Can Metals be Mixed in Cabinet Hardware?
Cabinet hardware comes in a variety of metals, textures, and finishes. When designing your kitchen or bath, you may be wondering if you can mix different metal finishes in your cabinet hardware. The short answer is yes – you absolutely can mix metals in your cabinet hardware. With some basic design principles, mixing metals can look very stylish and unique. Here is an in-depth look at how to successfully mix metals in your cabinet hardware.
An Introduction to Mixing Metals
Mixing metals used to be considered a major design faux pas. Conventional wisdom said to stick to one metal finish throughout a space for a cohesive look. But mixing metals has become a popular and creative way to add visual interest and personality to a room.
When done right, combining brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, satin nickel, antique brass and other metal finishes can look purposeful, not haphazard. The key is sticking to some fundamental design guidelines. Follow the basic rules below and you can feel confident blending metals in your kitchen, bath or any other space.
General Guidelines for Mixing Metals
Follow these foundational tips when combining metal cabinet hardware finishes:
Complementary Textures are Key
The most important rule is to mix complementary textures and sheens. For example, pair shiny chrome with brushed nickel or combine a dark antique with a bright polished finish. Avoid mixing many highly polished or brushed metals together. The contrast of surface textures helps the look appear intentional.
Limit to 2 or 3 Metal Finishes
Restrict yourself to no more than two or three complementary metals. For instance, use chrome and nickel hardware on cabinets and a bronze faucet. Any more than three finishes can start to look chaotic and disjointed.
Be Consistent Within Each Type
When choosing hardware for each type of cabinetry, use the same metal finish throughout. For example, all drawer pulls could be oil-rubbed bronze while all cabinet knobs are brushed nickel. Don’t mix finishes within each hardware type.
Transition Metals with Neutrals
Incorporate neutral tones like wood cabinets, white marble, and black granite between the metallics. The neutral tones help transition between the metals smoothly. Without the breakup, the metals may start to clash.
Matching Specific Metals in Hardware
Now that you know the basic guidelines, here are some of the most popular combinations of metal hardware finishes:
Chrome and Brushed Nickel
The sleek shine of chrome pairs nicely with the muted brushed nickel finish. Use chrome for handles and brushed nickel for knobs and pulls. This combo works well in contemporary or modern kitchens.
Oil-Rubbed Bronze and Brushed Nickel
The deep charcoal oil-rubbed bronze finish complements the silvery tones of brushed nickel beautifully. Use bronze on upper cabinets and nickel on lowers or vice versa. A neutral granite or wood backsplash helps blend the two.
Polished Chrome and Satin Nickel
For a more modern feel, try pairing gleaming chrome with subdued satin nickel. The polished chrome offers just enough contrast from the muted nickel for visual interest but both have an airy quality. Use satin nickel on drawers and chrome for cabinet doors.
Antique Bronze and Brushed Gold
The weathered look of antique bronze works well with the soft glow of brushed gold. The bronze provides an earthy feel while the gold adds a touch of sophistication. Use bronze knobs and gold pulls for an eye-catching combo.
Black and Gold
For dramatic contrast, pair rich black hardware with the shine of gold. Use flat black knobs on lower cabinets and bright gold pulls on upper cabinets. Or mix black handles with gold hinges. The deep black helps ground the glimmering gold.
Tips for a Cohesive Look When Mixing Metals
To ensure your mix of metal finishes flows together follow these extra guidelines:
- Use about a 60/40 split between your main and secondary metal choices. Keep one as the dominant finish.
- Install hardware in a repeating pattern, like two knobs of one metal, one pull of the second metal. Consistent repetition helps the metals visually play well together.
- Make sure lighting is consistent on all the finishes so no one metal looks out of place. View them under different lighting.
- Pick metals within a similar color family like warm antique brass and bronze or cool chrome and nickel to create cohesion.
- If you have an ornate metal light fixture, echo that finish in the cabinet hardware. Tie everything together.
Conclusion
Matching metals in cabinet hardware is an excellent way to add personalized style and interest to your home. Follow the fundamental guidelines of limiting your metals to two or three, choosing complementary finishes, and repeating the patterns. Use visual breaks between metals and consistent lighting levels. With attention to these design basics, mixing your metals can result in a fashionable, creative outcome with plenty of decorative flair.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mixing Metals in Cabinet Hardware
Can you mix stainless steel and brushed nickel?
Yes, stainless steel and brushed nickel work well together. Stainless steel has a brighter, chrome-like finish that plays nicely against the soft brushed nickel. Use brushed nickel on drawers and stainless on doors for contrast.
Should metal finishes match throughout a house?
No, you don’t have to match metals room to room. In fact, mixing metals in each space adds more customized style. Just follow the guidelines within each individual room.
Do you have to use the same metal on all cabinet hardware?
You don’t have to use all one metal finish on cabinet hardware. In fact mixing metals adds visual interest. Just be sure to use the same finish for each hardware type like all pulls or all knobs.
What kind of cabinet hardware finish is most popular?
Brushed nickel is currently the most popular cabinet hardware finish, known for its neutral, versatile look. Other top choices are oil-rubbed bronze and matte black for a more modern feel.
How do you clean mixed metal hardware?
Use mild soap and water on a soft cloth to clean most metal cabinet hardware. Don’t use abrasive cleaners. For tougher grime, use a metal polish specific to that finish. Test polish on a small area first before applying to the entire surface.
