Mixing Metals: How to Achieve a High End Look with Varied Finishes

You might think of mixed metals as a fashion faux pas, but it’s actually a stylish way to bring warmth, depth, and personality into your space. This approach has timeless roots, inspired by traditional Japanese metalworking, Ancient Egyptian jewelry, and Victorian-era craftsmanship. Combining different metallic finishes adds layers and dimension to your home, creating a look that’s both classic and elegant. Below, we’ll show you how to use mixed metals to furnish, accessorize, and decorate your home—giving it a fresh, modern twist.

The History of Mixing Metals in Art and Design

The art of mixing metals has a rich history across cultures, from Ancient Egyptian adornments to Japanese metalworking and Victorian-era jewellery. Techniques like “Damascening” and “Mokume-gane” have long been used to create dimensional, luxurious pieces. Before we dive into bringing mixed metals into your home, let’s explore their fascinating origins.

In Ancient Egypt, craftsmen blended gold with electrum—a natural alloy of gold and silver—to craft intricate jewelry symbolizing eternity and divinity. Simply put, mixed metals have always been a hallmark of sophistication and artistry.

During the Victorian era, jewelers used “rolled gold,” layering metals to create beautiful, decorative designs. Meanwhile, the Japanese technique “Mokume-gane” involved layering metals to mimic wood grain, originally for samurai sword fittings but now seen in modern jewelry and design—timeless and oh-so-chic.

“Damascening,” originating in 16th-century Northern Italy, involved inlaying gold and silver into contrasting metals like iron or steel. Even Tiffany & Co. later adopted this technique to craft unique luxury items.

Mixed Metals and Home Design

When it comes to home interiors, the concept of blending metals has evolved over time. Historically, metals were often segregated by function or room—for example, copper in kitchens and brass in living areas. However, modern design embraces the interplay of different finishes, breaking traditional rules to create cohesive and layered spaces.?

The best way to mix metals into your home design? Drawing on historical inspiration with a modern aesthetic eye! Here’s how you can achieve the mixed-metal look with ease:

Step #1: Choose the right metals for you

First, take a closer look at the undertones of different metals. Nickel, brass and gold have warm undertones, whereas stainless steel, chrome and silver have cool undertones. Assess your space along with the colours and themes that you’re already working with to see if you want to lean warm or cool. Pro tip: black goes beautifully with both warm and cool options.

Step #2: Choose your lead amp; supporting actors

In design, choosing a mixed metal palette is like casting a play - you have the lead and the supporting role. Simply put, choose a dominant metal and an accent metal.?

Check out Vogt’s collections of fixtures and accessories to get a sense of the mood and style different metal finishes can create.

Step #3: Separate different metals by height

When it comes to layering metals in a space, you want to keep some element of cohesion. This can come from using the same type of metal for objects and fixtures that fall at the same height. For example, you can use one type of metal for lighting fixtures, and another for cabinet hardware.?

Pro Tip: strategically use the dominant (lead actor) metal throughout the room to contrast the other metals used, while creating a harmonious look to the eye. It’s subtle, but it works.?

Step #4: Follow “The Golden Rule”

If you're unsure, stick to the "Golden Rule" of mixed metals: pair nickel with brass or bronze, brass with bronze, and add a touch of black to everything. You're welcome!

Jessica Cinnamon’s Take: Elevating Spaces with Mixed Metals

We recently spoke with interior designer, Jessica Cinnamon, to get her take on mixing metals. Here’s what she had to say:

I believe that mixing metals into our designs is a brilliant way to create depth, interest, and sophistication. It adds a layer of texture and variety, which can help break up monotony and bring an unexpected, dynamic energy to a room.? Here's a few reasons why you might love incorporating mixed metals into your space:

1. Adds Visual Interest: When different metals are combined, they catch the light in unique ways, making the space feel more engaging.?
2. Creates a Layered, Tailored Look: Mixing metals can help give a room a more curated, personalized feel. It allows you to blend different styles and elements seamlessly—combining satin gold with modern steel or matte black with polished nickel, for instance—creating a space that feels balanced yet layered with individualistic details.
3. Brings a Touch of Luxury and Modernity: Certain metals evoke luxury and sophistication (like gold, brass, and polished chrome), while others convey sleek, modern vibes (such as gunmetal, matte black and brushed steel). Mixing them gives you the freedom to balance these feelings in the same space, making it feel both timeless and current.
4. Flexibility in Design Themes: Whether your design theme is contemporary, industrial, or eclectic, mixing metals can adapt to any aesthetic. You might pair warm, rich tones like bronze or copper with cool, sleek finishes like silver or chrome, helping you create the perfect harmony between opposing elements in your design.
5. Softens Harshness: A room with only one metal can sometimes feel a little rigid or monotonous, but mixing metals allows for a softer, more organic flow. A balance of finishes can make the space feel more inviting while still maintaining a luxurious edge.
6. Compliments Other Materials: Metals mix well with other natural materials like wood, stone, or glass. For example, brass accents can warm up the cool tones of marble, or a blackened steel frame can provide a striking contrast to plush velvet. The mix can enhance the overall aesthetic of the room, complementing various textures and materials.

Overall, mixing metals allows you to show off your creativity and expertise as a designer while crafting spaces that are visually stimulating and uniquely refined.

Vogt’s products come in a range of styles and designs, with gorgeous shades of brushed gold, chrome and matte black in the mix. Our designs pair perfectly together, making them an easy option when it comes to mixing metals in the space.?

To learn more, and to talk about how you can upgrade your space with a mixed-metal look, visit a retailer near you to browse our collections.