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sadiepants

Mixing metals in bathroom

8 years ago

I have a satin nickel faucet & vanity hardware in my bathroom. I know mixing metals can look really nice, but not sure about rules. Can I use a satin brass light fixture with that or does it need to be polished brass?


Comments (19)

  • 8 years ago

    I have never been a fan of mixing metals between brass and nickel and so on. But I think it is alright to mix satin/brushed/polished as long as they are all color tone (like nickel or chrome or gold/yellow tone like brass). I know there is currently a trend (or FAD?) of mixing silver and gold tones but I think that is very risky and can come off as a mistake to a future buyer.

    sadiepants thanked Jamie Ludwig
  • 8 years ago

    Do you have photos of the faucet and light fixture? I've seen satin brass and satin nickel work well together before.

    sadiepants thanked frenchtarragon
  • PRO
    8 years ago
    Need more info like some photos. With brushed nickel, a better choice might be chrome finish to go with the rest. If you do a gold do a brushed style or champagne finish.
    sadiepants thanked Flo Mangan
  • 8 years ago


    Generation Lighting Lighting 3-Light Wall/Bath, Satin Bronze · More Info
    This is the light fixture.

  • 8 years ago


    Kohler 2-Handle Brushed Nickel Widespread Lavatory Faucet R37026-4D1-BN · More Info
    This is not exact faucet , but similar.

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    We are messing around with some brass.. letting it age and patina. This is a polished brass with polished stainless. You add a navy cabinet behind it and POW.

    sadiepants thanked Designer Drains
  • 8 years ago

    The vanity is white with Carrara top , thinking of a deep shade of blue or blue-green for wall.

  • PRO
    8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Nice light. You need ONE more spot to repeat the finish. Do It on the vanity hardware instead of the match to your faucet. Or repeat the satin brass in towel hardware/TP towel ring. Having JUST the light will read as a mistake rather than an intentional mix

    Or use the light, and add only a framed mirror in a gilded finish.

    Truth is, the bath is the hardest place to mix. The kitchen is easier : ) due to all the prevalent/dominant stainless apps. Add Satin brass....and OOH LA LA.

  • 8 years ago

    Jan , two satin finishes are ok in one room? I’ve looked at your work on this site & love the rooms you’ve styled.

  • PRO
    8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Two satin finishes are fine. Just keep it looking like you meant to do it: ) What is the vanity?

    Below?? Better with a soft silvery mirror.........: )

  • 8 years ago

    Vanity is similar to bottom picture, but has satin nickel hardware. We have one frameless mirror the length of vanity, 72”. It’s glued to wall so keeping for now.

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Hardware is an easy change...........: )

    sadiepants thanked JAN MOYER
  • 8 years ago

    So should I do both hardware on vanity & towel bars in satin brass? Or just hardware?

  • 8 years ago

    Thanks for all your help!

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Just the vanity hardware is fine : ) But you can LEAVE the vanity alone, and just add the towel ring, tp, and towel bar in satin brass tone . That works too.

    sadiepants thanked JAN MOYER
  • 8 years ago

    I’m thinking of mixing champagne bronze faucets with aged brass lighting sconces and cabinet pulls in a white Carrara bathroom... what do you think... the golds don’t match... should I use polished nickel faucets instead?

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Sarah, do you have pics of them?

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Mixing metals prevents spaces from being so dateable...I blend metals and if the pieces you choose work with your overall design aesthetic run headlong and don't look back.

    Sassy and Chic · More Info