How to Mix Finishes in the Bathroom

Have you ever wondered what gives a bathroom a designer touch? The answer is mixing metals! Sticking to just one metal can feel plain and predictable, but combining different finishes is the secret to creating a layered, visually interesting space. It’s all about adding complexity and wow factor to your custom bathroom. Think of mixing chrome and black in bathroom design, brushed nickel and brass or gold, or mixing gold and black.

Below, we will share pictures of bathrooms with mixed metals from our recently finished custom homes and will give you tips on how to mix metals in the bathroom or any other space in your home. You will see how these combos instantly elevate any primary or guest bathroom.

So, if you’re ready to get adventurous and ditch the safe route to create a bathroom that feels bold and balanced and like a designer had their hands on it, let’s get started. We hope this blog inspires you as we share some of the routes we took when we designed bathrooms for our clients. 

Mixing Cool Metals with Warm Metals

Mixing metals in the bathroom is all about balance—just like designing any great space. Think of it as creating an asymmetrical harmony that feels unexpected, stylish, and totally dynamic. Instead of sticking to one finish, mixing metals adds depth, contrast, and personality to your design. Why play it safe when you can make a lasting impression?

Here’s the secret: it’s all about blending warm and cool tones. Warm metals like brass, bronze, and copper bring richness and coziness, while cool metals like chrome and nickel add sleek modern vibes. When paired together, as we did at our Parker project, they create an exciting contrast that keeps the space visually interesting. The goal? Find that sweet spot where the tones complement each other without clashing.

Bathrooms are the perfect place to get bold with your design choices. Try mixing a matte black faucet with textured brass hardware for a layered, high-impact look. Or add contrast with an accent metal—think a towel bar, light fixture, or mirror frame in a finish that pops. The trick is to choose one dominant metal to anchor the design, then sprinkle in a second (or even third!) tone to keep things fresh and intentional.

Get adventurous. Mixing metals isn’t just trendy—it’s strategic. It creates a bathroom design that feels thoughtful, unique, and undeniably stylish. Have fun experimenting, and watch your space come to life.

Can You be Mixing Metals in the Bathroom?

Mixing metals in the bathroom is one of the easiest ways to take your design to the next level. Why stick to matching finishes when you can create a space that’s dynamic and full of personality? Chrome, black, brass, brushed nickel—combining these finishes allows you to make it feel curated and unique.

Forget the old rulebook of keeping everything uniform; mixing metals is all about striking the right balance and letting your creativity shine.

If you choose gold as your dominant metal in the bathroom, as did our client at Parker Project, consider supporting your polished chrome or satin nickel accent metal with cooler toned tile or cabinetry for that balanced chic look.

What Metals Can You Mix in the Bathroom?

When mixing metals in the bathroom, there are plenty of opportunities to get creative with faucets, lighting, and hardware. Items like pendant lights, mirror frames, double vanity hardware, wall sconces, knobs, towel and toilet paper holders are perfect spots to introduce a mix of finishes.

To avoid a clashing look, steer clear of combining metals from the same family, such as nickel with chrome or two different shades of brass. Instead, invite a new color into the space to create contrast and add personality. Thoughtful combinations of different metal tones can elevate your bathroom design with a fresh, stylish touch.

How to Mix Metal Finishes in the Bathroom

Here’s our advice: choose one dominant or foundational metal and pair it with one or two others as accents. Ideally you start with your foundation, add one accent metal and finish off with some deliberate final touches of your last metal. Pepper it in for that complete look. Begin by looking at the metal finishes already in your bathroom—use those as your starting point.

Mixing Chrome and Black

The photo showcases a sleek, modern design where black is the dominant color. Matte black hardware, a black-framed mirror, black knobs, and lighting create a clean and sophisticated look. Stainless steel appliances act as subtle accents, complementing the bold black elements beautifully.

Mixing Gold and Black in Bathroom Design

Take a closer look at one of the bathrooms at our Gilbreth project where a touch of brass completed the look at the black and chrome dominant bathroom.

In some case mixing two metals seem to be enough because the visual interest is gained through textures and colors of cabinetry, beauty of tile and richness of light fixtures, wallpapers and floors. And sometimes third metal is your real friend and serves as a great subtle auxiliary accent.

Distribute your metals throughout the bathroom and allow them to flow. Rather than congregating one metal in the same area, think contrast and off-setting

Mixing Chrome and Brass

We beautifully mixed metals in this bathroom featuring Florencecourt Wallpaper by pairing an antique brass chandelier extension rod and mirror frame with an elegant chrome faucet.

We hope we offered you some great inspiration and showed you how to mix metals in bathroom design through our projects. Whether your plan is mixing black and brushed nickel in bathroom, mixing chrome and black in bathroom, or mixing gold and black in bathroom, remember that each design approach brings its own unique personality and energy, allowing you to create a space that feels both harmonious and fun.

At Meg & Co, we’re passionate about helping you create a home that’s not only beautiful but also balanced and will stand a test of time. Our team is dedicated to understanding your vision and bringing it to life. When you’re ready to start designing your dream home, we’re here to help. Let’s connect!