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How to Mix + Master Metallics Like a Pro

Glittering gold, luxe silver, brazen brass, unassuming bronze – most of us have a favorite we gravitate towards. Some go bold and mix metals, and when done right, it truly elevates the visual interest of a room. Others like to ease into metallics by starting with one finish and layering in a few accent pieces to make a space feel captivating. Metals can not only change the look of a space, but they also adjust the feel by adding warmth through bronze and matte gold, or a touch of glam by using chrome or brass. Pair with furniture and decor in bold or subtle textures and patterns, depending on where you fall between minimalism and maximalism, and your metallic elements will make any space shine.

11.16.21 | By
How to Mix + Master Metallics Like a Pro

Start with Function First – Ease metals into your decor in the form of small, practical objects you’ll reach for everyday.

Glam Copper Alarm Clock by cloudnola

Glam Copper Alarm Clock by cloudnola

An updated take on old-fashioned alarm clocks, this cloudnola alarm clock is the perfect marriage of style and function. The matte copper finish brings warmth, glamour, and textural interest to your space and works just about anywhere – on your bedside table, entry table, bookshelf, desktop, and more.

$32.50
Wick Brass Portable LED Candlelight by graypants

Wick Brass Portable LED Candlelight by graypants

The Wick Portable Candlelight has won the hearts of Design Milk readers and editors alike (that’s why it’s one of our top holiday gift ideas!) with its super useful task and mood-lighting, convenient portability, sleek profile, and ultra-modern design. The brass and graphite finishes will be seamless additions to your home and instantly modernize your space, no matter your design aesthetic.

$149.00
Ring Rubber Black Coaster Set by Slash Objects

Ring Rubber Black Coaster Set by Slash Objects

We love the elegant brass trim on these rubber coasters by Slash Objects. The contrast between the industrial rubber construction and the glossy brass trim makes this tabletop accessory truly one of a kind – so you’ll be proud to keep them on your table for everyday use and special occasions alike. Bonus: they make for a unique holiday gift for the host or new homeowner in your life!

$90

Take it to the Walls Opting for metallics in your wall decor is an easy, non-committal way to experiment with the finish, switch it out as your mood changes or move it from room to room! 

Artefact Copper Art Print by Tom Pigeon

Artefact Copper Art Print by Tom Pigeon

This ultra-modern print by Tom Pigeon features a copper foiled treatment that adds a bit of glitz to your walls without overpowering your space due to its use of simple, geometric shapes. Lean into the glam with a more opulent frame or ease the metallic trend into your everyday with a minimal wood frame.

$55.00
Wall of Flame Candleholders by Roijé

Wall of Flame Candleholders by Roijé

Dutch designer Frederik Roijé is a pro at designing with metals. His Wall of Flame candleholders are made of bent metal pipes and gold-plated (though there are also dark grey and white finishes to choose from) – delivering on style and clever construction. Mount one on your wall for a pinch of modern metallic flair or use multiple to create a decor statement.

$188

Pair it with Color – Pairing metallics with multicolored objects is a beautiful way to work them into the details of your space and create a lovely contrast.

Dumbo Bookend Pair in Large Brass by Tortuga

Dumbo Bookend Pair in Large Brass by Tortuga

These solid brass bookends by Tortuga beautifully accent your books and add instant polish to your shelf. It comes in brass and copper finishes which are purposefully left untreated, so you have the final say – embrace the charm and elegance of natural tarnish as it forms or opt for a glam shine by adding a coat of polish.

$151
Fruitsuper Plant Sticks by Post.Script

Fruitsuper Plant Sticks by Post.Script

Your plants deserve to feel fancy too! These brass plant sticks by Post.Script come in an assortment of modern curved shapes that not only dress up your plant-friends but help provide support and structure as they grow! The brass finish adds a stylish pop when nestled against the lush greens of your house plants.

$32
Luna Small Vase by KINTO

Luna Small Vase by KINTO

The minimalist design of this small vase by KINTO features a tinted transparent glass body and a brass top that’s the perfect complement to your favorite floral stems or bouquets. Let the vase do the heavy lifting by going for a single dry floral stem or highlight the contrast between natural textures and metal with a small bunch of fresh picked flowers

$29

Tweak Your Tabletop Add a touch of glam to your tabletops with accessories that make for eye-catching centerpieces or elevated details.

Sama Trays by TIIPOI

Sama Trays by TIIPOI

You’ll love the versatility and effortlessly luxe look of these Sama Trays by TIIPOI. Not only are they available in multiple sizes that can be nested inside each other for easy storage, you can opt between copper and brass finishes – which makes mixing and matching metals incredibly easy. Use them as the centerpiece of your coffee or dining tables, or for serving hors d’oeuvres when you’re entertaining guests. Their brass storage jars are a great way to bring the metal into the kitchen too!

$75.00+
Panton Tray Medium by Georg Jensen

Panton Tray Medium by Georg Jensen

While a bit of a splurge, consider this stunning tray by Georg Jensen an iconic piece of Scandinavian design! Made of solid stainless steel, the Panton Tray perfectly captures the multifaceted look of a crumpled sheet of paper, a beautiful contrast against the rigid, man made material from which it’s constructed. Use it to serve fruit and let their natural colors pop against the polished steel or keep it empty for maximum impact.

$229

>>> For more metallic decor, visit the Design Milk Shop here! <<<

Alexa is commerce editor at Design Milk. She lives in Miami, Florida with her fiancé Alex and retired greyhound, Phoebe. A longtime art and design enthusiast, Alexa’s first stops in any new city are the art museums. When she’s not writing about her favorite DM shop picks, she might be buried in a book, binging reality tv or adventuring around her city with her partner and pup.