Mixing metal finishes: A guide to elevate your bathroom decor

How to combine different bathroom brassware styles

The bathroom is now rightly recognised as more than a mere functional space, and instead somewhere to express interior design flair to create a glamorous and luxurious retreat. In line with that notion, one trend that has gained significant traction in recent times is the mixing of metal finishes. When properly combining different types of bathroom brassware, you can achieve a true bathroom transformation, bringing depth, character and opulence to your sanctuary.

This guide will explore the various means to match up contrasting metal finishes in your bathroom décor, offering insights and inspirational ideas to find the perfect bathroom brassware blend.

Using mixed metals for limitless aesthetic appeal

Before discussing the specifics of how to best mix metal finishes, we can first understand why the trend has garnered such popularity in the realm of bathroom design over the course of the last few years.

Firstly, from a perspective of visual interest, a mixture of metals will bring a sense of intrigue and drama to your bathroom appearance, creating unique focal points that will instantly take the eye. It will also provide a greater level of design flexibility, with the potential to incorporate a combination of both modern and traditional elements within a single cohesive look.

Further to this, the wealth of stylish and contrasting bathroom brassware options available mean you can select a style well suited to your personal taste and design preferences. A well-executed mixture of bathroom metallics can usher in a timeless aesthetic as well, transcending passing trends to ensure your bathroom will remain in vogue for several years to come.

Key tips to mix metal in the bathroom

For the successful artistry of mixing metal finishes in a bathroom, it is key to first understand some basic principles to follow. They are…

Choose from a limited selection

Whilst the temptation might exist to overload and include every stunning brassware finish you lay your eyes upon, it is vital to show restraint when making your selection. We recommend sticking to a maximum of two to three metal finishes in a single bathroom area. Adopting this approach will ensure you achieve a cohesive look without overwhelming the space or creating a sense of chaos.

Select a ‘hero’ metal finish

Opt for a single metal to act as the dominant finish in the bathroom. This will be the style that is most visible most regularly in the bathroom, and responsible for setting the overall tone of the aesthetic. Some popular choices for a ‘hero’ finish include chrome, brass, matte black and brushed nickel. When you have identified your primary metal, you can start to consider which accentuating finishes will best complement the design.

Don’t discount metal temperature

Metals can be split into three separate temperature categories: cool, warm and neutral. By grasping these varied temperature families, you can create a harmonious aesthetic.

Cool metals: Chrome, stainless steel, nickel

Warm metals: Gold, copper, bronze, brass

Neutral metals: White, black, pewter To achieve a balanced appearance, explore the mixing of metals from contrasting temperature categories. For instance, warm brass and cool chrome can mesh well for an eye-catching designer look

Strike a balance between cool and warm shades

Following on from the previous rule of thumb, look to strike a balance between warm and cool shades. Doing so will embrace visual harmony and make sure that one single temperature doesn’t overwhelm the space. For example, if your bathroom features an abundance of cool-tone chrome, you could utilise some warm bronze accents to add depth and warmth.

Get creative with finishes and sheens

Remember to carefully consider the finish of each type of metal. By combining different sheens, you can deliver a further layer of interest to your bathroom design scheme. You might want to match up the likes up brushed nickel with polished chrome, matte black with polished brass, or satin brass with oil-rubbed bronze to name a few stylish examples. A contrast between shiny and matte finishes can result in a beautifully sophisticated and layered look.

Popular metal mixtures in the bathroom

Though the possibilities for bathroom metal mixtures are practically endless, there are a few staple choices that have proven to be especially favourable for bathroom interiors. Some of the most popular pairings are listed below.

Chrome and brass

This timeless classic teams warm brass with the cool reflective quality of chrome. It is a versatile mix that is well suited to both modern and traditional bathrooms alike.

Matte black and gold

A bold, contemporary look can be achieved with the pairing of matte black fixtures and gold accents. The strong-contrast combination will bring drama and sophistication to any bathroom area.

Bronze and nickel

Oil-rubbed bronze and brushed nickel can match up to create an elegantly subtle design that is particularly appealing for a transitional or traditional bathroom space.

Stainless steel and copper

For a slightly more out-there combination, stainless steel can be aligned with copper elements to deliver a unique, industrial-led vibe.

Brass and chrome

The same metals as the first named in this section, but in this incarnation, chrome holds sway as the dominant finish. This teaming provides a fresh, modern combination of bathroom brassware.

