Do’s and Don’ts of Mixing Hardware Finishes

DON’T

Feel like you have to adhere to current design trends and fads. The most important thing of all is that you end up with a home that feels like you, and that you love. After all, it’s your home!

DO 

Stick to a limited number of metal finishes. Three maximum is a good rule of thumb– maybe four if one of them is very neutral. The more finishes you add past three, the more chaotic and mismatched the room will ultimately look.

DON’T

Pick similar materials in the same color family– like both chrome and satin brass, or two cool-toned metals together. It won’t look purposeful, and will look like you tried to match but  weren’t successful.

DO 

Consider the overall vibe of the room. Luxe, rustic, warm, cool, eclectic, minimalist, cozy… pick finishes that work with, not against, this vibe. There are always exceptions to style “rules”, but if your room is very eclectic, ornate, and vintage-inspired, choosing minimalist mid-century cabinet pulls might throw off the whole feel you’ve put together.

DON’T 

Randomly mix! Have a rhyme and reason for your choices, and create a balance with purposeful placement. Pick a dominant or featured finish, and work around it, choosing complementary metals and finishes.

DO 

Create contrast. The more contrast there is between your chosen finishes, the more purposeful and cohesive the overall effect will be. For example, choosing an oil-rubbed bronze paired with a glossy chrome will provide a great level of contrast.

DON’T

Stress about commitment. If you get sick of a finish or a look, it’s easy and cheap to paint or refinish hardware.

DO 

Use “neutral” finishes. Matte black works with everything, and so do glass, crystal, and Lucite. Adding these finishes to the mix will work seamlessly!

DON’T 

Forget about all the finish options that are available to you. There are more to choose from today than ever before! When you have the choice between stainless steel, iron, aluminum, copper, brass, and bronze, with brushed, satin, chrome, oil-rubbed, and matte finishes, the combinations and possibilities are virtually infinite.

If you have any questions about mixing hardware finishes, the design specialists at Kaufman By Design are more than happy to provide finishes, suggest contrasting or complementary matches, and help you design the room of your dreams. Send us a message or give us a call and we’ll help you get started!