A Simple Guide to Mixing Metals in the Kitchen

Mixing metal finishes in the kitchen is a great way to add an interesting and contemporary look to your home.  And in today’s post, I’m sharing some simple tips on how to mix different metals in the kitchen, along with a guide to what metals go together, images of kitchens featuring mixed metal finishes, places to shop for kitchen faucets and fixtures in 2024, and more.

If you’re currently planning a kitchen remodel or are making choices regarding finishes and are looking for simple tips for mixing metal finishes in the kitchen, I hope you’ll find some great ideas in this post.

First, is it okay to mix metal finishes in a kitchen?

When we moved into our current home twelve years ago, we chose one metal finish for every space (brushed nickel).  Thankfully, the days of choosing one metal finish for an entire home are over!

It’s now very common to mix and match metal finishes — not only in the kitchen, but in the bathroom, as well.  I incorporated a mix of brass and chrome finishes in our recent master bathroom remodel.

Whether you prefer a modern or classic look, mixing metals in the kitchen is a timeless look that will last beyond 2024.

Ali Henrie Design – Rebekah Westover Photography – pendant lights

While you should feel free to mix metal finishes in your kitchen, most interior designers recommend selecting no more than three metal finishes for one room.

It’s a good idea to use your primary metal finish for permanent fixtures like faucets and lighting. Then, use your secondary finishes on your drawer and door pulls, towel bars, etc.

Since it’s easier to change kitchen cabinet hardware, you can always switch out your pulls and knobs if your taste eventually changes.

This timeless kitchen design features a masterful mix of brass sconces, a black lantern-style pendant light, and polished nickel faucet and cabinet pulls.  From Jean Stoffer Interior Design:

Which metals can be mixed in a kitchen?

Metals come in warm and cool tones.  Warm metals include brass, gold, copper, and oil-rubbed bronze. Cool metals include chrome, polished nickel, and brushed nickel. 

Black is considered either a cool-toned metal or a neutral and makes a great second or third metal to balance out your mix.

This lovely warm wood kitchen island is enhanced by detailing on the cabinet doors as well as a mix of brass and bronze metal finishes.  From Olive + Oak Interiors:

If you want to mix metals in the kitchen, I recommend mixing cool metals with warm metals to create an eye-pleasing balance. 

In general, I wouldn’t mix two metals in the same family, such as nickel and chrome, unless they’re not close to each other and/or you’re also adding a warm-toned metal to the mix.

Metals also come in a variety of sheens and finishes, including matte, satin, brushed, polished, oil-rubbed, aged, and antiqued.

When mixing metal finishes in a kitchen, some kitchen designers recommend matching the sheen on your fixtures; i.e., if you’re using polished nickel, you would also choose polished brass, rather than brushed. 

However, it’s up to you.  I recommend placing your different finishes next to each other before they’re installed to make sure you’re creating a cohesive mix.

I love the mix of sleek polished brass and polished nickel in this elegant kitchen design featuring coffered ceilings and warm marble countertops from Brandon Architects and Patterson Custom Homes:

Can you mix chrome and brass fixtures in a kitchen?

It’s fine to mix brass and chrome fixtures together, as well as brass and nickel.  As the two most popular metallic shades, gold and silver (or brass and chrome) go well together and can be combined to add stylish contrast in the kitchen.  

This elegant kitchen design features black framed windows, a chrome faucet, and brass pendant lights.  From Christopher Architecture:

Are stainless steel appliances considered a metal finish in the kitchen?

If you have stainless steel appliances in your kitchen, it’s a good idea to consider stainless steel as one of your metal finishes. 

As I mentioned above, it’s best not to mix more than three metals in one space.  So if you have stainless steel appliances, you might want to use only two other metal finishes in your kitchen. 

Pure Salt Interiors

However, if one of your metal finishes is brushed nickel, it could be considered the same as stainless steel, since the two finishes are so similar. 

Are gold and brass finishes still in style?

While chrome kitchen fixtures are trending in 2024, brass is also in style, adding a luxurious touch to any room. 

The Life Styled Co.

Brass works well in both warm and cool spaces as well as in kitchens with darker tones. I recommend using brass when you want your eye to be drawn to the fixture or metal finish.

With its warm brass tones, organic modern touches, and understated elegance, this beautiful kitchen is a great example how to incorporate brass finishes in the kitchen.

Intimate Living Interiors – similar pendant

In general, brass finishes are becoming more subtle and toned down, with more of an aged or deep golden look, rather than yellow, pink or shiny finishes.  

