Mixed Metallics Mixed Metallics

THE DESIGN EDIT

Mixed Metallics

Selecting the ideal finish for your bathroom’s brassware, hardware and accessories can be a difficult design decision, however by carefully mixing metals rather than sticking to one shade, you can instantly add visual depth and interest to any living space.

Subtle Contrast

Whether you’re selecting a single finish or multiple metals, the key is to ensure that the chosen tones complement your interior theme. As well as taking the base colours of a space into consideration, the overall style is important too. Generally, cooler tones such as chrome and matte black pair well within modern settings. For instance, the Regal Chrome Crosshead Basin Mixer Tap and the Acquavita Matte Black Push Button Rainfall Shower work beautifully together in a contemporary bathroom. Alternatively, combined warmer finishes can elevate traditional or vintage-inspired decors. The Baroque Aged Bronze Monobloc Tall Basin Mixer Tap paired with the Blenheim Floor Mounted Traditional Towel Warmer Radiator in polished nickel adds Art Deco elegance to a classic bathroom design.


Once you’ve chosen a dominant finish, you can create a contrast by adding accents in other metals. Avoid mixing very similar shades, as this can look accidental rather than intentional. Instead, opt for distinctly different finishes, such as Livello Pull Out Kitchen Mixer Tap in gunmetal black paired with the Cubo Brushed Stainless 1.5 Undermount Kitchen Sink to create a deliberate and sophisticated contrast.
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  • AcquaVita Brushed Gold Push Button Rainfall Shower

    AcquaVita Brushed Gold Push Button Rainfall Shower

    AcquaVita Brushed Gold Push Button Rainfall Shower

    £697.00 (£580.83 EX VAT)
    (£0.00 EX VAT) From £697.00 (£580.83 EX VAT)
    £697.00 (£580.83 EX VAT)
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  • Casa Curved Arch Brushed Gold Shower Screen (All Sizes)

    Casa Curved Arch Brushed Gold Shower Screen (All Sizes)

    Casa Curved Arch Brushed Gold Shower Screen (All Sizes)

    £397.00 (£330.83 EX VAT)
    (£0.00 EX VAT) From £397.00 (£330.83 EX VAT)
    £397.00 (£330.83 EX VAT)
    (£0.00 EX VAT) From £397.00 (£330.83 EX VAT)
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  • AcquaVita Brushed Gold Ceiling Shower Arm 100mm

    AcquaVita Brushed Gold Ceiling Shower Arm 100mm

    AcquaVita Brushed Gold Ceiling Shower Arm 100mm

    £65.00 (£54.17 EX VAT)
    (£0.00 EX VAT) £65.00 (£54.17 EX VAT)
    £65.00 (£54.17 EX VAT)
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  • Cubox Frameless Brushed Gold Bathroom Shower Niche 600mm

    Cubox Frameless Brushed Gold Bathroom Shower Niche 600mm

    Cubox Frameless Brushed Gold Bathroom Shower Niche 600mm

    £197.00 (£164.17 EX VAT)
    (£0.00 EX VAT) £197.00 (£164.17 EX VAT)
    £197.00 (£164.17 EX VAT)
    (£0.00 EX VAT) £197.00 (£164.17 EX VAT)
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Visual Balance

To avoid creating a cluttered feel, opt for just one or two finishes in smaller en-suites or bathrooms, and mix no more than three in larger areas. Proportion also plays a pivotal role, particularly in more modestly sized spaces, so ensure that finishes are thoughtfully distributed across your bathroom to create a balanced look.

When using three mixed finishes, the tried-and-tested interior design rule of 60-30-10 works well. For example, in a larger bathroom, you could use brushed gold as the dominant finish (60%), polished nickel as the secondary finish (30%), and aged bronze as the accent (10%).

To create a sense of cohesion, it’s also best to stick to the same finishes for groups of items. For example, one finish for all taps and another for handles and hooks. The Grantley 3-Hole Traditional Kitchen Tap in brushed gold can be paired with the Aston Polished Nickel Internal Door Handles and Aston Polished Nickel Cabinet Pull Handles for a balanced and intentional design.

an elegant diaDiamond knurling is favoured by many luxury car brands, including the gold standard, Bentley.

Scalloped and ornate detail are ideal for traditional settings.

Tactile Textures

As an addition - or sometimes an alternative - to mixed metals, layered hardware textures can add a sense of depth across your living spaces. As well as providing improved grip, subtle hardware details such as diamond knurling, fluting, or hammered indentations can enhance minimal, modern aesthetics by creating visual variance and interest. For example, the Luxe Knurled Brushed Stainless Internal Door Handles add a tactile and visually striking element to a contemporary bathroom.

Vintage design notes such as scalloped-shaped handles and beehive knobs also lend themselves perfectly to more traditionally styled interiors, ensuring the ideal finishing touch for your home. The Latchford Polished Nickel Cup Handle is a perfect example of how texture and shape can elevate a classic bathroom design.

Cohesive Lighting

Lighting also plays a crucial role in enhancing the impact of mixed metallic finishes, particularly within a bathroom. By selecting fixtures that complement your chosen brassware and hardware, you can create a harmonious yet dynamic aesthetic.
For modern bathrooms, the Fiamma or Cascata can subtly mirror your chosen taps and accessories, reinforcing a cohesive design.

In contrast, for traditional spaces the Riflesso adds a timeless elegance that enhances classic fixtures ensuring a well-curated design.

Explore our extensive brassware, hardware and lighting collections which include designs and finishes for both classic and contemporary interiors, exclusively available at Lusso.