Brushed — Ideal for industrial-inspired spaces, a brushed finish is mostly matte with a texture that evokes the look of paintbrush strokes. This subtle texture helps to conceal marks and fingerprints, and offers a more cutting-edge alternative to typical matte finishes.
Chrome — A favourite finish for sleek, modern kitchen and bathroom fixtures, chrome is beloved for its high-shine look and scratch-resistant, long-wearing qualities. Plated over a base metal such as brass or steel, chrome offers bright, lustrous silver for an ultra-modern look.
Hammered — With a hand-crafted look ideal for rustic styling, a hammered finish adds a dappled texture of dents across a metal surface. This can be paired with either a polished or matte finish to create a unique and eye-catching look.
Matte — Most people choose metal finishes that offer at least a hint of shine, but if you want a bold option for your bathroom sink or your side tables, consider a non-reflective matte finish, in colours ranging from traditional metal hues to jet black.
Nickel — Like chrome, a nickel finish gives your metal pieces a silvery hue and lovely shine that can be highly-polished or feature a brushed texture. Nickel plating adds strength to the base metal, and is great for both traditional and modern looks.
Polished — When you want that stunning high-shine finish for glamorous home decor, naturally a polished finish is what you’re looking for. Associated with stately traditional homes or with dramatic decor spaces, this is a classic pick for metal fixtures and furniture.
Satin — Similar to brushed metals but without the brushstroke textures, a satin finish is at the centre of the spectrum between matte and polished. Perfect for mid-century modern styling or contemporary looks, it also hides scratches and fingerprints for low-maintenance appeal.
The Park chrome heated towel rail is a shining addition to your bathroom.
What about mixed metals and metal finishes?
Traditional home interior advice is to stick with one metal in your space, so if you’re after a classic motif, then opt for a single hue and finish. However, if you want a more modern and eclectic look, we have a few tips for effectively mixing metals in your home decor.
An easy way to get started with mixing metals in your home decor is to use one colour and finish for the main elements — match your light fixtures, kitchen taps, and so on — and then add contrast with different metals for accessories. Adding a warm-toned accent to a mostly cool-toned space (or vice versa) can be a lovely way to bring balance to your space. And if you want to stick to a single metal type, add contrast through diverse finishes such as pairing hammered pendant lights with a high-shine chrome sink.
The Ottawa sideboard pairs gold metal details with a chic black design.
Shop metal fixtures and furniture at Corcoran’s
Whether you want traditional or modern, industrial or Old Hollywood, futuristic or farmhouse, you can add metal fixtures and furnishings to your space to get the look you want. By choosing the right metal finishes and colours, you can create an inviting atmosphere for your home decor that offers exactly the vibe you’re after.
Shop metal coffee tables, dining chairs, photo frames, and more, and don’t forget to browse our bathroom catalogue for the best metal taps, showers, and sinks. Plus, check out our Killarney Bathroom, Tile & Stove Centre in-store or online. Need help choosing the best metal finishes, materials, and colours for your home? Our team is always ready to assist — just get in touch!
