Having cohesive kitchen cabinet hardware can elevate the overall style and visual impact of your kitchen. Many homeowners wonder if they can mix metal finishes when selecting cabinet pulls, knobs, and handles. The short answer is yes – you absolutely can combine different metal cabinet hardware finishes in the same space. However, there are some guidelines to follow to ensure the look is cohesive, aesthetically pleasing, and enhances your kitchen design.

Factors to Consider When Mixing Metal Finishes for Cabinet Hardware

When mixing metal hardware, keep these factors in mind:

Style of Kitchen Cabinets

The existing style of your kitchen cabinets will dictate what type of hardware looks best. For traditional cabinetry, opt for hardware in finishes like brass, bronze, pewter, or rubbed bronze. Contemporary cabinet designs look great with stainless steel, satin nickel, or matte black hardware. Ensure the hardware finish fits the overall look you want for your kitchen aesthetic.

Colors in the Kitchen

Take stock of the existing color palette in your kitchen. If you have white cabinets, hardware in silver tones will complement them well. With medium or dark wood cabinets, go for gold, brass or bronze hardware. Match metals to colors in the kitchen so they look cohesive.

Types of Metals to Mix

Mixing metals that are too drastically different can look disjointed. Stick to metals that are in a similar color family for a more cohesive look. Such as mixing brushed nickel with stainless steel or oil-rubbed bronze with antique brass.

Placement of Mixed Metals

Strategic placement of mixed metals can help them look purposeful. Keep handles in one finish, and just mix up knobs and pulls for example. Using two tones next to each other can look disjointed, so spread mixed metals throughout the space.

Mix Finishes, Not Metal Types

When combining metal finishes, stick to mixes of the same base metal like brass, steel or iron. Mixing drastically different metals like copper and wrought iron can cheapen the look.

By keeping these principles in mind, you can thoughtfully mix hardware finishes in your kitchen successfully.

Best Practices for Mixing Metal Finishes in Kitchen Cabinets

Follow these best practices when combining metal hardware finishes to create a polished, upscale look:

1. Limit Mixes to 2 or 3 Finishes

Restrict your mixes to just 2 or maybe 3 complementary metal tones. For example, match brushed nickel with oil-rubbed bronze and stainless steel. Too many more finishes can look haphazard and messy.

2. Spread Mixed Finishes Throughout Kitchen

Distribute mixed metals evenly throughout the kitchen. Don’t cluster multiple finishes in one spot. Spread them out to look intentional.

3. Pair Matte with Shiny Finishes

Combining a gleaming polished metal like nickel or chrome with a muted matte finish like bronze or brass can add nice contrast. Just don’t overdo the mix.

4. Metal Finish Should Fit the Room

Choose metals that make sense for the existing style. Modern kitchens suit brushed nickel or stainless steel while traditional spaces call for antique bronze or rubbed oil finishes.

5. Mix Metals with Same Undertones

Pair metals with similar undertones like the bronze/gold family or silver/steel family for a cohesive look. Don’t mix radically different metals like copper and iron.

6. Repeat Finishes on Upper and Lower Cabinets

Tie the look together by repeating cabinet hardware finishes on both upper and lower cabinets. Or use the same finish for handles and another for knobs and pulls.

7 Popular Metal Finishes to Mix and Match

Here are the top metal cabinet hardware finishes to mix and match in your kitchen remodel:

1. Brushed Nickel

With a muted silver sheen, brushed nickel works with a wide range of kitchen designs from traditional to contemporary. It brings an understated modern touch and pairs well with many other hardware finishes.

2. Matte Black

The ultimate versatile neutral, matte black hardware has a muted look that works with any color scheme. It brings a contemporary edge and looks sleek paired with brass or silver tones.

3. Oil-Rubbed Bronze

With antique undertones, oil-rubbed bronze brings a timeworn look. It works for traditional spaces and can be mixed with antique brass hardware.

4. Polished Chrome

Chrome has a very shiny, mirror-like look. Use it sparingly to contrast against muted metals like brushed nickel or matte black. Too much chrome can look dated.

5. Stainless Steel

A popular choice for contemporary kitchens, stainless steel has a muted silver-gray look. It pairs nicely with other gray metals like nickel or pewter.

6. Antique Brass

With a soft golden hue, antique brass brings vintage charm. Coordinate with oil-rubbed bronze or unlacquered brass hardware for a cohesive antique vibe.

7. Satin Brass

Satin brass has a muted golden shine with a hint of yellow. It pairs well with dark metal finishes like matte black for bold contrast.

