Beyond Brass: 15 Fresh Ways To Decorate With Metal

Brass may still be a favorite, but today’s metal palette extends well beyond it. Copper, bronze, chrome and matte black are just some options that can introduce unexpected color and personality. Mixing warm and cool metals with varying levels of shine or even different shades of the same finish creates even more possibilities. “Mixing metals adds depth and character to a space, making it feel more considered and less overly matched,” says Arielle Lopresti, co-founder and director of luxury hardware brand Lo & Co. Read on to see all the ways designers are looking beyond brass to create refreshed and thoughtfully curated spaces.

In this farmhouse kitchen, LGB Interiors hung a large piece of copper above the range, bringing reddish-brown tones and a unique focal point to the off-white cabinetry. The designers didn't opt to exclude brass completely, though. Oversized brass dome pendants and cabinet hardware continue the copper's warm metal story without matching it exactly.

In this kitchen by designer Harmony Weihs, copper takes the lead on cabinet hardware, lighting and a custom rail above the range, creating a consistent thread throughout the space. The warm, rosy metal stands out against crisp white cabinetry and a navy range, proving an unexpected finish can make plenty of impact all on its own.

A dining room chandelier doesn't have to be brass to add formality. In this space by Kristen Holmstedt, a black fixture complements the contemporary chairs, while its swooping arms and globe lights give the room a subtle Art Deco note. Brass might have made the space feel more traditional, but matte black keeps the look current.

Multicolor patterned wallpaper can make an assortment of metal finishes feel right at home. In this powder room from Copper Sky Design + Remodel, bronze cabinet hardware and a nickel faucet pick up on the varied tones of the floral wallpaper, while crystal sconces amplify the sparkle of the bright chrome finish. The green vanity adds a contrasting pop of color without competing with the mix.

Different shades of the same metal can be just as interesting as mixing metals altogether. In this French country bathroom by Lindye Galloway, a warm bronze faucet contrasts with an almost-black bronze light fixture, creating a collected-over-time look that feels right at home alongside damask wallpaper and an antique-style mirror.

For her own kitchen, interior designer Michelle Gage chose a less common metal finish to make a statement. A matte black faucet stands out against the white farmhouse sink and pale blue cabinetry, while matching black cabinet hardware carries the dark accent throughout the room. The high-contrast finish gives the otherwise soft palette a bold note.

Polished nickel may be silver in color, but its warm undertones make it a natural partner for brass. So if you have existing brass elements in your home and don't want to change all your fixtures, consider incorporating small doses of nickel to refresh your space. In this Houston guest bathroom, designer Hallie Henley paired polished nickel plumbing fixtures with brass cabinet and shower enclosure hardware. “Polished nickel has a warmth to it that always works well with brass, and the mixing of metals creates visual juxtaposition and interest,” she says.

Once you've landed on a standout finish, don't be afraid to repeat it. Designer Susan Jamieson's signature high-gloss black handrail draws a graphic line up this staircase, while a dramatic black chandelier and sculptural vase pick up the same dark note. The repetition moves the eye around the otherwise light and neutral entryway.

There's no magic number when it comes to mixing metals. In this bathroom by Lindye Galloway, chrome bath fixtures and nickel lighting mingle with blackened-steel mirror frames and brass faucets and cabinet hardware. It's a brave mix that coordinates beautifully in the streamlined space. When choosing an array of finishes like this, Arielle recommends considering both tone and texture: “The key is to pair metals with contrasting tones and textures, then repeat them thoughtfully throughout the space so the result feels intentional and cohesive."

More really can be more when the mix is right. In her Texas home, designer Veronica Solomon layers silver leaf, gleaming brass, metal frames and vintage pieces with timeworn patinas, adding to the room's maximalist appeal. Using a variety of metallic finishes rather than repeating a single one keeps the elaborate space feeling personal rather than overly coordinated, or worse, garish.

Chrome and nickel may look similar at first glance, especially when both are polished, but their subtle differences can add dimension to a quiet space. In this cottage kitchen by Kelly + Co Design, shiny nickel sconces bring a warmer metallic note, while the cooler undertones of a chrome faucet provide gentle contrast without disrupting the peaceful palette.

It's a subtle example of a broader shift away from perfectly matched finishes in the kitchen. “The goal isn’t uniformity. It’s intentional coordination,” says T.K. Wismer, designer and CAFÉ™ creative director. “Mixing creates moments — letting appliances and cabinetry read more like beautiful furniture to give the space a personal and collected vibe.”

Don't be afraid to put contrasting metals right next to each other. In this bedroom by River Brook Design, a dark iron canopy bed meets a lacquered brass pendant, allowing each finish to stand out rather than blend into one another. The sharp distinction keeps the layered scheme from feeling muddy.

At HGTV Dream Home 2025, a warm-toned shower enclosure with bronze metal details stands out against bright chrome shower fixtures. The patterned tile, which contains both warm brown and cool blue hues, ties the two together.

Chrome isn't just for faucets and fixtures. In this entry by Claire Paquin, a sculptural chrome base gives a slim console table unexpected shine and a distinctly modern edge. Brass accessories add a touch of warmth, but the gleaming chrome remains the star.