How to Mix Metal Hardware Finishes

Tradition tells us that we should stick to a single hardware finish throughout our homes... but some traditions were made to be broken.

If you're looking for a simple, yet effective, way to add interest to your home, why not try mixing metal hardware finishes?

Mixing Hardware Finishes

With hardware available in such a diverse range of finishes, it can be difficult to stick to just one. From The Anvil's collection of hardware is available in classic Period finishes like Brass, Bronze, Nickel, and Chrome, as well as more traditional finishes like Beeswax, Black, and Pewter. Each is beautiful in their own way, but a combination of two or more finishes can make a space truly special.

There are several ways to mix finishes in your property. Firstly, you could pick finishes that are completely different to one another, like Aged Bronze and Polished Nickel. Aged Bronze is forged from a solid bronze base and exposed to an ageing process which causes it to develop a dark and rich colouring which is preserved by a robust matt lacquer. Contrastingly, Polished Nickel is forged from a solid base of brass coated with a high-quality plating which gives it bright, reflective qualities and a subtle warm hue. These two finishes are strikingly different, which is why they work so well together. Take a look at the example below to see this winning combination in situ...

Above: From The Anvil's Polished Nickel Art Deco drawer pulls and Prestbury cabinet knobs paired with an Aged Bronze Reeded espag.

Alternatively, you could combine finishes with similar colouring, but different textures. This works well if you want to maintain a consistent colour scheme while still creating areas of interest. A brilliant example of this is the pairing of Black and Beeswax hardware. Both Black and Beeswax hardware are forged from solid steel, but Black products are baked in a high-temperature oven where they develop a subtle sheen which reflects the light, whereas Beeswax products are dipped in beeswax which gives them a soft, matt finish and a deeper range of coloured undertones. Try incorporating both into your home by using Black exterior hardware (like door knockers, door knobs, and lever handles) and Beeswax interior hardware (including T hinges, thumblatches, and cabinet knobs). The property below demonstrates how this can be done to create a space that is harmonious without being overly consistent.

Above: a charming country cottage with From The Anvil's Black Shakespeare door knocker externally, and Beeswax Arrow Head T hinges and marching Gothic thumblatch internally on a ledge & brace door.

Finally, you could mix finishes with the same texture, but different colourings, like From The Anvil's array of Polished hardware. Try combining Polished Bronze with Polished Brass for a warm feel, or Polished Nickel and Polished Chrome for a more contemporary look. Or, if you're feeling really bold, combine all four to create a truly spectacular interior. Multiple finishes work exceptionally well in neutral and monochromatic interiors where a dynamic element is required to break up the space. 

Above: From The Anvil's Hammered Mushroom mortice knobs in Polished Chrome, Polished Nickel, Polished Bronze, and Polished Brass finishes.

Learn more about From The Anvil's finishes here, or discover their full product collection here.