Mixing Metal Finishes by Cabinet Hardware Type

You can also strategically mix metals by cabinet hardware type for a coordinated look:

Mix Finishes on Handles vs. Knobs

Pick one finish such as oil-rubbed bronze for all of your cabinet handles. Then use a secondary metal like brushed nickel for all of the knobs only.

Use Same Finish for Upper Cabinets

Choose one consistent finish such as antique brass for all hardware on upper cabinets. Then mix up metals like satin nickel and chrome for lower cabinet hardware.

Match Pulls to Hinges

Pair finishes on cabinet pulls to match or complement the finish of hinges on cabinet doors or drawers. Contrasting finishes can look disjointed.

Ideas for Mixing Complementary Metal Finishes

Here are some winning combinations of mixed metal cabinet hardware finishes:

Matte Black with Brushed Brass

The muted black finish pairs nicely with the warm antique look of brushed brass. Scatter both throughout the kitchen for contrasts.

Oil-Rubbed Bronze with Iron

Blend the dark aged bronze tone with the industrial ruggedness of wrought iron for an eclectic antique mix.

Satin Nickel with Stainless Steel

Nickel and stainless steel are in the same metallic family and their sheens complement each other nicely.

Antique Brass with Chrome

Use chrome sparingly to add pops of shine against the mellow antique brass hardware. Great for traditional kitchens.

Matte Black with Unlacquered Brass

Unlacquered brass develops a worn patina over time that contrasts beautifully against matte black.

Tips to Remember When Mixing Metal Finishes

To mix metals successfully, keep these top tips in mind:

• Don’t mix more than 2-3 finishes for a cohesive look.
• Spread mixed metals evenly throughout the kitchen space.
• Pair shiny metals with muted ones for contrast.
• Choose finishes that complement your existing kitchen style.
• Only mix metals that have similar undertones.
• Repeat the same finishes on upper and lower cabinets.
• Mix metals strategically on handles, knobs and pulls.

Common Questions About Mixing Metal Finishes for Cabinet Hardware

Many homeowners have additional questions about successfully combining different metal finishes. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Q: What if I don’t like the mixed metal look after installing hardware?

A: Test out mixing finishes first by getting free hardware samples from manufacturers. Live with them for a few days to ensure you like the look before committing. Hardware can also be swapped out down the road if you want to change the look.

Q: Should I match cabinet hardware metal to my kitchen faucet?

A: It’s not mandatory, but matching the cabinet hardware finish to the kitchen faucet can create a more streamlined look. However, mixing the faucet finish with cabinet hardware can also look stylish if done intentionally.

Q: How do I clean mixed metal finishes?

A: Use a mild, pH-neutral soap and warm water to clean most cabinet hardware finishes. For oil-rubbed bronze, use lemon oil. For brass, use a brass polish. Check the manufacturer’s care instructions for specialized cleaning methods per finish. Avoid abrasive cleaners.

Q: Can I mix stainless steel appliances with other metal finishes?

A: Yes, stainless steel appliances complement many finishes like brushed nickel, chrome, and oil-rubbed bronze well. Tie it all together by making sure cabinets feature hardware in one of these finishes.

Q: Should metal finishes match across my whole home?

A: Matching metal finishes throughout an open concept first floor can create nice flow. But it’s fine to mix metals in different rooms, like antique bronze hardware in a traditional kitchen and brushed nickel in a contemporary bath.

Mixing Metal Finishes Creates Endless Possibilities for Cabinet Hardware

The key takeaway is that mixing metal hardware opens up many stylish possibilities. You don’t have to stick to just one finish throughout your entire kitchen. Thoughtfully blending complementary metals can add visual interest, depth, and personality to your kitchen design. Just follow the best practices outlined here like limiting your mixes, pairing mattes with shines, and sticking to metals with similar undertones. This allows you to thoughtfully and strategically mix metal finishes in ways that enhance your kitchen style. With the right approach, blending metallics can take your cabinet hardware to the next level.

Conclusion

Mixing metal finishes for kitchen cabinet hardware presents many possibilities to create a custom look that enhances your space. Combining complementary metals like oil-rubbed bronze with brushed nickel, or matte black with polished chrome can add stylish contrast and personality. Just be strategic in your approach. Limit mixes to 2-3 finishes, pair shiny with matte metals, spread mixed hardware throughout the kitchen, choose appropriate metals for your existing style, and stick to metals with similar undertones. Follow these best practices to thoughtfully blend metals in ways that highlight different textures and sheens while still looking cohesive and purposeful. The finished look will take your kitchen hardware to the next level. With the right guidance, you can successfully mix metal finishes for cabinet hardware to create your dream kitchen.