Choose Phase|Step 10 of 37
Match Finishes to Decor
Metal finishes don't need to match exactly, but they should feel coordinated. A cohesive approach makes spaces feel intentionally designed.
Time Required
30 minutes
Cost
$0 (planning)
Difficulty
Easy
Popular Metal Finishes
Matte Black
Modern, bold, versatile. Works with almost any style. Creates visual contrast. Very popular right now.
Brushed/Aged Brass
Warm, inviting, sophisticated. Works in traditional and modern spaces. Adds warmth to cool palettes.
Brushed Nickel
Cool-toned, classic, transitional. Timeless choice that won't date quickly. Easy to coordinate.
Oil-Rubbed Bronze
Traditional, substantial, warm. Works in farmhouse, rustic, traditional styles. Shows less fingerprints.
The New Rules of Mixing Metals
- Pick a dominant: One metal should be primary (60-70%). Others are accents.
- Mix warm with warm: Brass, gold, copper work together. Black goes with everything.
- Mix cool with cool: Nickel, chrome, silver coordinate well together.
- Two is intentional: Having exactly two metals looks deliberate, not accidental.
- Repeat throughout: If you use brass in one spot, echo it elsewhere in the room.
What to Coordinate
- Light fixtures: The focus of this checklist. Your primary metal decision.
- Cabinet hardware: Knobs and pulls. Can match or intentionally contrast.
- Faucets: Especially in bathrooms and kitchens with visible fixtures.
- Door hardware: Knobs, hinges, locks. Often forgotten but visible.
- Accessories: Mirrors, picture frames, curtain rods, furniture legs.
Pro Tips
- •Don't stress exact match: Different manufacturers' "brass" varies. Close enough works.
- •Photos help: Take photos of existing finishes to compare when shopping.
- •Black is the neutral: Matte black works with any other metal. Use it to simplify.
- •Room-by-room: Each room can have its own palette. Just be consistent within the room.