How to style your decor with metallics

Discover how to lift a room with a hint of shimmer, from warm copper and rich gold to cool chrome

Almost every style of decor benefits from adding something shiny into the mix. But unless you’re going for the Trump Tower look, remember that a little bit of bling goes a long way.

Balance is the key to using shiny and metallic pieces by mixing them with softer textures, such as textiles in velvet or wool, or materials with a matt finish, such as stone or wood. It’s also a good idea to pick one metal colour and stick with it – that’s not to say you can’t mix metals of a similar shade, but having too much contrast of gold and silver together may look messy. Try combining polished brass with matt silver and shiny chrome, for example, or if you like gold or copper then carry that throughout. A good way to add variety is to change the finish – look for hammered, burnished or brushed versions of your favourite metal.

Using reflective materials – whether that’s mirrors, shiny finishes on furniture or metallic lighting, for example – doesn’t just work in ornate or luxurious interiors. It’s a great way to prevent simple grey and neutral colour schemes from looking dull and lifeless, but it also elevates the luxe look in rooms with bolder jewel colours. In a rustic or industrial scheme, a few reflective pieces can add light, softness and balance to the space.

Keeping your palette either neutral or in muted darker shades helps shiny pieces sing. Gold and brass pairs with darks such as black, purple and navy (see the kitchen cupboards, above, in Aubusson Blue chalk paint with a splashback gilded in brass leaf, both from Annie Sloan), while chrome and stainless steel go beautifully with grey, white and blue. Copper or rose gold work well with teal, charcoal, inky blue and blush.

If you’re not sure how much shimmer you want in your space, begin with small accessories like a vintage mirrored tray or brass candlesticks, or something simple like a statement light fitting or mirror. Then build up the bling from there.

If you like the idea of a feature wall, then going for a luxe look with metallic-print wallpaper works well, but you could always try a new trend – the feature ceiling. Painting a ceiling in a muted metallic such as antique gold looks fabulous and it’s a more subtle effect than on walls (see the Craig & Rose range of artisan metallic paints). You can paint the ceiling directly, or cover with embossed tin tiles first and then paint and distress for an aged finish.

Bathrooms are naturally shiny, often featuring plenty of metallic and reflective materials, so it’s a great space to up the ante and still stay tasteful. A statement bath definitely makes a splash and a freestanding metallic bateau-style piece is perfect for anyone who takes bathtime seriously. Choose from metals such as copper, antique brass or polished cast iron, as offered at William Holland and the Cast Iron Bath Company. Or for a thriftier option consider upcycling the finish of an old cast-iron bath. Prep the surface thoroughly and use an oil-based red oxide metal primer to prevent rust, before applying your metallic paint – we love the gorgeous lustre and easy application of the Gild range from Guild Lane.

On a smaller scale, think about other interesting metallic details: taps in antique brass, or contemporary rose gold or copper; bathroom-safe metallic wallpaper for a feature wall; or even a glass-and-metal tray to display accessories or glass-bottled beauty products.

Using metallic and light-reflecting materials is both a great way to enhance brightness or to add it to a living space that tends to be a little darker, whether that’s because of the aspect or fittings and furniture. But ensure you mix and match textures and finishes to temper the dazzle.

In the kitchen, for example, pair metallic units with a matt-finish worktop in wood or concrete. And while a stainless steel sink is shiny it can look run-of-the-mill, so try a salvaged version in brushed steel copper. Cover units in thin, aged sheet metal – copper or brass work well and create the wow factor (Metal Offcuts supplies aged copper sheeting which can be custom cut to order). For a taste of this look, try going metallic on just one section of the kitchen, such as an island, or something smaller like splashbacks.

Aged copper is great in the rest of the home too. Use to face cupboards, or behind open shelves or storage units to add interest. Mix the metal with painted and wooden finishes, such as reclaimed wooden drawers and shelves, dark furniture and statement pieces. Or opt for vintage metal shelving units, which have a beautiful patina and give that metallic edge without overpowering.

WORDS: LINDSEY HARRAD