In the world of interior design, the right combination of metals and metal finishes can transform a space, adding depth, contrast, and visual interest. While the traditional approach was to stick to one metal finish throughout a room, modern trends encourage the mixing of different metals to create a more dynamic and personalized space. With a focus on iron, we will explore the guidelines and suggestions for effectively combining different metals and finishes in home decor.

The Trend of Mixing Metals

Mixing metals in home decor is not only trendy but also a creative way to add depth, contrast, and visual interest to a space. By combining different metals and metal finishes, you can create a harmonious and personalized interior that reflects your unique style and taste.

Choosing Iron as a Primary Metal

Iron is a versatile metal that can be used in a variety of home decor styles, from industrial and rustic to modern and contemporary. When choosing iron as a primary metal, consider the overall design theme of your space and how iron can complement and enhance the existing elements.

Mixing Iron with Other Metals

Iron can be mixed with a variety of other metals to create a unique and stylish look. Some metals that mix well with iron include:

1. Brass: Mixing iron with brass creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The combination of the cool tones of iron with the warm tones of brass adds depth and visual interest to a space.
2. Copper: Iron and copper create a beautiful contrast, with the cool tones of iron balancing the warm tones of copper. This combination is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to a room.
3. Gold: Mixing iron with gold creates a luxurious and sophisticated look. The combination of the industrial feel of iron with the glamour of gold creates a unique and stylish aesthetic.
4. Silver: Iron and silver create a modern and contemporary look. The cool tones of both metals complement each other, creating a sleek and stylish design.

Tips for Mixing Metals Effectively

1. Choose a Dominant Metal: When mixing metals, it's important to choose one dominant metal to serve as the foundation for your design. This dominant metal should make up about 60 to 75 percent of the metal finishes in the room.
2. Select Complementary Metals: Choose one or two accent metals that complement the dominant metal and add visual interest to the space. These accent metals should make up about 25 to 40 percent of the metal finishes in the room.
3. Distribute Metals Evenly: Distribute the chosen metals evenly throughout the room to create a cohesive and balanced look. For example, if you choose iron as your dominant metal and brass as your accent, use iron for your kitchen appliances and brass for your cabinet hardware.
4. Combine Different Sheens: Metals can come in various sheens, including antiqued, matte, satin, brushed, and polished. Combining different sheens can add depth and visual interest to your space. Just be cautious when combining two polished finishes, as this can create a very glam look. If that's not the desired effect, opt for matte to satin finishes.
5. Follow the 60-30-10 Decorating Rule: When mixing metals, apply the 60-30-10 decorating rule to create a balanced and harmonious look. This rule suggests that the dominant metal should make up about 60 percent of the room's metal finishes, the secondary metal about 30 percent, and any additional accent metals about 10 percent.

Examples of Iron Combinations

1. Iron and Brass: This combination is perfect for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Use iron for larger elements like kitchen appliances and brass for smaller details like cabinet hardware and light fixtures.
2. Iron and Copper: This combination creates a sophisticated and elegant look. Use iron for larger elements like kitchen appliances and copper for smaller details like lighting fixtures and decorative accents.
3. Iron and Gold: This combination creates a luxurious and glamorous look. Use iron for larger elements like kitchen appliances and gold for smaller details like cabinet hardware and decorative accents.
4. Iron and Silver: This combination creates a modern and contemporary look. Use iron for larger elements like kitchen appliances and silver for smaller details like cabinet hardware and lighting fixtures.

Mixing metals in home decor is not only trendy but also a creative way to add depth, contrast, and visual interest to a space. Iron is a versatile metal that can be mixed with a variety of other metals to create a unique and stylish look. Hopefully, we’ve shed a little light to help you confidently choose more than one type of metal in designing your perfect interior. Shop our collection of iron beds, stools, chairs, swings, benches, tables and more to begin your metal mixing adventure!