In the realm of interior design, the use of metals has transcended mere functionality to become an integral aspect of contemporary décor. Whether you’re aiming for a sleek, modern look or a more eclectic, vintage vibe, incorporating metals into your home design can add depth, texture, and a touch of sophistication. From subtle accents to bold statement pieces, the versatility of metals offers endless possibilities for creating stunning interiors that reflect your personal style. Let’s delve into the art of decorating with metals and discover how to harness their transformative power to elevate your living spaces.
Metal Is the New Wood
Here are a few of the most notable benefits of decorating with metal:
Durability
Unlike softer materials that are prone to deterioration, metal is incredibly tough and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Metal is forged in a way that allows it to last generations, and its only real threats are scratches and corrosion, although treatments and alloys typically prevent this.
Many metals resist rust, making them perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.
Low maintenance
Many other substances require regular and sometimes complicated and expensive upkeep. For example, some types of wood need to be polished with very specific, pricey polishes. By contrast, metal rarely needs any care beyond the occasional buff. Because of its durability, it’s also much more resistant to breaking or shattering.
Affordability
Plenty of materials and fabrics can cost thousands of dollars. Think of genuine leather and suede, woods such as mahogany and ebony or stone like marble and limestone. Most metals (barring precious ones, e.g. gold and platinum) are much easier on the wallet. Their longevity also makes them a worthwhile investment.
Sustainability
Metal is a prime decorative choice if you’re concerned about sustainability. Of course, mining and processing does have a negative environmental impact. However, metal’s long lifespan means you likely won’t ever have to replace anything made from it, which negates much of its detrimental effect on the environment.
Naturally, it’s also greener than plastic and many other synthetic materials. Metal can also be recycled, meaning you can buy pieces made from repurposed metal which is even better for the natural world!
Adaptability
Metal is incredibly versatile and flexible. We don’t mean in a malleable or pliable way, of course — that would defeat one of its greatest selling points. Rather, it can often be repurposed many times over. For instance, outdoor metal art can be brought inside and vice versa. Or, you can paint your metal decor or furniture any color your heart desires rather than purchasing new pieces (this adds to its cost-effectiveness).
Metal for the Ages
Since one of the greatest advantages of decorating with metals is their versatility. From warm, inviting tones like gold and brass to cool, industrial finishes like stainless steel and chrome, there’s a metal to suit every aesthetic preference, including:
Industrial chic
As you might have guessed from the title, this type of interior design is all about mimicking industrial settings such as factories. So, it’s only natural that you’d see a lot of exposed beams, ducts and pipes, raw materials like bare brick and concrete and, obviously, metal.
Modernism
This design style is characterized by monochromatic palettes, clean and simple lines and lots of natural light and materials. It’s used because it’s essentially the opposite of the ornate, luxury woods seen in more traditional kinds of interior design.
Metal works great with monochromatic modernist color palettes.
Minimalism
Function over form is the order of the day in minimalism. Because metal is so versatile and easy to maintain, it’s a no-brainer that it would form an integral part of minimalist interior design.
Art Deco
Art Deco became extremely popular in the West during the 1930s. It’s all about luxury and glamor, so it stands to reason that gleaming metals would be prominent. You’ll find tons of ornate lamps and chandeliers, banisters and art.
Don’t Be Afraid to Mix and Match
Don’t be afraid to mix metals to create visual interest and depth in your décor. Contrasting finishes and textures add dimension to a room and prevent it from feeling too uniform or predictable. Pair brushed nickel with antique brass for a dynamic blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication. Similarly, matte black accents with polished chrome accessories achieve a striking balance of light and shadow.
Balance is Key
When incorporating metals into your décor, it’s essential to strike a balance between different elements to ensure harmony within the space. Consider the existing color palette furniture and architectural features of your home when selecting metal accents. Opt for a mix of matte and shiny finishes to create visual contrast and distribute metal accents evenly throughout the room to prevent any one element overpowering another. Layer metals with other materials to soften their impact and create an inviting atmosphere.
Make a Statement
While subtlety has its merits, sometimes a bold statement piece is precisely what a room needs to make a lasting impression.
Furniture
Perhaps quite obviously, one safe bet is furniture. Metals (particularly steel) make great table and chair legs. You’ll often see glass sheets atop metal tables because of the wonderfully clean and modern aesthetic this combination creates. It’s also a fantastic choice for sleek bed frames, especially four-poster beds.
We adore these warm metals.
As we mentioned, wrought iron is popular for pieces used in gardens because it’s very durable. Simple metal furniture can produce a striking look when combined with more ornate traditional items such as Persian rugs and crystal chandeliers.
Metal Wall Decor
You might envision an enormous tapestry, mural, miniature painting gallery or a single wall in a solid color when you hear “accent wall,” but using metal to create an accent wall is a beautifully unique and unconventional alternative.
Beyond canvas wall art and stone statues, we have artwork made from metal. They come in many shapes and forms, such as statuettes, large sculptures and metal wall art. That last one is a perfect choice if you want an art piece that strays off the beaten path. Don’t forget that wall mirrors can be their own form of art, and you don’t have to look too hard to find interesting and aesthetically pleasing ones!
Pay Attention to Detail
The devil is in the details as they say and nowhere is this more apparent than in the realm of interior design. Pay attention to small but significant details like:
Door Knobs, Handles and Knockers
Pay attention to small but significant details like drawer pulls, cabinet knobs, and door handles. These seemingly minor elements can have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of a room.
Faucets
Stainless steel is a go-to material for faucets (especially in modernist kitchens and bathrooms) because its simple silver color looks sleek and elegant. Brass is popular because it’s rust-resistant and adds a gorgeous, stylish rose-gold gleam, which is ideal for interior design styles like Art Deco.
Brass faucets and accents add gorgeous style to this bar area.
Copper is antimicrobial, which is helpful in rooms that need to stay sanitary and hygienic. But, its color will change, so it’s not recommended to use unless you’re ok with its hue shifting (or maybe that’s your goal). You won’t find many copper faucets because they’re typically custom-made.
Steel Your Nerves
Decorating with metals offers a myriad of opportunities to infuse your home with style, sophistication, and personality. There’s no reason to fret if the idea of decorating with metals by yourself gives you cold feet. We are here to help you mix and match different finishes focusing on balance and detail, to create a visually stunning and inviting home.
