DO mix shiny finishes with matte finishes, and warm finishes with cool finishes. The old saying “opposites attract” is as true with hardware finishes as it is with anything else. DON'T worry if major contrast isn't for you. Hues that are similar can also work very well together.
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. That being said, if you have several metallic tones that look very similar but not identical, it'll look like a mistake. Contrast is key!
There's no rule that says every finish in your home has to match. In fact, it's often better if they don't. Mixing metals has become a favorite way to create a collected-over-time look in kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, and more.
For example, if you currently have brushed nickel finishes in your bathroom, you could keep some of the brushed nickel elements and add in a bit of brass and/or black to create an interesting and budget-friendly mix.
Mixing metal finishes can add dimension and visual interest to a room. Instead of a monochromatic, one-note space, you create intrigue and the illusion of texture with small touches. A mix of finishes can blend styles and make a room more reflective of your personal taste.
Since stainless steel and aluminum have a large gap in nobility, they're dissimilar. That means pairing them up will have a higher chance of leading to galvanic corrosion. On the other hand, metals like copper and stainless steel are similar. That's why steel pipes and copper tubing work well together.
Stainless with stainless, aluminum with aluminum, brass with brass. Mixing metals can affect the strength of the application, the lifespan of the fasteners, the corrosion of the materials, etc.
First, you can never go wrong with a medley of brass and black or nickel and black. Both work together beautifully. Notice the mixture of brass light fixtures and hardware with black mirrors. This is a no fail classic combination, regardless of the color of the vanity.
The quick answer is no, they don't, but they should complement each other and blend with the rest of the house. For instance, brushed nickel hardware in a kitchen with chrome lights doesn't work because the finishes look too similar, and they are different styles (traditional vs. contemporary).
You don't have to choose one metal and use that throughout your house. You can mix and match,” says Renee. “You can do a polished nickel light and faucet with unlacquered brass cabinet hardware. You want it to blend and be careful of clashing, but you can definitely mix metals.”
In the past, there was a widely held belief that wearing silver and gold together was a big ol' fashion faux pas, but luckily, this rule is not a rule anymore. Mixing metals is now seen as a way to create a modern and edgy look.
Among the most popular metal finishes are the following: antique, polished, brushed, hammered, and satin. They are responsible for the finish to be shiny or matte. Antique metal finishes.
For example, a nickel accent can brighten a traditional bathroom, while matte black will amplify the sophisticated side of a transitional space. To balance the look, choose finishes with a similar hue, such as matching brushed nickel faucets with a matte brass mirror frame.
Yes, you can mix your metals.
In fact, it looks really great if you do. Mixing metal finishes creates a more balanced and refined look. Plus, it showcases your unique 'eye' and style, making the room totally yours and yours alone. Mixing metals creates layers that all combine to make something excellent.
Satin nickel is a lighter version of brushed nickel with a low luster glow and soft sheen that offers more intricate details than a matte finish. While both finishes may be paired in home decorating, they can provide subtle yet distinct contrasts when placed together.
The brushed quality of the nickel can lend itself to a more traditional design, while chrome is seen as more modern.
What usually looks best is a pull length that is about 1/3 the height of the cabinet door and 1/3 the width of the cabinet drawer. Your eyes follow the length of the pull up the height of the door or across the width of the drawer. Pulls don't have to all be the same length as long as the pull design is the same.
The cabinet hardware finish should coordinate with the cabinet color. White cabinets look great with just about any hardware finish, but light- and dark-colored cabinets should be paired with hardware finishes that make the pulls—and hinges if they're visible—pop.
And there's no hard and fast rule when choosing, generally if your hinges are exposed they should match your handles and knobs finishes. But, of course, not everything has to match, it's common for finishes on door handles and other hardware to blend but necessarily be exact matches.
If you want to mix gold and black metals, you can definitely do so, but just not within the same item grouping. You could instead incorporate the gold into the cabinetry hardware and the sink faucets. That way, you're mixing black and gold metals, but keeping your design cohesive.
As a general rule, brushed nickel is a classic finish that is an excellent choice for either kitchen or bathroom hardware. While brushed nickel may not be one of the top finishes for 2023, it is certainly a safe option that will not require updating any time soon. Get more home decor tips here.
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.
It occurs when two (or more) dissimilar metals are brought into electrical contact under water. When a galvanic couple forms, one of the metals in the couple becomes the anode and corrodes faster than it would all by itself, while the other becomes the cathode and corrodes slower than it would alone.
When using stainless steel fasteners with aluminum surfaces, you can prevent corrosion by placing something between the two metals. Plastic or rubber washers or gaskets are good suggestions. Along with corrosion, discoloration of stainless steel may occur when combined with aluminum. This is also called 'tea staining'.
In nature, gold and silver are present in pure form as they do not react with other metals or mineral acids. Gold and silver metals are used in the preparation of ornaments (jewellery), coins etc.