Mixing Hardware and Lighting Finishes in Your Home

One of the biggest interior design myths is that you can't mix hardware finishes. This couldn't be further from the truth. Mixing hardware and lighting finishes, when done tastefully, can be some of the most interesting parts of home design.

Gold, silver, satin nickel, when it comes to choosing the finishes in your home there are so many options. Many Interior Designers would say that satin nickel is a great timeless option for hardware. But when it comes to choosing things for the home, the most important factor is if you like it and you think it looks good. Something you like will never go out of style. 

Additionally, you can mix and match hardware. For example, your bottom cabinets or drawers could have gold handles and pulls while your top kitchen cabinets could have a satin nickel finish. This would offer some contrast within the kitchen itself. 

As for lighting finishes, fixtures come in just about every finish you can imagine. From soft brass to champagne gold and polished nickel or chrome you can find anything you need. However, Lighting Design doesn't recommend getting hung up on matching your light fixture finishes with your hardware finishes. You don't even have to match your light finishes to each other. You'll often find black finish lights paired with gold lights, satin nickel and black, or gold and satin nickel. 

Take this dining area as a great example. There are four different gold finishes in this picture. Would you even notice if it hadn't been pointed out? Probably not. Look how the black sconces stand out against the wall but look perfectly paired with the warm gold linear chandelier. 

The next time you are trying to match all your hardware, stop and think for a moment. Does it all have to match exactly? Will I like this hardware finish even if it goes "out of style?" This will prevent extra headaches in trying to decorate your home. It will also allow you to choose unique lighting options that compliment your home and style rather than being matchy-matchy. 

Did you mix and match finishes in your home? Share pics with us on Instagram by tagging @lighting_design_company.