The days when all taps, towel holders, and shower heads in the bathroom had to be exactly the same colour are well and truly over. In 2026, bathroom design is all about personality and layering. Combining different metal finishes—also known as mixing metals—is the way to create a space that feels like a luxury boutique hotel rather than a standard showroom. But how do you combine gold, black, and chrome without it becoming messy?

Why Mixing Is the New Standard

 Strictly sticking to one finish can sometimes make a bathroom feel a bit “flat” and one-dimensional. By mixing metal tones, you add depth and visual interest, showing that each element has been carefully chosen. In 2026, designers are especially playing with contrasts between warm and cool tones, or between matte and glossy textures. A bathroom with a base of cool chrome instantly gains character with the addition of a few eye-catching elements in brushed gold or deep bronze.

The 60–30–10 Rule for a Balanced Result

 The biggest challenge when mixing metals is maintaining balance. A handy rule of thumb frequently used by designers is the 60–30–10 rule:

• 60% Dominant finish: Choose one main colour for the largest elements, such as the shower set and taps (for example, matte black or brushed nickel).
• 30% Secondary finish: Choose a contrasting colour for accessories, such as the toilet flush plate and towel hooks (for example, brushed brass).
• 10% Accent: Use a third colour for small details like furniture handles or a mirror frame to break up the look.

Creating Contrast: Matte Versus Gloss

 In addition to colour, texture is a crucial part of the 2026 trend. Combining a matte black tap with a high-gloss gold mirror creates an exciting contrast that feels both modern and timeless. The matte finish absorbs light, while the glossy finish reflects it, making the bathroom appear optically larger and more dynamic.

3 Tips for a Successful Metal Mix:

1. Pay attention to undertones: Mix metals with a similar “vibe.” Brushed gold and bronze both have warm undertones and therefore work beautifully together. Chrome and black are more neutral and form an excellent base for an accent colour.
2. Choose one ‘hero’ piece: Let one element steal the show. For example, if you have stunning gold-coloured taps at the basin, keep the rest of the hardware (such as the waste plug or shower drain) in a calmer colour like brushed steel, so the focus remains on the taps.
3. Don’t forget the lighting: The colour temperature of your lighting has a huge impact on how metals appear. Warm LED lighting (2700K) makes gold and bronze glow, while cooler light gives chrome and black a sharper, more modern look.

Dare to Combine for a Bathroom with Soul

 Mixing metals is the perfect way to move away from the standard “safe” bathroom and choose an interior that truly reflects your personality. It shows attention to detail and a willingness to think outside the box. By deliberately seeking contrast between warm and cool, or matte and glossy, you give the space a layered, refined appearance.

Start small with accessories and discover how a simple change—like swapping a towel holder or door handle—can transform the entire atmosphere of the room. With the right mix of materials, your bathroom becomes a space you’ll enjoy every single day.