This space is a great example of how beautifully brass metal finishes pair with white kitchen cabinets.  From The Fox Group:

One thing to remember when ordering brass hardware and lighting online is that some items appear to have an antique brass finish in photos but have a yellow or pink cast in person.

I’ve also ordered pieces that were described as brushed or matte but which actually have a satin or shiny finish.

So you might want to choose brass pulls, faucets, lighting, etc., at a local hardware store or kitchen design store — or simply be prepared to return items that aren’t what you expected.

As an alternative, you could choose chrome, black, bronze, or nickel faucets and pulls, which are generally more consistent in color and finish.

Studio McGee

But don’t stress if you can’t find fixtures in the exact same color and finish. Similar tones and finishes usually go well together — especially if they’re not placed right next to each other.

Is chrome or brushed nickel more modern?

Chrome adds lightness and brightness to a space and is usually considered more modern than brushed nickel; however, chrome also works well in more traditional settings.

Chrome is also one of the most popular kitchen finishes for 2024, as it coordinates well with both light and dark color schemes.

Work Your Closet

Brushed nickel, also called satin nickel, has a more subdued, matte finish, lending itself to a more traditional look.  Brushed or satin nickel also works well in both light and dark spaces and with just about any color scheme.

Polished nickel is similar to chrome in that it has a shiny, reflective finish.  However, polished nickel fixtures have a deeper, warmer tone than chrome and therefore generally work best with darker color schemes.

Both chrome and brushed nickel are budget-friendly choices, while polished nickel fixtures usually cost a bit more. 

Is brushed nickel out of style?

Brushed nickel is a classic finish and is still an excellent choice for both kitchens and bathrooms. While it’s not one of the top metal finishes for 2024, it’s still a great option that won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.

How to Mix Different Metal Finishes in the Kitchen

There are many different ways to mix metals in a kitchen so they will compliment each other, as you’ll see in the images below. In general, I recommend opting for one dominant metal and choosing one or two other metals as your accents.

To begin, let the existing metal finishes in your kitchen give you a starting point. Do you already have a lot of one metal finish in your space?

 

If you currently have stainless steel appliances in your kitchen, you might want to add in a bit of brass and/or black to create an interesting mix.

To keep your kitchen looking cohesive, don’t mix too many finishes, colors, and styles in the same room.

The Cabinet Gallery Utah – Cambridge Home Co.

If your kitchen encompasses a dining area and/or keeping room, try to keep the styles and finishes of the light fixtures and hardware the same throughout the entire space. 

On the other hand, if you decide to mix styles; i.e., modern and traditional fixtures, in one space, then I recommend keeping all the metal finishes the same.

Matching metals is okay, too

Remember, even though mixing metals in the kitchen is popular right now, there’s nothing wrong with matching all the metal finishes and hardware in your kitchen. 

Matching metal finishes is an easy way to give a space a cohesive look, as shown in this stylish kitchen design from Studio McGee:

cane counter stools – light fixtures

Use your kitchen cabinet color as a guide when choosing metal finishes

When choosing your metal finishes, take into account the color and finish of the kitchen cabinets and kitchen island.  Here are a few guidelines:

Dark blue, green, and black cabinets look gorgeous with brass faucets and cabinet pulls, as shown in this beautiful deep blue kitchen from Anne Rae Design.  See more blue kitchen cabinet ideas in my post, Beautiful Blue Kitchen Ideas.

White and light gray kitchen cabinets pair beautifully with chrome, polished nickel, or brass fixtures for a timeless look. 

Light wood cabinets or islands are often paired with black for a more modern vibe, but brass and chrome look amazing, too, as you can see in this beautiful kitchen, featuring a chrome faucet and pot filler mixed with brass pendant lights and cabinet pulls.  From James May Homes and CKF Cabinetry:

Should kitchen cabinet hardware match the faucet? 

Traditionally, kitchen cabinet hardware was chosen to match the faucet finish, but that’s no longer necessary. 

Cambridge Home Co. – The Cabinet Gallery Utah

Although your cabinet hardware doesn’t have to match your faucet, I do think it’s a good idea to repeat the cabinet hardware finish elsewhere in the room — perhaps in the lighting or decor. 

This helps tie the room together and create a cohesive look.

Cambridge Home Co. – The Cabinet Gallery Utah

Inspiration for Mixing Metals in the Kitchen

The following images are filled with beautiful ideas and inspiration for mixing metals in the kitchen.

