When it comes to furniture, hardware, appliances, and light fixtures, metal is one of the trendiest finishes you can select. Not only can it be effortlessly slotted into any type of décor, but it’s easily cleaned and maintained. Regardless of which metal you opt for, the material is an asset to your home’s décor and its effectiveness can’t be underestimated.
Aluminum
If you’re looking for a dull silver finish, you should buy aluminum furniture. This finish is reminiscent of stainless steel; however, it’s both cheaper and lighter than steel. Despite this, aluminum isn’t as strong as steel, and it will oxidize in time. This oxidization will present itself in the form of a chalky white residue rather than a typical rust. On the whole, aluminum complements other cool colors and can work well as a material for garden furniture.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron has a rough exterior, and this is due to the fact that it’s bent and hammered into the shape, rather than poured or cast. In spite of this roughness, the metal is actually corrosion-resistant, making it especially durable. This durability means that wrought iron lends itself well to the construction of lighting, rustic beds, pot racks, outdoor furniture, and fireplace accessories. The use of wrought iron should be avoided in dark-colored rooms, as it will just blend in with the rest of the space. As a result, wrought iron is best applied in a neutral-toned or white room, where it can really stand out.
Copper
Some people are keen to brighten up their space; however, they don’t want to do it in a way that overwhelms the room. Well, copper is ideal for adding a splash of warmth and color without stealing focus from the remainder of the room. If you have an otherwise neutral bathroom or kitchen, copper is the perfect contender for incorporating a splash of warmth.
It’s especially effective on fixtures like sinks and lighting, especially because it’s antimicrobial and corrosion resistant. Moreover, copper is often found in quality cookware thanks to its superior heat conductivity.
Over time, copper can eventually obtain a bluish-green patina as a result of oxidation. In order to inhibit this, copper furniture pieces are typically coated with carnauba wax, beeswax, linseed oil, or lacquer.
Brass
Though it’s no longer fashionable to coat your home in antiquated polished and shiny brass, matte brass is now considered quite modern. Brass is comprised of zinc and copper alloys, meaning that it can be finished in all manner of colors, such as brown, bronze, gold, yellow, and red. Despite this, you’ll likely have seen gold brass more than anything else.
Not only is brass antimicrobial, but it’s also corrosion resistant, which makes it ideal for taps and knobs. Despite this, brass can incur damage from harsh cleaners, meaning you shouldn’t apply more than mild soap and water. Similarly, brass is a particularly expensive metal, meaning that brass-plated materials are more affordable. In a room of cool tones, brass can be your saving grace in incorporating warmth.
Stainless Steel
Last but not least is stainless steel, which is an alloy of chromium, iron, carbon, and various other metals. This chromium provides it with enhanced corrosion resistance, meaning that it doesn’t corrode, oxidize, or rust. As a result, stainless steel is one of the lowest maintenance materials that money can buy. What’s more, stainless steel has one of the most versatile finishes, working alongside warm and cool tones alike. It’s for this reason that it’s used within a multitude of fixtures and furniture.
What’s your favorite household metal? Do you keep it warm or cool?
