How to Effortlessly Mix Metals for a Cohesive Look

Why should you mix metals?

Mixing metals isn’t just a fad. It can make your interiors feel more layered and personalised.

If your space looks like it’s missing something, bringing in another finish may do the trick. It also allows you to add some extra tones and textures to the room, without replacing all your fixtures.

When done thoughtfully, combining metals can boost both the function and aesthetics of your kitchen , bathroom or laundry. For instance, choosing a stain-resistant finish for high-use fixtures like taps or shower fittings means less cleaning to keep them looking fresh. You can then use more delicate metals for added style through your lighting, mirror frames or decorative pieces.

Step-by-step guide on how to mix metals

The trick to mixing metals well is having a plan and ensuring the result looks intentional. Start by thinking about your space and style, then layer finishes in a way that feels right.

1. Look at your interior style

Think about the overall style of the room and whether you want your tapware to blend in or stand out. Do you have a farmhouse-style kitchen or bathroom? Or maybe you’re working with a Hamptons kitchen. Your home’s design style helps guide which metals feel natural together.

1. Start with a primary finish

Pick one metal to use primarily throughout the space. This is usually seen in the main fixtures like tapware, cabinet handles or shower heads. Having a main finish gives your room a clear base and avoids it from looking and feeling un-intentional. Read our blog on tapware colours and finishes to explore your options.

1. Add secondary accent finishes

Once you’ve chosen your main metal, bring in a second finish in smaller amounts. This could be for towel rails, hooks, mirror frames or lighting. Make sure the secondary metal complements the primary one.

These secondary finishes should lift your base rather than compete with it.

1. Think about scale and placement

Plan where each metal will sit in the room. Larger pieces are usually better for the dominant metal, while smaller features are ideal for accent finishes. Spread these accents evenly around the space to keep it feeling balanced.

Tips for mixing metals

You can’t just throw in a few finishes and hope for the best. Here’s what you should keep in mind when mixing metals so that your space looks put together.

Stick to the same undertones

Some metals just don’t work together. Keep the tones compatible — warm with warm, cool with cool.

Pairing warm-toned styles like Brushed Brass, Antique Brass and Warm Brushed Nickel can add cosiness and texture, while cooler-toned finishes like Chrome and Gunmetal pair nicely for a modern vibe. Matte Black is a bit more flexible and pairs well with most other metals. Keeping these things in mind will give you a space that feels thought-out.

Use subtle textures

Brushed, matte or polished finishes can all be mixed, but keep the textures in mind. Pairing too many bold textures can feel messy, whereas a mix of subtle textures adds depth.

Make sure it’s balanced

Step back and see how the metals work together. You can order sample discs to see what different colours might look like together in person. If it looks too busy or mismatched, your placement may need some work. The goal is an intentional look.

Think about function

Beyond aesthetics, consider which finishes suit how you use the room. For a low- maintenance bathroom or a busy kitchen, matte or brushed metals help hide mess. Polished finishes are beautiful, but they can show watermarks or fingerprints more easily.

Things to avoid when mixing metals

Mixing metals takes a well-thought-out plan. If you want your space to look clean and considered, there are a few things to be careful of.

Using too many finishes

Sticking to two main metals and one accent is usually enough. Using too many can make your kitchen, bathroom or laundry look a bit all over the place.

Not sticking to a style

Even if you mix metals, think about the overall look. Traditional tapware works best with classic finishes, and modern fixtures pair better with sleeker metals. Mixing styles and finishes without a plan can make the space feel messy.

Using clashing contrasts

Strong contrasts can work if done intentionally, but avoid placing metals that visually clash too closely together. For example, shiny gold next to bright chrome can feel off unless it's balanced carefully. Using metals with compatible tones and finishes keeps the look cohesive.

Shop tapware in a range of colours and finishes

Mixing metals is simple when you have a clear vision. Choose one main finish, add complementary accents and balance where each metal is placed. This way, your space will look cohesive, not cluttered.

Browse our full range of tapware and accessories to find the right mix of colours and finishes for your home.