We often get questions about which metals work best together, and the answer is: They all can go together…as long as there is clear design intent! Metals are meant to be mixed, so don't worry too much about whether they'll “go together” and instead make sure each finish is a thoughtful addition to your space.
In terms of cabinet hardware, you can mix different metals as long as you have a plan of how they go together. For example, you could have a stainless steel faucet and brushed nickel hardware.
Copper is such a great bridge between two metals like warm brass and brushed nickel. Adding a few copper accessories might be all you need to tie these two together!
Be sure to avoid using acid, alcohol, or solvent-based cleaners. These types of cleaners can ruin or discolor the more delicate surface of the brushed nickel finish. Vinegar is a popular faucet cleaning solution, but should be avoided on brushed nickel.
Stainless steel and nickel aluminum bronze can be coupled together, but there are some considerations to keep in mind to ensure the compatibility of the materials and prevent galvanic corrosion.
Zinc and Steel (Stainless or Galvanized): Zinc is anodic to both stainless and galvanized steel, leading to rapid corrosion of zinc. Steel and Brass/Bronze: Steel is anodic to brass and bronze, causing the steel to corrode in the presence of these metals.
Nickel is an austenite stabilizer and widens the austenite region and contracts the ferrite region in steel. Nickel improves the resistance against the corrosion and oxidation at elevated temperatures. Nickel improves the toughness and strength by refining the grain size.
Brushed nickel finishes, which are rubbed with an abrasive while still at the factory to create their special look, are especially susceptible to damage from bathroom and kitchen cleaners that contain low-concentration phosphoric acid.
Brushed nickel has a cool, silvery hue, making it ideal for pairing with cool tones. Colors such as soft blues, greens, and grays can create a serene environment that enhances the elegance of brushed nickel fixtures.
Balancing warm and cool tones is crucial for a cohesive look. Warm metals like brass, bronze, and copper bring richness and warmth, while cool metals such as chrome and stainless steel add sleekness. Mixing warm and cool metals can create a dynamic contrast, enhancing both visual interest and depth.
Brushed nickel is more of a subtle, softer looking finish. It has a slightly brushed appearance with a semi-satin finish. Some customers think of a brushed nickel finish as looking more like stainless steel and, therefore, it can tie in with stainless steel kitchen appliances very nicely.
Keeping in the silver tones of metal finishes, stainless steel covers the appliances and plumbing fixtures, and polished nickel adds shine to the light fixtures and cabinetry hardware. Antique bronze nail heads on the barstools bring in a bit of depth and history to the sparkly new kitchen.
It's also not the best choice if you have stainless steel everywhere; the two finishes blend together too much, dulling the impact. While it's durable, brushed nickel isn't invincible. Over time, it may show scratches, especially in high-traffic areas.
Using metals too similar to each other can make your space look sloppy and inconsistent. Some better metals to mix would be brushed gold and brushed nickel, champagne bronze and matte black, or chrome and matte black. These combinations give your space tasteful depth and visual interest.
Satin/Brushed Nickel (Warm Undertone)
One of the most popular finishes, it is an available finish option for nearly every hardware design.
Cost: Stainless Steel Faucets
Brushed nickel faucets can cost more, ranging between $100 and $1,100. Stainless steel faucets, in comparison, run $100 to $600. As long as you're flexible about the faucet you want, you can find one that fits your budget in either material.
Timeless Brushed Nickel
For those who prefer subtle sophistication, brushed nickel is a classic that never goes out of style.
Top tip – never, ever, EVER mix chrome and nickel. They are both silver tones, but with different undertones, and they will look awful together. Here we mixed polished nickel and brass. Both have warm undertones, making them a great match.
As its name implies, Brushed Nickel has a more matte, "brushed" appearance. A wire brush is used to create this effect, which adds texture and visual interest to any fixture. Increasingly, homeowners are gravitating toward Brushed Nickel to give their spaces a more rustic, hand-crafted appeal.
While you can mix brushed nickel and stainless steel, it's important to make sure they complement each other and don't clash.
Any residual moisture left on the surface can contribute to corrosion over time. Pay special attention to areas where water may collect, such as crevices and joints. Apply a Protective Coating: Consider applying a thin layer of wax or a specialized metal protector to the brushed nickel surface.
The good news is that brushed nickel is extremely durable and high-quality, so it doesn't take too much effort to keep it looking beautiful.
We often get questions about which metals work best together, and the answer is: They all can go together…as long as there is clear design intent! Metals are meant to be mixed, so don't worry too much about whether they'll “go together” and instead make sure each finish is a thoughtful addition to your space.
It is recommended that individuals sensitive to nickel lower their exposure. However, nickel may be introduced to the diet via leaching from stainless steel cookware into foods during cooking processes, contributing to flare-ups of allergic contact dermatitis.
Nickel can be combined with other metals, such as iron, copper, chromium, and zinc, to form alloys.