This stylish kitchen is a great example of 2024 kitchen trends, with thoughtful detailing on the white oak kitchen island and a mix of polished nickel and bronze metal finishes.  From Kate Marker Interiors:

 

This French country inspired kitchen features an interesting mix of polished nickel and brass elements, including a touch of brass on the pendant lights.  From James May Homes:

 

I love this classic white kitchen with its glass and brass pendant lights, chrome faucet, and seagrass counter stools.  From Salt Design Co.:

 

A beautiful mix of white kitchen cabinets, black countertops, and brass and black fixtures enhance this timeless space from Jen Langston:

 

This light and airy kitchen incorporates a mix of brass, black, and polished nickel finishes.  By Studio McGee and Erin Hansen for Christine Andrew.  Here’s where to find the counter stools.

 

 

The stunning black and white pendant lighting, mixed with a polished nickel faucet and brass sconces and pulls, enhance this elegant modern kitchen from Jean Stoffer Interiors. 

 

This stylish kitchen features a waterfall countertop, striking pendant light fixtures, and a beautiful mix of black and brass metal finishes.  From Vivir Design:

 

Here’s a chic modern kitchen design with nickel finishes on the faucet and pulls, black shelves, and statement pendant lighting and chandelier. From Kate Marker Interiors:

 

This modern kitchen features a brass finish on the pendant lights, chrome on the faucet and pot filler, and black cabinet pulls. A patterned backsplash ties everything together.  From Pure Salt Interiors:

 

This modern farmhouse kitchen design from The House of Silver Lining features beautiful brass finishes (and a touch of black):

 

 

This beautiful European farmhouse style kitchen incorporates mixed metals via brass finishes in the faucet and pot filler, along with polished nickel cabinet pulls.  From Amber Interior Design:

 

This timeless kitchen features statement pendant lights in a bronze finish paired with chrome faucets and pulls and stylish woven counter stools.  From Salt Design Company:

 

Here’s a stylish modern coastal kitchen design from Pure Salt Interiors, with gorgeous pendant lights and woven counter stools:

 

This beautiful kitchen design features a warm wood kitchen island, brass faucet and cabinet pulls, and black and nickel pendant lights. From Studio McGee:

 

Last, but not least, is this kitchen pantry from Jean Stoffer Design, with a mix of aged brass finishes in the lighting and polished nickel finishes on the faucet and cabinet pulls. 

This is a great example of how to match cabinet hardware to the surrounding decor.  Tying in a metal finish with a picture frame is a wonderful way to create a cohesive look in the kitchen.

Where to Shop for Kitchen Fixtures and Lighting in 2024

By now I’m sure it’s clear I love the look of mixed metal finishes! In my opinion, mixing metals in the kitchen makes for a stylish, timeless space. 

However, investing in kitchen lighting, faucets, and cabinet pulls doesn’t have to break the bank.  Below are a few places to shop for affordable kitchen fixtures, lighting, and hardware.  

Wayfair
Serena & Lily
McGee & Co.
Pottery Barn
Rejuvenation
Amazon

And here’s a selection of kitchen lighting, faucets, and door and drawer pulls in different metal finishes:

Kitchen Lighting Ideas

Kitchen Faucet Ideas

Cabinet Pulls and Knobs

For more kitchen trends, design ideas, and ideas for mixing metals in the kitchen, here are a few favorite related posts from the blog:

2024 Kitchen Design Trends and Decorating Ideas

Modern Kitchen Pendant Lighting Ideas You Will Love

Kitchen Counter Stools: Beautiful Ideas for Every Style and Budget

Modern Coastal Style Kitchen Ideas for 2024

Beautiful Kitchen Design Ideas to Inspire Your Next Renovation

How to Design Your Perfect Kitchen Island, with Layouts, Cabinets & Tips

A Guide to Standard Kitchen Cabinet Dimensions

Popular Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors for 2024

2024 Home Decor Trends and Design Styles You Will Love

Colors of the Year + Top Home Color Trends for 2024

Quiet Luxury Style: How to Bring this Timeless Look to Your Home

California Casual Interior Design: How to Bring Chic West Coast Style to Your Home

Modern Coastal Decorating Ideas for Your Home

How to Add a Touch of Nancy Meyers Style to Your Kitchen and Home

A Simple Guide to Mixing Metals in the Bathroom

I hope you found this post informative and helpful. Please let me know if you have any questions about mixing metals in the kitchen.  Have a wonderful day! xo Jane