Mixing Metals in a Bathroom: The Tips You Need to Know

Content may contain affiliate links. When you shop the links, I receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting my small business.

Learning how to mix metals in your bathroom is an excellent way to level up your design. Once you follow a few simple tips, you’ll be mixing and matching different metal tones like a pro!

Mixing metals in your bathroom design creates a visually engaging space that’s both stylish and unique. Gone are the days when you had to stick to one metal finish for your entire bathroom, now, it’s not only acceptable but encouraged to blend various metal finishes to achieve a personalized, multi-dimensional look.

With the right approach, you can effortlessly combine different metals in your bathroom to create a harmonious blend that reflects your style and taste.

How to Coordinate Metals

Start by selecting one dominant metal finish for the major fixtures in your bathroom, such as the sink faucet and shower head. This metal can be any of your preferred choices, like brushed nickel, polished chrome, or even something more unique like unlacquered brass or antique brass.

Choose a finish that complements the overall color scheme of your bathroom and sets the tone for the space.

Next, consider incorporating accent metals for smaller elements, such as mirror frames, lighting fixtures, toilet paper holder and the towel bar. Choosing one or two contrasting metals in different finishes will add variety to the design.

For example, if your dominant metal is a brushed nickel, you might include warm-toned accents like oil-rubbed bronze or brass.

To create a harmonious look, use each accent metal in more than one place. The design “rule” is to repeat the metal in at least 3 places. (It’s also a good idea if one of the metals is already used throughout your home so as to maintain a cohesive flow).

For instance, if you choose aged brass for your towel rings and mirror frame, consider adding brass knobs to your cabinetry as well. Using each metal in multiple spots will ensure a balanced and intentional design.

In addition, be mindful of textures and luster when coordinating metals. Mixing metals with different levels of sheen, such as satin nickel and shiny brass, can add depth to the overall design.

Incorporating finishes with a natural patina or antiqued appearance can also create a luxurious, designer feel without becoming too “matchy-matchy.”

Understand the Metals

Metals are primarily categorized into two groups: Warm Metals and Cool Metals. It’s helpful to know the differences between these metals and how they can be combined to create a harmonious look.

Warm Metals

Warm metals include brass, copper, gold, and bronze. These metals add a touch of warmth and elegance to your bathroom.

Brass – Brass is a popular choice for bathroom fixtures because it has a timeless look and it is both durable and corrosion-resistant. Brass generally comes in 3 finishes: unlacquered (will patina or age over time), polished (stays shiny) or a satin/antique/aged finish.

Cool Metals

Cool metals consist of chrome, nickel, stainless steel, and iron. These metals give off a sleek, modern vibe and are often used in contemporary bathroom designs.

Chrome – Chrome is a popular choice for bathroom fixtures because it adds a clean, shiny look. It is highly reflective and pairs well with other cool metals.

Nickel – Nickel comes in various finishes, such as polished and brushed. It has a swarmer tone than chrome.

Neutral Metals

Black – Black metal finishes are usually either flat black (not shiny) or oil rubbed bronze (ORB) which has some bronze undertones. ORB was popular in the early 2000’s but has mostly fallen out of favor for flat black. Black is considered a neutral and so it easily pairs with either the warm or cool metals.

How Do I Choose Which Metals to Mix for Best Results?

When mixing metals in your bathroom, consider using a combination of warm and cool metals (or black as a neutral) to create a balanced look. Pick one dominant metal, and then use 1-2 others as accents.

Here’ some ideas to help you visualize the possible combinations:

1. Flat black and Brass

Study this image! The lights and faucets are flat black, as well as the shower door handle, Schluter edge on the shower shampoo niche and the windows. All that black is nicely contrasted with brass mirrors and brass fixtures in the shower, as well as brass handles on the vanity. Each metal is repeated a minimum of 3 times so that it looks intentional.

Below is another example with brass and black, this time with the black being more subtle in the shower door hinges, handle and cabinet hardware.

2. Nickel and Brass

When I remodeled my master bathroom last year, I chose satin nickel and satin aged brass for the fixtures. I don’t personally love really shiny metals, and the more matte finish on these works really well together.

3. Chrome and Black

Black and chrome look great together, as long as prefer a cooler look!

4. Chrome and Brass

Chrome is becoming more popular again in 2025 (not that it ever went out of style!) and when done right, it looks beautiful with brass accents.

5. Three Mixed Metals

If you’re going to try to mix three different metals, more than likely black will be one of them as it will act as a neutral bridge.

In this example below, the black is actually a really dark copper but it acts the same as a black would, only looking softer. You can see it on the cabinet hardware as well as the hinges on the shower (seen in the reflection).

This warm bronze pairs beautifully with the antique brass wall sconce, which is then balanced out by the polished nickel faucets.

The wall color used on the walls and vanities really helps to tie all these colors and tones together in a cohesive manner.

Final Thoughts

Remember, first, you should consider the different metal finishes available, such as polished, brushed, or matte. To make it easier, curate 2-3 metals with similar undertones that work well together. You will want to select a primary metal, which will be the dominant element in the room. This could be a warm metal, like brass or gold, or a cool metal, like chrome or nickel.

Next, choose an accent metal to complement your primary metal. It’s important that the tones and undertones of both metals maintain a balance. Warm metals, like copper, brass, or bronze, can create a cozy atmosphere, while cool metals, like chrome or nickel, can add a modern touch.

Remember, it’s okay to mix shiny with matte finishes as well as warm and cool tones.

Lastly, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could also introduce a third metal into the mix. This metal should be in the same color family as the primary and accent metals and complement both without overwhelming the design.

Now, are you excited to try your hand at mixing metals in your bathroom? Don’t be intimated by it! Look at your favorite bathroom styles, see how they’ve incorporated various metal tones, and go from there.

Most of all, don’t take it too seriously, and have fun with your design!