3 glamorous ways to make your interiors sparkle

Working with metallic décor elements when you’re working on an interior design project can be tricky, but this post lays out the solid guidelines you need to find your way.

In this post we’ll be looking at how bringing colour palettes, lighting, and decorative elements together when working with metallics can easily give your space an understated luxury.

The ultimate guide to using metallic accents in interiors

Far from being tacky, the use of metallic accents and metal decorative elements in a room can add sheen and depth to a space all while tying your interior design decisions together. There are so many ways to work with metal accessories.

These are our three tried-and-true favourites:

1. Focus on colour and kinds of metallics: How to work with colours and metals in interior décor
2. Mix and match metals: Combining metallic accents to make a stylish statement
3. Ground metallic accent pieces in soft textures: Bring out the room’s inner shine with soft upholstery textures

Way 1: Focus on colour and kinds of metallics

How to work with colours and metals in interior décor

Start by weighing up the metallic tones that best align with your aesthetic vision. Whether you prefer classic options like gold, brass, and silver, or want to embrace the latest fashion trends with rose gold or copper, the choice is yours.

Once you've chosen your metallic tones, it's time to explore a broad spectrum of colours. When it comes to pairing colour palettes and metallic accents, your options are endless. You can choose anything from a monochromatic look or go for something more jewel-toned like burgundy.

Don't be afraid to play with different colours and textures to find the perfect combination.

Way 2: Mix and match metals

Combining metallic accents to make a stylish statement

Mixing metals gives your interior more depth and interest. When mixing, space the metallic items around the room and pick up either another colour or the same kind of metal. This will help balance out the room.

“I like using metallics for special wow-worthy pieces. Think a large metallic-framed mirror in a foyer or dining room, a glossy brass dining table, or even an intricate light fixture,” says HomeGoods Style Expert Beth Diana Smith in The Spruce. “On a smaller scale, you can play with metallics through decorative accessories like vases, trays, and objects. Try mixing pieces like a glossy black vase with a matte brass vase on a tabletop for a chic, clean, and modern look that still feels textural.”

A shimmering hint of brass, copper or even high-octane gold is easily introduced to a room through floor- and table lamps in fitting styles, or through pendant lighting. You can play with metallics through decorative accessories like vases, trays, and other decorative objects.

Way 3: Ground metallic accent pieces in soft textures

Bring out the room’s inner shine with soft upholstery textures

Speaking of soft armchairs, while metallic accents can bring a room together, another important element in providing the texture to any interior design scheme, is, well, texture. A burnished, metallic-lacquered end table, paired with a gorgeously soft armchair, for example, …what’s not to love?

Thoughtful use of texture is key to creating a picture-perfect, luxurious space that is nevertheless actually comfortable for its human inhabitants (and their pets!).

The trick to using metallic pieces and mirrors in a single space is to mix them with different, softer textures for balance and harmony. Mix in gorgeously soft fabric textures like velvet, chenille, or even bouclé, to let the metallic accents contrast and stand out on their own.

Related read: A Year of Textured Softness: Fabrics You Loved This Year

Working with contrasting finishes, complementary colours and softer upholstery fabrics containing characteristics such as wool, chenille or velvet allows the metallic elements or mirrors in a room to, dare we say it, shine.

FibreGuard high performance upholstery: soft yet strong

FibreGuard's high performance fabrics, with luxurious feel and outstanding durability, are an ideal choice for any interior where luxury and longevity go hand-in-hand.

These fabrics are designed to withstand everyday life, making them ideal for homes with pets and children. Despite their hardworking practicality, our fabrics don't compromise on style or elegance.

They're recognisable throughout our industry by touch alone: when it's a FibreGuard fabric, it's so soft that you can instantly tell the difference.

We also pride ourselves in producing furnishing fabrics that are Woven to Protect. What does this mean? With FibreGuard, you can have peace of mind knowing that your upholstery is both stylish and highly resilient, allowing you to enjoy your beautiful space without worrying about spills or stains.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this post. Check us out on Instagram for more inspiration!