How to Mix Metal Finishes with Confidence

How to Mix Metal Finishes with Confidence 
By Tammy Lane, Interior Design Partner at Flair

When designing a bathroom, it’s easy to assume every finish needs to match. Some of the most considered spaces combine different metal finishes to create contrast and depth.  

Working alongside Flair Showers and the St James Brassware, I’ve brought together some of my favourite tips for confidently pairing Flair shower enclosure finishes with St James brassware. With a few simple design principles, mixing metals is an easy way to create a bathroom that feels balanced, layered and beautifully considered.  

Whether you’re planning a complete renovation or refreshing a few key details, the right combination of finishes can add personality while maintaining a cohesive look.  

Start with complementary tones  

One of the simplest ways to approach mixed metals is by thinking about warm, cool and neutral tones. 

Warm finishes, including Brushed Brass, Brushed Bronze and Country Bronze introduce richness and warmth, creating an inviting and luxurious feel. Cool finishes such as Chrome, Stainless Steel, Brushed Nickel and Gunmetal offer a crisp, contemporary aesthetic and pair beautifully with modern interiors. Neutral finishes, including Matte Black and Silver work effortlessly alongside both warm and cool tones, helping to bring the overall scheme together. 

The 70/30 Rule  

One of my favourite design principles for mixing metal finishes is the 70/30 rule. 

Choose one finish to take the lead, making up around 70% of your bathroom, while a second finish becomes an accent for the remaining 30%. This creates contrast without overwhelming the space and allows each finish to have its moment. 

To keep the design feeling cohesive, repeat each finish at least twice throughout the room, whether that’s on your shower enclosure, brassware, mirror frame or accessories. It’s also worth keeping finishes consistent, such as all brushed or all polished, unless you’re deliberately creating contrast. These simple principles help your bathroom feel considered rather than chaotic. 

Pair finishes with purpose 

Once you’ve chosen your palette, it’s time to bring the scheme together by pairing finishes that naturally complement one another. This is where Flair Showers and the St James Collection work beautifully together. 

Flair’s collection of shower enclosure finishes complements the St James brassware, making it easy to create a bathroom where every detail feels considered. Whether you’re drawn to the warmth of Brushed Brass and Country Bronze, the contemporary appeal of Matte Black and Gunmetal, or the timeless elegance of Chrome and Brushed Nickel, each finish has been designed to work effortlessly alongside coordinating or contrasting brassware. 

Rather than matching every element, think about creating balance. A Brushed Brass shower enclosure paired with Matte Black brassware creates a bold, contemporary statement, while Chrome and Brushed Nickel bring a softer, more understated feel when combined with warmer metallic accents. By carrying your chosen finishes across your shower enclosure, St James brassware and carefully selected accessories, you can create a bathroom that feels layered, cohesive and intentionally designed. 


The finishing touch 

Mixing metal finishes doesn’t have to feel complicated. By understanding how different finishes work together and following a few simple design principles, you can create a bathroom that feels balanced, timeless and uniquely yours. 

Whether you’re drawn to warm metallic tones, contemporary contrasts or something in between, pairing Flair Showers with the St James Collection makes it easy to create a beautifully considered bathroom where every detail works in harmony.