From appliances and hardware to door and furniture hardwares and glass fittings, metal can be found anywhere in your home. We take a look at the five most common types of metals and metal finishes.

Types of Metals

While there are many types of metals, below are the five most common options found in door hardwares, furniture hardwares and glass fittings.

Aluminum

Aluminum has a dull silver finish, making it similar in appearance to stainless steel. It is lighter in weight and more affordable than steel, but it isn't as strong as steel. While aluminum doesn't rust, it does oxidize – creating a chalky white residue. Aluminum is most often used in outdoor furniture and tends to work best with cool colors.

Stainless Steel

An alloy of carbon, iron, chromium, and other metals, stainless steel is found in furniture and fixtures throughout the home – from accent tables to kitchen sinks. Because of the chromium, it has corrosion resistance – it doesn't rust, oxidize, or corrode and is a low-maintenance material. It's much stronger than its look-alike, aluminum. Stainless steel is versatile and works particularly well with cool tones, but it can also fit in with warm tones. If you use stainless steel with warm tones, using other gray accent pieces can help the metal fit in better.

Brass

While shiny, polished brass was out of style for several years, matte, antiqued brass has made its way back into the home decor scene. A mix of copper and zinc alloys, brass can be made in various colors, such as red, yellow, gold, bronze, and brown. However, the most common color is gold. This metal is typically corrosion-resistant and antimicrobial – making it great for knobs and faucets. While it is corrosion-resistant, harsh cleaners can cause cracking. We recommend washing brass with mild soap and water. Solid brass can be expensive – look for brass plating for a budget-friendly price. Brass can be used to brighten a space with cool tones, and it mixes well with wrought iron.

Copper

If you want to brighten your space and include warm tones, copper is right for you. Using copper is a great way to add warmth to a white or neutral-toned kitchen or bathroom. Copper is reddish orange in color and is found on all types of decor and fixtures, such as lighting and sinks. It is resistant to corrosion and is antimicrobial. Look for copper on high-quality cookware because of its superior heat conductivity. Copper can acquire a patina of greenish blue over time due to oxidation. To prevent this from occurring (especially if copper is used outdoors), coat with beeswax or carnauba wax, buff with a clean cloth, apply a coat of linseed oil, and then cover it in lacquer.

Wrought Iron

Wrought iron refers to metal that has been hammered or bent into shape as opposed to being cast or poured. Therefore, it has a rough surface. Since it is corrosion-resistant and durable, it is commonly used to make fireplace accessories, outdoor furniture, pot racks, rustic beds, lighting, and more. Wrought iron shines in a space that is mostly white or neutral-toned. Avoid using wrought iron in a room with lots of dark colors, as it will blend in with the space.

Common Types of Metal Finishes