When two metals look similar, you can’t help asking yourself whether they can be combined together to save on costs. Brushed nickel and chrome resemble one another quite closely; brushed nickel being the more expensive option. So, can you actually mix these two metals together? We have researched answers to find out.
Mixing chrome with brushed nickel generally depends on your preference. You can mix these metals together if you prefer having a uniform look. However, if you are looking for contrast or a more creative flair, mixing brushed nickel and chrome may be too plain for you since they both come in the same family.
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If you are still tiptoeing around mixing metals in your living space, bathrooms, or kitchens, there are certain things you should consider to maximize its design potential. We have collated information about mixing metals effectively, so keep reading to know more!
How To Effectively Mix Metal Finishes
There are no strict rules when it comes to mixing metal finishes; it wholly depends on whether you want the mix to be obvious or subtle.
Many designers prefer mixing different metal finishes to create dimension and artistic flair, so you can draw inspiration from these combinations if you want a more creative interior.
Here are ways you can mix and match different metal finishes.
Mix and Match Warm and Cool Tints
Mix metals with a warm finish to balance out cool tints. Not only will it be a stylish contrast, but it can match your interior better.
Make sure that the metals you order online will not have a pinkish or golden cast that makes the metal look aged unless that’s what you’re aiming for.
Mix and match the sheen
You can try experimenting with textures, but some designers prefer having the sheens of the metal match together, especially if they come in the same color family.
This is because the subtle difference may indicate that it was a failed attempt at combining different metals together.
However, it is easier and more efficient to go all the way and combine two completely different finishes to make the decision look more purposeful instead of an accidental mistake.
Combine different sheens for dimension and texture
Mix up the texture and sprinkle your preferred sheens together. Go for bold combinations such as matte with polished metals. The muted matte will balance out the shiny texture of a polished surface, and the polished metal will add a dimension to a flat matte surface.
Follow the rule of threes
When mixing metals, it is better to stick to only up to three metal combinations; more than that and it will look chaotic.
One metal should be the anchoring element between the two metals. This will create a more balanced and neat look, and it can blend seamlessly with your interior.
Have a consistent finish sprinkled throughout the space
You should stick to 2-3 finishes and consistently spread them out around your space. This will make the bathroom or kitchen look more visually balanced, and it can create a methodical mess that can make the interior look effortlessly stylish.
For example, if you have polished rose gold for a faucet, your shower head should also be in this finish. If you have gold cabinet handles, your light hardware fixture should also be in gold.
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If you want to combine all these finishes together, they will still balance the entire room!
Pick a cool dominant metal
Some designers prefer having a cool dominant metal so that it would be more adaptable to different preferences and aesthetics. If you want to lean into a cool and masculine style, you can go for oil-rubbed metals and sprinkle these accents around the room.
If you want a more feminine look, you can mix these cool metals with something with a warm gold or rose gold finish.
Combine the cool metal with warm accents
This is the general rule when combining metals, whether you want a neutral, feminine, or masculine room.
Cool metals naturally go with warm accents since they balance each other out, and they create a whole new look that fights monotony commonly found in bathroom fixtures.
Incorporate the fixtures in your space with the metals
Off course, you need to recognize your other decorations and figure out whether they go together with certain metal finishes. If your decor and aesthetic lean more into a rustic style, rubbed bronze metals are your best choice.
If you have a more minimalist design and lifestyle, you can make do with matte and brushed nickel combinations.
Read: “What Is The Best Color Temperature For Bathroom Lighting?”
What finishes are good for bathrooms?
If you intend on combining different metals, you need to have an idea about the different types of finishes first.
Polished surface
Polished metals have a more shiny sheen that reflects light-almost like a mirror. You want to combine polished metals with more aged or rubbed metals to strike a great balance.
Check out this chrome faucet on Amazon.
Brushed metal
Brushed or dulled metals are more adaptable since they have a more muted finish. Brushed metals in gold, rose gold, or nickel can make your interior look more luxurious and put together.
Brushed metals are also better at hiding blemishes, making them ideal for households with rowdy toddlers or pets.
Check out brushed nickel cabinet pulls on Amazon.
Oiled or rubbed
Rubbed metals look more antiquated since they have been purposefully darkened; usually ranging from deep brown to dark grey with copper undertones. These finishes complement copper and silver metals.
Read more : How to Find Matching Kitchen Cabinets?
Check out this oiled bronze finish vanity fixture on Amazon.
Matte Finish
A matte finish makes your metal look muted and opaque. This creates a more sleek and modern appearance, which can anchor more vibrant finishes.
Check out this black matte finished faucet on Amazon.
What are the ideal metal finish combinations?
Brushed Gold and Brushed Nickel
These two finishes balance each other out and create a seamless visual experience in any space. They also do not compete for attention, so you can sprinkle these two metals as much as you want.
Brushed gold looks lovely on mirrors, while brushed nickel will add depth placed on handles and knobs.
Copper and Steel
Copper and steel may are both contrasting and cohesive metals that tie up your interior.
The warm copper will introduce a pop of vibrancy when used as an accent piece, and steel will ground the play of colors when they are placed in light fixtures, showerheads, and faucets.
Matte Black and Gold
Combining matte black and gold is another example of combining neutrals with warm colors. This combination is ideal for minimalist spaces where you prefer having one accent metal against a neutral background.
Rose Gold and Black
If you think gold fixtures may be too flashy, you can opt for rose gold metal fixtures. This will look great matched with other matte black fixtures and will create a more seamless interior design.
You can combine these two with stainless steel fixtures as well since you can use them as another neutral. You will make your rose gold fixtures an accent against two balancing elements.
Which texture combinations are ideal?
Do not ignore the textures of the metal since they also play a major role in making sure the metal fixtures remain seamless against your interior.
Polished gold metals look odd with polished nickel but can work with brushed nickel. Muted finishes are more adaptable, making them pair well with shiny metals.
Similarly, oil-rubbed finishes look best with a farmhouse or antique aesthetics since it has that charmingly aged look. You can combine these with satin rose-gold finishes for a more complementary combination.
Mixed Metal Inspirations for Bathrooms
Brushed Nickel and Matte Finish
As seen in the photo, the combination of brushed nickel will look great with matte-finished fixtures for a more minimalist approach.
Matte Black and Stainless Steel
For a more neutral and neat combination, matte black finishes complement stainless steel fixtures nicely. This is ideal if your priority is space-saving; if you want to give the illusion of wideness.
Gold and Matte Black
For a more contemporary design, go for the gold and matte black combination. This will make the space look unique and visually interesting, and you would not have to worry about the finishes clashing together.
Final Thoughts
Do not be too intimidated by the idea of mixing metals, but you need to be careful with carelessly combining finishes and textures. If you want a classy and polished look, a good rule of thumb is to make the finishes contrast as much as possible.
As with any design project, make your preferences your baseline to make the designs work together.
If you enjoyed this article, check out “What Wall Color Goes With Brown Bathroom Tiles?”
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens