Colour Focus: Warm Metals 

The rise of pewter

While the more yellow metal shades are rapidly rising in popularity, certain silvery shades are also set to surge in appeal. It just depends on the shade.

Where bright, shimmering chromes are slightly diminishing in popularity, warmer, softer shades are ready to take their place. Rich, comforting tones of pewter supply a neutral timelessness that won’t go out of style. Pewter shades can be enjoyed in a variety of ways from beautiful mirrors and picture frames, to coffee tables and lamps. That said, it can also be embraced via luxurious soft fabrics. 

Rich velvety pewter Roman blinds and curtains will add a subtly stylish statement in almost any living room helping to make the space feel cosy, comfortable and most importantly, peaceful. While maybe less popular as a dominant colour than they have been, there is still an important role to play for lighter shades. With larger pewter coloured pieces, small silver accents can add eye-catching details to enrich the space. Small ornaments, curtain poles and metallic lamp shade inners are both great vehicles for a silver pop. 

Warmer alternatives to gold

Since the earliest times, precious metals have been used to add an affluent, decorative twist to a home. From the bronze statues of the emperors to the gold rimmed teacups on grandma’s finest china, yellow metals will always impress. 

While gold remains as majestic as ever, there has been a notable rise in the popularity of soft, related metallic shades. Copper, for instance, features a reddish-brown colour which adds a warming, comfortable ambience. One of the best ways to add copper colours into your home is via a luxurious soft fabric. Whether you select cushions, Roman blind or curtains, copper won’t let you down. What’s more, you can even add a chic brushed copper inner to any lamp shade! 

For a more mild yet equally striking alternative, the yellow brown, almost caramel shade of bronze will make a space a little lighter and youthful. Alternatively, brass also has a lot to offer modern homes. Brass usually invokes feelings of tradition and timelessness and as a result, is best enjoyed in a more classical style. One of the best ways to enjoy brass colours is via an antique brass curtain pole holding a rich, velvet curtain. 

Complimentary colours

These are some of our favourite supporting colours for warm metals. 

Gold is best paired with:

• Shades of white, beige, ivory, taupe
• Warmer shades of burgundy, burnt orange, ochre
• Refreshing hues of forest green, emerald, navy blue
• Other metallic shades including silver and copper

Bronze works beautifully with:

• Reassuring and homely shades of cream, tan, charcoal and warm gray
• The new neutrals alongside rust, terracotta and mustard yellow
• Soothing tones of teal, olive green and denim blue

Brass looks extra cosy alongside:

• Neutrals: Warm whites, sandy beige, chocolate brown
• Maroon, amber, sienna, mustard
• Sage green, peacock blue, navy

Copper synergises beautifully with:

• Off-white, soft gray, charcoal, earthy browns
• Energising shades of coral, peach, rust and amber
• Moss green, turquoise, denim and inky indigo

Pewter can meet its potential with:

• Soft blues, icy greens, lavender and dusty rose tones
• Vivid, crisp white, cream, charcoal gray and black
• Deep wine red, terracotta and pumpkin orange