How to mix metals and combine bathroom brassware

Now you hopefully have a solid understanding of the principles of mixing metals, and the popular combinations of bathroom brassware that exist, we can explore the process of putting everything together for a cohesive bathroom design.

Step 1: Consider existing finishes

Begin by taking note of any metal finishes already populating your bathroom. Pay particular attention to the handles on your bathroom furniture such as vanity units, your shower system finish, lighting, any heated towel rails and bathroom mirror frames to name just a few. From there, you can work out which elements you wish to keep and the ones you might want to upgrade or refresh, which will help inform your decision on fresh finishes.

Step 2: Select the dominant metal

In line with your personal preferences and existing finishes, choose your key dominant metal. This finish will be the most prevalent style within the bathroom and should align with your overall bathroom design vision.

Step 3: Choose accentuating brassware

Once you have chosen your ‘hero’ metal, you can select the ideal complementary brassware to go with it. You should look to add one or two complementary finishes, considering metal temperatures and looking to strike the perfect balance between warm and cool tones.

Step 4: Plot the distribution of metal

In order to achieve a seamless appearance, it is worth planning how your chosen metals will be distributed throughout the bathroom. As a general rule, it is a good idea to aim to repeat each selected finish at least twice throughout the space. The following example uses the listed key metals in their specified roles.

Dominant metal: Chrome

Accent metal 1: Brushed copper

Accent metal 2: Matte black

Using these types of bathroom brassware, you could introduce chrome shower fixtures, bathroom taps and heated towel rails. Then opt for a brushed copper mirror frame and vanity unit handles and hardware, with matte black shower enclosure framing and lighting accents.

Step 5: Include mixed metals in bathroom fixtures and accessories

At this point, you can start to implement your mixed metal scheme in full, adding subtle nuances and details to complement your décor.

Think about how metal finishes will infiltrate plumbing fixtures such as shower heads, bathtub fillers and taps, as well as hardware like doorknobs, towel hooks and cabinet handles. You should also consider mirror frame materials and finishes, as well as all forms of lighting, be it integrated vanity lights, sconces or the overall main light source for the bathroom.

Don’t forget about bathroom accessories either, such as toothbrush holders, soap dispensers and any decorative objects that may work to elevate the scheme.

Step 6: Incorporate other materials for a cohesive aesthetic

Finally, the incorporation of other materials like textiles can be thought about with regards to complementing your chosen mixed metal interior theme.

This can be implemented through things like bath mat and towel choices, in opting for designs that echo or align with your selected metals. Window treatments and shower curtains can work in the same manner, whilst the addition of natural elements such as stone or wood can bring texture and warmth to the space.

Common mistakes to avoid when blending brassware

Although the mixture of metals can create a visually excellent effect, there are some common mistakes to be wary of making…

Don’t overdo it: Always keep in mind that less is more. Keep to between two and three bathroom brassware finishes to avoid a chaotic appearance.

Properly proportion: Make sure your chosen dominant metal accounts for around 60-75% of the metal finishes in the bathroom, with your accentuating metals making up the remainder.

Undertone ignorance: Pay close attention to the undertones of your metals, making sure they embrace and enhance each other, and the look of your colour scheme on the whole.

Metal mixing proximity: Where possible, look to keep different metal finishes separate to foster a more cohesive and harmonious overall appearance.

Existing element neglect: Do not overlook existing fixtures or understated fixed elements such as doorknobs or in-built soap dispensers when plotting your bathroom brassware blend.

Achieving your ideal look with bathroom brassware

Combining bathroom brassware and mixing metal finishes within bathroom décor is an art that requires the fusion of creative thinking and considerate planning. In adhering to the principles put forward in this guide, and of course adding a splash of your personal design flair, you can create a visually gorgeous bathroom that is reflective of your specific style preferences.

Keep in mind that there is no surefire, failsafe approach to mixing metals in the bathroom. You can experiment with a variety of different combinations, and “call it on the fly” as you move along with your renovation work. Ultimately, the key is to create a harmonious space that aligns with your personal taste.

No matter if you are committing to a full-scale bathroom refresh, or merely updating the area with a few new accessories, the incorporation of mixed metals can transform a bathroom from a functional space to a luxurious hub of style and relaxation. For any further information or help, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team, or to show off your own unique bathroom brassware combinations. You can reach us in the comments below, or contact us via Instagram, Facebook or X.

Frequently Asked Questions