The Beginner's Guide to Mixing Metal Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
Updating your kitchen cabinet hardware is an easy way to give your space a quick facelift. While many opt for hardware in just one finish, mixing metals is an of-the-moment trend that can take your kitchen design to the next level.
Blending metal finishes like brushed nickel, satin nickel, and antique bronze allows you to add depth, contrast, and visual interest to your kitchen. It also provides more flexibility to complement different styles from traditional to contemporary.
Pick Your Base Metal
The first step in mixing metals is to choose one dominant finish to serve as your base. This will be the most prevalent finish used across handles, knobs, and pulls. Popular choices like brushed nickel and satin nickel work well as base metals. Let's take a look at some of the top options:
Brushed Nickel
With its soft, brushed look, brushed nickel has a gentle, understated elegance. The warm, gray appearance complements both traditional and modern styles.
Pros: Easy to coordinate, fingerprint-resistant, affordable, versatile finish
Cons: Can show scratches over time, susceptible to water spots
Try pairing it with: White cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel
Satin Nickel
Nearly identical to brushed nickel but with a smoother surface, satin nickel offers a clean, sophisticated look.
Pros: Durable, versatile for many kitchen styles
Cons: Lacks contrast and depth of brushed nickel
Try pairing it with: Dark cabinetry, marble countertops, black stainless appliances
Antique Bronze
With an elegant, timeworn appearance, antique bronze brings a touch of Old World charm to kitchens.
Pros: Distinctive, vintage aesthetic; coordinates with many colors
Cons: Can look dirty if finish wears over time
Try pairing it with: Wood cabinetry, quartzite counters, farmhouse sinks
Polished Chrome
If you love the sleek urban look, polished chrome is the way to go. Its shiny, mirror-like finish has serious contemporary appeal.
Pros: Modern and stylish, easy to clean
Cons: Can look sterile, shows fingerprints
Try pairing it with: Glossy cabinetry, stone or quartz counters, industrial lighting
Matte Black
Matte black hardware makes a sophisticated, dramatic statement. The deep, dark finish acts as a neutral while still commanding attention.
Pros: Striking and bold, complements many color schemes
Cons: Shows dust; can look harsh if overused
Try pairing it with: White or wood cabinetry, marble counters, black stainless appliances
Choose Your Accent Metal
Once you select your base metal, it’s time to pick a finish for your accent pieces. Accent metals should be used more sparingly to contrast and complement your main finish. Factors to keep in mind when pairing metals:
- Combine warm and cool tones for visual interest
- Balancing brushed with polished/satin finishes adds depth
- Metals close on the color wheel tend to clash
Brushed Nickel Accents
With brushed nickel as your base, try pairing with:
- Oil-rubbed bronze - rich contrast
- Satin nickel - subtle tone on tone
- Antique copper - warm, delicate accent
Brushed nickel knobs with oil-rubbed bronze pulls
Satin Nickel Accents
For satin nickel base cabinets, excellent complements include:
- Brushed bronze - eye-catching contrast
- Matte black - bold but elegant
- Polished chrome - bright, modern accent
Satin nickel handles paired with matte black knobs
Antique Bronze Accents
To accent antique bronze, try pairing with:
- Brushed nickel - softens antique vibe
- Oil-rubbed bronze - coordinates beautifully
- Satin brass - warm, luxe accent
Antique bronze pulls with oil-rubbed bronze knobs
Polished Chrome Accents
For a polished chrome base, complementary metals include:
- Satin nickel - tones down shine
- Satin brass - stylish contrast
- Matte black - striking juxtaposition
Polished chrome handles with matte black knobs
Matte Black Accents
To keep matte black finishes from feeling too harsh, blend with:
- Brushed nickel - soft, elegant complement
- Antique bronze - vintage accent
- Satin brass - warm golden tones
Matte black pulls coupled with brushed nickel knobs
Mixing More Than 2 Metals
While mixing two finishes can be stunning, don’t be afraid to incorporate three metal tones. When blending several finishes:
- Use one dominant metal as the main finish
- Add secondary and tertiary metals as accents
- Vary metal textures and sheens for cohesion
For example, satin nickel cabinets with antique bronze knobs and matte black pulls.
Matching Appliances and Fixtures
Be sure to coordinate your hardware metals with kitchen appliances and fixtures. Ways to achieve harmony:
- Choose plumbing fixtures in base metal finish
- Select appliances in accent metal tone
- Repeat cabinet hardware finishes on nearby rooms
If transitioning between finishes, use texture, sheen, or color to create a cohesive look.
Achieving Balance in Your Mix
When blending metal finishes, aim for balance. Ways to create cohesion include:
- Varying texture - mix brushed with polished
- Alternating warm and cool tones
- Using the 60/30/10 rule - 60% dominant, 30% secondary, 10% accent metal
Follow these tips and your mixed metal hardware will infuse your kitchen with richness, depth, and the perfect amount of contrast.
Dos and Don'ts of Mixing Metals
Still unsure how to blend metal finishes flawlessly? Keep these expert tips in mind:
- DO choose finishes far apart on color wheel
- DO vary metal textures and sheens
- DO use warm metals on upper cabinets, cool metals on lowers
- DON'T overmix - stick to 3 finishes max
- DON'T use all brushed or all polished metals
- DON'T pair polished chrome with stainless steel
With the right combination of metals and adherence to fundamental design principles, you can easily attain a pulled-together mixed metal look.
Mixing metal finishes may seem tricky but following this beginner's guide will give you the confidence to blend metals like a designer. Combining metals like brushed nickel, satin nickel, and antique bronze adds compelling contrast and visual depth to kitchens.
Remember to choose a dominant base metal, select accent finishes that complement it, and aim for balance in your mix. Use the 60/30/10 guideline and vary textures. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to experiment with imaginative metal combinations until you find your perfect pairing!