Changing light fittings is a quick and inexpensive way to update a room and incorporating mixed metal accents is a great way to do this. The choices are endless, and perhaps a little daunting, so we will be taking a look at some mixed metal lighting and offering hints and tips to help.
Our impressive Marquette 9 light chandelier has a rich heirloom bronze finish with antique silver highlights and looks wonderful in this traditional setting.
Fashion and interior design usually follow similar trends and for many years fashion ‘rules’ dictated that shoes, handbags and other accessories should always match. Likewise, for interior design there was a long-standing rule that all metal appliances, fixtures and fittings, including lighting, should also match. The reality was that it was not always possible to match everything exactly and with today’s modern open plan living spaces this can seem very ‘matchy-matchy’. Even though it is becoming more common to choose mixed metal finishes, steering away from the concept that everything should match can seem like a step into the unknown.
The Hyde range is a collection of ceiling lights and pendants with matching wall lights and table lamps available in a choice of finishes. These stylish, mid-century lights are made in the UK by Cotswolds based David Hunt Lighting. The ceiling light featured here combines black with solid brass whilst the wall light mixes white and brass.
Just how do you mix and match different metal finishes? Which metals complement each other and which don’t? Lighting is a great way to introduce different metal finishes – ceiling fittings, chandeliers, pendants and wall lights are usually far enough away from other items in the room that you will easily be able to introduce two-tone or dual metal finishes into the mix without clashing. To start with let’s take a look at some of the more common metal finishes.
Warm Metals – these include brass, copper and gold. Aged or antique brass adds a more vintage feel. Used as an accent colour they add a luxurious touch.
Cool Metals – cool colours include aluminum, stainless steel, chrome, polished nickel and other silver metals. These finishes are usually teamed with modern furnishings. Chrome, in particular, adds a lightness and brightness with its reflective qualities. Polished nickel is similar to chrome with the same mirror like quality.
Neutral Metals – neutral finishes include cast iron, bronze and other black finishes. Bronze looks amazing with wood, stone and natural tones and is perfect with marble and granite worktops. As the saying goes ‘black goes with everything and never goes out of fashion’. Black highlights create a bold classic look and can be teamed with almost every colour scheme (except navy and some shades of brown).
Here are a few tips to help you on your way to becoming a master of mixed metal lighting.
Be aware of what mixes well – confidence comes with knowing which metals mix well together. Opposites certainly attract when mixing warm and cool colours – choose one dominant colour and one accent colour. For a dominant warm metal finish opt for a cool metal accent and for a dominant cool metal add a warm coloured accent. Neutral coloured metals can be mixed with either. Also try and add some texture – hammered textures work well in vintage and rustic settings whilst satin finishes are perfect for a classic look.
The pendants shown here are part of our Hadano range of mix and match retro style lights. Antique chrome or natural brass metalwork fittings can be teamed with a choice of different metal shades offering the ultimate in mixed metal lighting. The collection also includes wall lights and multiple pendant kitchen island lights.
Ensure your chosen metal finishes work with items your already have in the room – mixing should look deliberate and not entirely random! Pick a main metal colour and use a contrasting accent colour for the best effect.
This beautiful, rustic wheel chandelier has a distressed silver frame decorated with delicate gold leaf sculptured blossoms . It offers an unusual updated take on the Medieval style of lighting with the introduction of mixed metals to create a sophisticated French flavour. It works perfectly in this room setting where all the warm colours blend harmoniously tougher, whilst the circular shape of the chandelier cleverly echoes the round wooden table. The Simone chandelier was originally designed by American artist Elaine Gleason who took inspiration from the rhythm and ambience of her native New Orleans. It is now manufactured here in the UK
Don’t overdo it – two or at the most three different metal finishes is about right. Don’t do too many things in one area as this will become confusing. Keep things tasteful.
The Tower industrial style desk light works perfectly in this dramatic setting. The simple box shape shade is completely open to allow for the addition of a vintage bulb to enhance the look. The lamp is essentially satin black with a contrasting copper lamp holder. Textural interest is added by the small sculptured metal tree and the basket weave detailing on the mixed metalwork chair.
Create extra interest – customise the look by using light fittings that have two tone or dual finishes. Vary the sizes and textures for added interest. This works if you stick to a common design theme, such as mid-century or farmhouse styles. A great design trick is to use a mirror to reflect the metal finishes and open up the space.
Do what you are comfortable with – if you are not sure about too much of a contrast then it’s ok to stick with similar colours e.g. using warm tones in a room decorated in warm colours.
The Freighter ceiling pendant also mixes two warm metals – in this case solid copper with polished brass detailing. A UK made nautical style pendant that is a quality reproduction fitting based on an original hanging light used on board freighters and cargo ships in Victorian times.
Stick with a theme – try to repeat the same 2 or 3 finishes for a seamless transition around the home, particularly if you have open plan living spaces.
Don’t forget your outdoor lighting – your outdoor light fittings should echo your interior style for the best results
The Globacage ceiling pendant and wall light, from our own Linspiration Lighting Collection, use the mixed metal combination of matt black with brushed bronze highlights to great effect. The protective cages give a distinctive industrial vibe. The IP65 rating makes them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. A wonderful rustic look for kitchens and just perfect for adding style to exterior walls. The light is cast in a downward direction making them ideal as a front door or porch lights.
Our final piece of advice is ‘Don’t be Afraid to Try Something New!‘. Done tastefully, mixed metal lighting adds interest and gives a new dimension to both indoor and outdoor lighting. Aim to create harmony by using similar shapes and styles that blend seamlessly together without being overly similar.
