Heavy Metals: 12 Rooms With Dazzling Metallic Decor
Unexpected touches of gold, silver and other shimmering tones make dull rooms shine
If you want to update your interior and are keen to try a look that’s very now (but won’t look old once the year is out), consider introducing precious metals such as gold and silver into your decorating scheme. While metallic decor won’t change the colour of your room, it will make it brighter, add visual intrigue and infuse it with glamour, resulting in a space with a brand (sparkling) new look.
It’s easy to go OTT when decorating with metallic accents, so keep things simple. If you haven’t worked with shimmering shades before, or only want to make subtle changes to your space, start small with easy-to-change furnishings and accessories. Try to resist the temptation to dress your room in metallics from top to toe, otherwise you may need to wear sunglasses 24/7 in your home. And remember, if your room ever looks or feels too sleek, cold or gaudy, pare things back with neutrals and natural materials.
Want to try this interior trend in your home? Be inspired by the 12 dazzling metallic spaces below.
It’s easy to go OTT when decorating with metallic accents, so keep things simple. If you haven’t worked with shimmering shades before, or only want to make subtle changes to your space, start small with easy-to-change furnishings and accessories. Try to resist the temptation to dress your room in metallics from top to toe, otherwise you may need to wear sunglasses 24/7 in your home. And remember, if your room ever looks or feels too sleek, cold or gaudy, pare things back with neutrals and natural materials.
Want to try this interior trend in your home? Be inspired by the 12 dazzling metallic spaces below.
2. Rich art
Want to spice up a boring blank wall? Transform your room with a painting that features slicks of shimmering metallic paint, like this orange and gold masterpiece, or sculptural metal wall art.
Want to spice up a boring blank wall? Transform your room with a painting that features slicks of shimmering metallic paint, like this orange and gold masterpiece, or sculptural metal wall art.
3. In the spotlight
A simple (and subtle) way to introduce precious metals into your interior is to replace your standard ceiling lights with metallic pendant light fixtures. Obviously, we don’t suggest doing this in every room, so stick to spaces where overhead lighting will come in handy – such as above your kitchen island or bedside table – or place them in areas like the dining or living rooms to create a certain mood or add an extra jolt of high-wattage style.
Learn more about pendant lights
A simple (and subtle) way to introduce precious metals into your interior is to replace your standard ceiling lights with metallic pendant light fixtures. Obviously, we don’t suggest doing this in every room, so stick to spaces where overhead lighting will come in handy – such as above your kitchen island or bedside table – or place them in areas like the dining or living rooms to create a certain mood or add an extra jolt of high-wattage style.
Learn more about pendant lights
4. Tinted tiles
If you want to add some sparkle to your kitchen or bathroom, cover your splashback, floor or walls with metallic-tinted tiles. Here, copper penny tiles add warmth and a pleasing shine to this spectacular Industrial-style cooking space.
See more of this Industrial-style kitchen
If you want to add some sparkle to your kitchen or bathroom, cover your splashback, floor or walls with metallic-tinted tiles. Here, copper penny tiles add warmth and a pleasing shine to this spectacular Industrial-style cooking space.
See more of this Industrial-style kitchen
5. Walls that wow
Worried a feature wall in a block metallic hue will look too overwhelming? Take style cues from this eclectic dining room and decorate your wall with a patterned matte colour and metallic design instead. While the surface may not shimmer from ceiling to floor, the effect is visually stunning and will still succeed in capturing the eye.
Worried a feature wall in a block metallic hue will look too overwhelming? Take style cues from this eclectic dining room and decorate your wall with a patterned matte colour and metallic design instead. While the surface may not shimmer from ceiling to floor, the effect is visually stunning and will still succeed in capturing the eye.
6. Melting pot
Decorate your room with too many metallic surfaces and it may resemble a disco ball, rather than a beautifully-styled space with just the right amount of sparkle. Incorporating other textures into your scheme will add interest, contrast and allow metallic accents to shine. This bathroom balances the sleek modern look of polished silver and chrome with warm timber floors, exposed brick walls, glass and a soft goat-skin rug.
See more of this renovated loft
Decorate your room with too many metallic surfaces and it may resemble a disco ball, rather than a beautifully-styled space with just the right amount of sparkle. Incorporating other textures into your scheme will add interest, contrast and allow metallic accents to shine. This bathroom balances the sleek modern look of polished silver and chrome with warm timber floors, exposed brick walls, glass and a soft goat-skin rug.
