No, your bathroom hardware doesn’t have to match. There is a common belief that if the metals in your bathroom are different colors or finishes, your bathroom will look tacky, unbalanced, or just plain chaotic.

 

That couldn’t be further from the truth! While it’s possible that mixing metals haphazardly can lead to a less-than-cohesive look, it is possible to mix metals in your bathroom beautifully. Mixing metals is a balancing act, and we’re here to help you get that balance right.

1) Choose Your Dominant Metal  

When you choose a color scheme for your bathroom, you likely choose a main color followed by one or two complementary colors. You’ll follow that same process when choosing your metals.  

 

Your dominant metal will account for around 2/3 of all metal fixtures in your bathroom and will probably be the color of your largest fixtures, like your showerhead, faucets, and towel bars.  

 

Metals with cool undertones, like brushed nickel, stainless steel, and polished chrome, fit right into a bathroom with a contemporary design. Metals with warmer undertones, like gold, brass, and bronze, look great in traditional or rustic-style bathrooms. 

2) Add in an Accent Metal 

 

Now that you have your dominant metal, it’s time to choose a metal that will account for the remaining 1/3 of the fixtures in your bathroom. You’ll use this accent metal in your mirror frame, lighting fixtures, and cabinet hardware. 

 

While you can choose more than one accent color, we recommend sticking with one. The more colors you incorporate, the easier it is to bypass cohesive and go straight to chaotic.

 

To choose an accent metal, look for one that complements your dominant metal. This means steering clear of metals in the same color family, like brass and bronze. These are too similar and can look like a design mishap instead of a purposeful choice. 

 

Instead, opt for metals on the opposite end of the spectrum. For instance, the warm brown hues of oil-rubbed bronze and the vibrancy of polished chrome really work together to make this bathroom pop!

3) Don’t Forget About the Finish 

 

In addition to the color of the metals, you’ll want to consider the finishes of your bathroom fixtures. Polished metals are shiny and contemporary, while brushed finishes like stainless steel are more muted. Oil-rubbed finishes, like our oil-rubbed bronze, have an antiqued look that works well in traditional or even farmhouse-style bathrooms.

 

Mixing bathroom fixture finishes is another balancing act, but it will pay off big time. Try pairing shiny, polished fixtures with matte metals for a clean, modern look. For a sleek bathroom, try brushed finishes in complementary colors. Oil-rubbed bronze shows just hints of bronze, so look for other warm-toned metals like polished bronze, copper, or even gold. 

3) Don’t Forget About the Finish 

 

In addition to the color of the metals, you’ll want to consider the finishes of your bathroom fixtures. Polished metals are shiny and contemporary, while brushed finishes like stainless steel are more muted. Oil-rubbed finishes, like our oil-rubbed bronze, have an antiqued look that works well in traditional or even farmhouse-style bathrooms.

 

Mixing bathroom fixture finishes is another balancing act, but it will pay off big time. Try pairing shiny, polished fixtures with matte metals for a clean, modern look. For a sleek bathroom, try brushed finishes in complementary colors. Oil-rubbed bronze shows just hints of bronze, so look for other warm-toned metals like polished bronze, copper, or even gold. 

4) Draw Inspiration from the Rest of Your Home

 

Still not sure what metals to mix? Look to other areas of your house for inspiration!

 

For the ultimate home decor cohesion, choose the same finishes that are present in other areas of your home. Where else in your home do you have multiple metal fixtures? Your other bathrooms, kitchen, and even outdoor areas may have metal fixtures for you to draw inspiration from.

5) Coordinate with the Other Materials in Your Bathroom 

 

We’ve discussed making sure your metals complement each other, but it’s also important to ensure they coordinate with the rest of your bathroom. If you’ve chosen a rustic tile floor and an antiqued vanity, avoid shiny metals like polished chrome and opt for something like oil-rubbed bronze instead. 

 

On the other hand, if you’ve chosen a sleek vanity with marble flooring, polished metals will complete your bathroom’s modern look.

A KOHLER Authorized Dealer is here to help you bring your dream bathroom to life with a Reveal by KOHLER shower remodel. To get started, request your free quote today!