Decorating with metal brings an undeniably luxurious feel to interior spaces–the subtle shimmer of metal can have a big impact when done well. Whether it’s a sleek chrome coffee table, warm brass accents, or a bold matte black light fixture, decorating with metal can add a layer of depth and polish to any room. But the key to success? Balance. Too much and your space can feel cold or chaotic; too little and the impact is lost.
From gold decor and copper tones to mixed metals in the bathroom and kitchen, we’ll show you how to blend these elements like a design pro. Here’s how to decorate with metallics in a way that feels refined, approachable, and totally you.
1. Know Your Metals: Understand the Finish
Before layering in metallic elements, it helps to understand the vibe each finish brings—some are warm and inviting, others are sleek and modern. Warm tones like brass and gold evoke richness and comfort, often adding a glam or vintage flair. Cooler metals like chrome, nickel, and silver create a clean, modern look. Matte black, though technically a finish rather than a metal, adds bold contrast and a contemporary edge.
Here’s a breakdown by metal type:
- Brass: Warm, classic, and trending. Great for vintage-inspired spaces.
- Chrome: Bright and modern. Clean and cool, perfect for contemporary homes.
- Copper: Rich and rosy—leans rustic and pairs well with natural materials like wood and stone.
- Nickel: Soft and subtle. Brushed nickel pairs well with warm tones.
- Gold: Glamorous and warm. A little goes a long way.
- Matte Black: Bold and edgy. Adds contrast without being flashy.
- Silver/Stainless Steel: Sleek and reflective. Both are classics that pair easily with cool-toned palettes.
Knowing the feeling you want to evoke will help you decide which metals to feature most prominently. For example, if you’re aiming for a classic, curated look, brass and matte black might work better than chrome or silver. Once you’ve pinned down the aesthetic you’re looking for, choose one dominant metal and allow any others to play supporting roles throughout your home. This will prevent visual clutter and help tie the whole look together.
2. Interior Design: Mixing Metals Like a Pro
Can you mix gold and silver decor or other combinations like brass and nickel? Absolutely. But just like mixing prints in fashion, there’s a subtle strategy for accomplishing a well-balanced look.
Tips for Mixing Metals in Home Decor:
- Limit your palette to 2–3 metal tones: Choose one dominant metal as your focal point to anchor the space, and use one or two others as supporting accents.
- Match undertones for harmony: Keep metals with similar undertones together for a more cohesive look. Think warm (like brass and gold) vs. cool (like chrome and silver).
- Distribute finishes evenly throughout the space: Avoid clustering one metal in a single area. Spread them throughout the room for visual balance.
- Repeat each metal at least twice: Reinforce your choices with repetition. A single accent can feel random, but twice makes it feel curated.
- Establish a visual rhythm: Let one finish take the lead, then support it with smaller accents to create a layered, intentional design.
Even bathrooms and kitchens can benefit from mixed metals. Instead of matching every faucet, knob, and light fixture, consider an interior design mixing metals approach—like pairing a matte black faucet with brushed gold cabinet pulls, or combining brass and nickel elements for a refined, layered feel. The result? A space that feels perfectly curated.
3. Use Furniture as a Foundation for Shine
One of the easiest ways to incorporate metal into your home is through furniture design. Metallic accents—like chrome chair legs, brass drawer handles, or copper-framed side tables—offer a stylish touch without overpowering the room.
These pieces add structure and shine, helping anchor your design. At CORT Furniture Outlet, you’ll find a wide variety of high-quality, gently used furniture with modern metallic details—so you can achieve a high-end look without the high-end price.
4. Accent With Decor and Lighting
Not ready to invest in metallic furniture? Start small. Decorative accessories and lighting are perfect ways to explore metallics. A few well-placed decor items—like a matte black floor lamp, a copper fruit bowl, metal-focused vignettes, or a brass-framed mirror—can draw the eye and add depth. Even subtle elements, such as metallic curtain rods or hardware on a lampshade, can make a space feel more layered and intentional.
Mixing in metals with lighting and decor is also great for renters or anyone working with a smaller budget. Swapping out bathroom or kitchen cabinet hardware is a relatively low-cost update that can dramatically change the mood of a space. If you’re feeling bold, don’t shy away from mixing knobs and pulls on kitchen cabinets, for example. Just remember to maintain balance by spacing similar finishes evenly across your space.
5. Stick to a Cohesive Color Story
Metallics naturally attract attention, so they need to be grounded in a consistent color palette. To avoid a chaotic look when decorating with metal, anchor your metallics with a consistent color palette. Neutrals let gold, chrome, or black finishes shine without overwhelming the space. Earthy tones—like terracotta, olive, or navy—can also complement metallics beautifully, especially when paired with warm metals like copper or brass.
Instead of letting mixed metals compete, use color to unify the look. A gold lamp on a navy blue table or a matte black chandelier over a walnut dining table will feel more intentional when anchored by consistent hues throughout the space.
6. Design With Budget in Mind
Decorating with metal doesn’t require a full renovation or a luxury budget. Swapping out hardware on furniture, adding metallic peel-and-stick wallpaper, or repurposing thrifted décor with metallic spray paint are small changes with big impact.
For bigger statements without big spending, CORT Furniture Outlet offers gently used, designer-quality furnishings with metallic details at outlet prices. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece or subtle shine, CORT makes it easy to decorate with metal and master your personal style—without the luxury price tag.
Shine On—Affordably, With CORT Furniture Outlet
Whether you start with a single gold vase or go bold with mixed metals throughout your home, metallics can transform your space from ordinary to elevated.
Let CORT Furniture Outlet help bring your vision to life with beautiful, high-quality furniture and decor featuring stunning metallic accents, giving you the perfect way to incorporate metal into your home without overspending. From sleek chrome tables to elegant brass details, our ever-changing inventory makes it easy to bring a touch of glam, warmth, or industrial edge to any room.
Shop CORT Furniture Outlet in-person or online today and find the perfect metallic pieces to make your space shine!