See more of this renovated loft
7. Unconventional metallic tones
You can’t go wrong with gold or silver (they are, after all, design staples that will never go out of style), but don’t forget about other metallics that work just as well in the home. Brass and copper are two gleaming shades that are particularly popular in interiors right now, while rose gold, bronze and pewter are great alternatives. However, if you want something really out of the ordinary, find items in common hues that have an iridescent finish, such as these shimmering blue mosaic tiles.
You can’t go wrong with gold or silver (they are, after all, design staples that will never go out of style), but don’t forget about other metallics that work just as well in the home. Brass and copper are two gleaming shades that are particularly popular in interiors right now, while rose gold, bronze and pewter are great alternatives. However, if you want something really out of the ordinary, find items in common hues that have an iridescent finish, such as these shimmering blue mosaic tiles.
8. Winning bedroom look
Avoid using too many high-shine furnishings and accessories in the bedroom – after all, your private sanctuary should be calm and relaxing, rather than bright, busy and way too distracting to enjoy a good night’s sleep. Instead, use soft furnishings (such as cushions, curtains or an upholstered bedhead) with a subtle shimmer. Stick to light metallic colours, including soft gold and silver, which could easily pass as neutral shades.
Avoid using too many high-shine furnishings and accessories in the bedroom – after all, your private sanctuary should be calm and relaxing, rather than bright, busy and way too distracting to enjoy a good night’s sleep. Instead, use soft furnishings (such as cushions, curtains or an upholstered bedhead) with a subtle shimmer. Stick to light metallic colours, including soft gold and silver, which could easily pass as neutral shades.
9. Looking good
Metal-framed mirrors provide an easy way to work metallics into your decorating scheme, as they can be used in any area of the home. Choose a simple silver frame if your space is sleek and ultra-modern, or go with an ornate gold design if your decor is traditional or glam in style – this room has several, if you need some inspiration.
See more statement mirrors
Metal-framed mirrors provide an easy way to work metallics into your decorating scheme, as they can be used in any area of the home. Choose a simple silver frame if your space is sleek and ultra-modern, or go with an ornate gold design if your decor is traditional or glam in style – this room has several, if you need some inspiration.
See more statement mirrors
10. High-shine furniture
If you want a room that really dazzles, forget about styling with several small shiny accessories – just add one or two large metallic statement pieces to your space. This master bedroom shows how well this idea can work: two chests of drawers (the second is positioned on the other side of the fireplace) steal the spotlight, while other design elements, such as the steel fireplace and subtly-striped wall covering, take on supporting roles in the room.
If you want a room that really dazzles, forget about styling with several small shiny accessories – just add one or two large metallic statement pieces to your space. This master bedroom shows how well this idea can work: two chests of drawers (the second is positioned on the other side of the fireplace) steal the spotlight, while other design elements, such as the steel fireplace and subtly-striped wall covering, take on supporting roles in the room.
11. Character building
Add personality to your interior with quirky metallic accents that instantly attract the eye – and not just because of their dazzling colour. This room, which boasts a hanging gold-dipped bicycle, is one of the best examples we’ve seen. It’s fun, offbeat and definitely memorable … and we love it!
Add personality to your interior with quirky metallic accents that instantly attract the eye – and not just because of their dazzling colour. This room, which boasts a hanging gold-dipped bicycle, is one of the best examples we’ve seen. It’s fun, offbeat and definitely memorable … and we love it!
12. Shine bright like a diamond
Faceted furniture in metallic hues can inject any space with a double dose of modern glamour. Place the crystal-like creations near a window – like the trio of side tables in this living room – so light can bounce off their sharp, angular facets and make them sparkle in the sun.
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU…
Love decorating with metallics? Share your styling secrets and a high-resolution photo of your dazzling space in the comments section below.
Faceted furniture in metallic hues can inject any space with a double dose of modern glamour. Place the crystal-like creations near a window – like the trio of side tables in this living room – so light can bounce off their sharp, angular facets and make them sparkle in the sun.
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU…
Love decorating with metallics? Share your styling secrets and a high-resolution photo of your dazzling space in the comments section below.
Printed wallpaper never fails to make a bold statement, whether it’s used on a single wall or to cover a whole room. But if you want a space that really shines, choose a design in gleaming metallic tones, like the striking black and gold Florence Broadhurst wallpaper used in this glam bathroom. Complete the look with accents in coordinating colours – hands up if you love the statement gold tapware and ornate black mirror, shown here – to add another layer of drama and visual appeal to the space.
Considering wallpaper? Here’s how to get started