to try!
Love your tips.
Thanks for the great tips and ideas on mixing metals while decorating and accessorizing! This has always been a tough one for me, and I was never totally sure it looked right! But I loved your ideas and also seeing you put those ideas to work through your pictures….that was SO helpful! Thank you for sharing…..
Hi, Yvonne. Great advice, and everything looks so pretty over at your place–always enjoy your pictures. Luckily, I’ve never been one that felt the need to follow trends that come and go. I have been mixing metals my whole life, just as my mom did before me. In the 60’s, my mom decorated our Xmas tree and the house in silver, gold, and white and it was the talk of all our friends, and then most of them did the same the following year (chuckle). I’ve seen quite a few white kitchens online now with brass hardware and stainless appliances, The brass warms the room and really adds bling. But, as you said, mixing has to be done correctly to pull it off. Hope your day is a lovely one.
Good mix of metals. I love mercury glass.
Thanks Yvonne for the good tips about mixing metals. I hope that your foot is healing well. Please don’t overdo it.
This post helps with thinking about mixing metals… I probably would with an edited hand, as you say. 🙂
Love your mixed metals look. So glad I kept my brass pieces since they look great mixed with silver and copper as well as my oil rubbed bronze accessories. Thanks for tips!
I never feel like my attempt at mixing metals looks as nice as the ones in pictures and on blogs. Maybe this will help me!
Your dining room is gorgeous!! Makes me want a gilded mirror!
Love metals! Have had silver framed art posters and other accessories from 1970 when I first married. I have gone through lots of deco phases and I always come back to silver. Live in Florida now so cool vibe is great!
I just bought that mercury cache pot at Pottery Barn this week…looked at this blog hoping for ideas for what to put in it…and there you go…a boxwood ball! Thanks…love Stone Gable!
Thank you so much for this great advice in your post! Like you were reading my mind! Choosing the basic metals for my fixtures and handles in our new house has been a challenge for me. I am so happy that I ‘found’ you and your excellent decorator advice. Love Stone Gable and all the beautiful photos of your home!
I was just wondering about mixing metals and having a hard time getting my dining room to all work together when I saw your post. Thank you for explaining the metals of today’s decorating. It makes decorating more fun and easier too. I surely do enjoy your blog and your pretty home, ideas, and inspiration.
I love your ecorating style.
That should be decorating.
I always look forward to reading your posts and seeing the ideas you share with us. I have been mixing some metals and so far I am happy with what I have been doing. When it doesn’t work I try moving things around. Thanks for sharing with us.
Beautifully done!! I was wondering if you could tell me/us where your gorgeous pillow on that chair is from? Enjoy your weekend!!!
Hi Fuchsia, The pillow is actually a bed pillow euro sham. I found it a few years ago at the Pottery Barn outlet near our home.
This is how I’ve solved the shiny gold issue. I purchased a product from Hobby Lobby called rub and buff in silver. All you do is rub it over the shiny gold. It tones it down and gives you a very nice silver gold look. I am a renter and had an ugly shiny gold ceiling fan with all the other lights being in a silver finish. I just rubbed this on and now I have much better looking ceiling fan. I have used this so many times on everything from picture frames to vases to candle sticks. An inexpensive way to change a finish on something you like but just not the finish you desire.
Wow, Karen! Great tip! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Love your blog and all your great decorating advice. One thing I struggle with is wall decor. Not sure if you have ever posted on this topic. I’m repainting our family room and with all the walls blank now, I don’t even know how to start arranging decor and pictures when I put stuff back up. I know sometimes less is more, and don’t want a cluttered look. Any good tips you can provide?
You are right, Barb! Less IS more. Use a big clock or a big framed word art. Mirrors are great to enlarge and bring light in.
I have finally embraced mixing metals! I used to get so upset that all the doorknobs in my house were predominantly antique brass and when styles/metals changed, I felt I’d have to change them out as well. It used to cause my OCD brain to hurt! However, now, I just go with what I like and make sure I have a predominant metal with smatterings of other metals. My recent love is copper in the kitchen!
I do have a question…for curtains with grommets, should the curtain rod match? I tend to think so and would never mix an oil rubbed bronze grommet with a nickel rod…maybe slight different bronzes, but not a full-on contrast. If I love the curtains/grommets, in my head, I’d need to change the rod? Is this what you would do?
What’s your thought on different doorknobs, must they be all one metal throughout the house?
I would say yes. However, it is all a matter of what you like.
Yvonne, could I ask a question please? may I ask where you purchased the rug in your new kitchen, and I haven’t saw “The Friendship Mouse”, lol
The mouse is on the mantel in the Great Room! Here is the rug…https://rstyle.me/+-UX8bAV_8h20_no9ILyvTQ
HeyYvonne – I’m new to your blog and really enjoy all your great advice and style. Your home is absolutely stunning. Wondering if you link products from your home to purchase (and hopefully you get a little $ for doing so!)? In particular, I’d love to purchase your table lamp with wire net from your family room. Just gorgeous.
Sue
So glad you found us! Welcome! The wire lamp came Pottery Barn.
I am so happy to find your site again, because I missed getting your post. I don’t know what happened, but I will be signing up again.
As always, I love ? this entire post. It’s fantastic!
Yvonne, how many ways can I say “thank you”?!! I love your posts and the way you write them. I thought I knew a lot about decorating, but you have completed what was missing in my arsenal. Now, I can hear your voice in my mind, tutoring me as I walk in to a store to shop. I am especially impressed when you post teachings from the Bible! You are creating beauty, inside and out!
Oh how sweet Valerie! The best thing to hide in your heart is God’s word… and I know you know that too!
I love your site and have told many of my friends about it.
I am looking for a black glass and metal cart exactly like the one in a picture of your home. Can you share where you found that?
Thanks.
Hi Ginny, thanks for spreading the word! Look for the barcart at Ballard Designs.
Yvonne, I learn something new with every post! Thank you for the wonderful post on mixed metals. I wonder if you can tell me where you purchased the 4 square baskets that you keep in the small white chest in your Great Room? I have been looking for some beautiful water hyacinth baskets just like those.
I’ve had these square baskets for years and they hold up so well. Here they are:
Yvonne, I had inquired about the square baskets in your white chest. You replied but no name or website printed in the reply. Will you please resend? Thanks!
Click the link. This will take to the site where they are:https://rstyle.me/+VkLHwRxU_ZhhHW0NAciNzQ
Hello Yvonne,
What are your thoughts on lighting in a house? Mixed metals or all the same? I’m really struggling with trying to pick out lighting for a lakehouse we are rehabbing. I tend to lean towards black & oil rubbed bronze but I am finding I am liking brushed nickel too. HELP! I appreciate your input. Thank you, Jolene
Mix those metals!!!! And think of pottery lamps and more. Be very liberal with lamp styles in a room too.
I guess I should have clarified that it’s the light fixtures, wall sconces, vanity lights & pendants.