You’ve likely heard all of the “rules” related to mixing metal finishes.

 “Don’t use more than two together,” or “choose one finish and complement it with coordinating metals.”

Perhaps you’ve been told not to combine metal finishes at all, or that there are no rules to mingling gold with silver with black. According to designer Anne-Marie Barton in Holladay, Utah, different metals in natural finishes can blend well together. 

“Think about how metals will evolve in a space, how they’ll patina over time, and how they’ll live among the other elements,” she said. “I gravitate toward materials that feel aged, touched by time, and naturally evolving, rather than overly polished or processed.” 

We asked Barton and two other pros to weigh in on the art of mixing metals in a room.

Mix and Mingle Your Kitchen Finishes

“Chrome works well in really modern spaces or commercial environments; polished nickel is a classic finish and what we prefer to use for residential. Black or oil-rubbed bronze work well with chrome. 

“We always recommend panel-ready appliances when possible, but for those appliances that can’t be paneled like a range, oven or microwave, we just let those stand on their own. Many ranges have brass options for the knobs or handles so if we are using brass hardware in the kitchen, we will add brass details to the range when possible. 

“For this project [pictured] we went with darker cabinets and a custom finish on the pendants to coordinate with the cabinet color. Our clients like brass, but didn’t want it to stand out too much so we opted to go for a mixed finish on the plumbing fixtures that tied in the cabinet color as well. The cabinetry hardware is aged brass which has more of a matte finish and coordinated well with the pendants and plumbing fixtures.”

—Emily Ruff, Cohesively Curated Interiors in Seattle

Introduce Black as an Equalizer

“For more traditional spaces, we’d typically gravitate to more traditional or historical finishes, such as unlacquered brass, bronze and iron. For spaces that are cool in tone, we’d likely choose brass to warm it up, and for warmer spaces, we’d likely choose iron or matte black to cool it down. It’s all about finding the right balance. 

“For architectural items like cabinet hardware or doorknobs, we typically stay consistent throughout the entire house for a cohesive look, potentially with a contrasting metal for an accent in specific locations. For plumbing fixtures, it’s ok to mix and match and get creative.

“Brass, nickel and bronze have warm undertones and pair nicely together in whichever combination. I would coordinate any of these with each other or with black. When using bronze and black together, be sure to select a bronze finish that isn’t too dark or too close in tone to black. Ideally there should be some degree of contrast between the two.

“We love using metals via lighting and accessories. In this room [pictured], we were intentional about the matte black of the lamp offsetting the shiny brass in the wavy sconces and the fireplace sconces.”

—Erin Coren, Curated Nest Interiors in Greenwich, Connecticut

Subtly Layer Metals

“Start with one dominant finish as your foundation, whether it’s aged brass, bronze or blackened steel, and introduce secondary metals in a way that feels like a subtle layering rather than a stark contrast. The key is allowing each finish to contribute in a way that feels intentional rather than competitive. When the mix becomes too busy, the eye loses its ability to move through the space fluidly. 

“I often lean toward brasses and bronzes, which bring warmth and depth, but I’ve also introduced a champagne tone, a more crude mix of brass and nickel that creates an ethereal glow and exposes a richness within the metal itself. I believe a dark steel window can always belong in a room, even if it doesn’t match other finishes, providing structure and contrast in a way that feels grounded rather than forced.

“Satin brass is crisp and modern, while antique brass carries a timeworn quality that adds depth. I tend to favor antique when I want warmth that feels natural and settled into the space. If I want something more refined yet understated, satin brass does the job. 

“I always consider placement. Near a fireplace, I lean toward a more ruined, textured metal to complement the warmth of the flames. While with lighting, I might elevate the brass, going for something more polished to enhance the glow. The goal is for metals to feel woven into the space rather than as standalone statements. If one element feels too dominant, it’s often a sign that another finish needs to be introduced in a more meaningful way. 

“The metals in this space [pictured] are thoughtfully layered, each finish playing a role in balancing warmth, depth, and contrast. The combination with finishes of brass, brushed bronze, dark steel creates an environment that feels lived-in and effortless, where materials age beautifully over time.”

—Anne-Marie Barton in Holladay, Utah