Warm-toned metals are on the rise – we’ve seen unvarnished gold and brass finishes take the interior design world by storm.
But like any trend with such strong appeal, we wonder if the trend will start to shift towards cooler metals, especially classic chrome.
We surveyed four designers to get their views on whether chrome is making a comeback.
Their answers varied slightly, but they all agreed with the verdict: It’s time to install chrome plating on your home.
Breaking News: Chrome is Coming Back
Three designers we spoke to agreed that chrome is starting to make a comeback. Priya Vij is the founder of Hapny Home, a kitchen cabinet accessories company, and she has firsthand insight into trends based on what’s selling.
She notes that while chrome hardware has always been a bestseller, in recent years it has given way to brass and black hardware—but that’s starting to change.
“I’ve started to see an increase in orders for silver-tone hardware this year,” she says. “People are looking for softer alternatives to jet black and the shine and sparkle that comes with cool-tone chrome versus brass.”
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Even mixing metals is fine.
Will Zhang is director of product design and innovation at Emtek, which sells door hardware in addition to cabinet hardware.
Zhang attributes chrome’s comeback in part to other design trends.
“We’re definitely seeing silver finishes like chrome coming back in hardware,” he says. “More and more people are choosing to mix and match finishes rather than just sticking to one throughout their space.”
Chrome is truly timeless
Carol Kurth is an architect and designer, and she’s also a member of Baldwin Hardware’s Design Authority team. She describes chrome as a timeless finish, which should give you peace of mind if you’re thinking about using the metal in your kitchen or bathroom.
A new perspective: Chrome never leaves!
Chrome is definitely in, but it never really went away, according to interior designer Amanda Kuhlman. While warm-toned metals are becoming more popular, she’s always seen chrome used consistently in both commercial and residential design.
Designer Advice When Choosing Chrome
Combine Chrome with Brass or Rose Gold or Monochrome
According to Zhang, chrome is a popular finish that complements most other metals, but he especially likes to pair it with brass or rose gold to add a bit of warmth.
“It’s also fun to play with monochromatic colors by combining chrome with matte nickel, pewter, or other brass tones,” he says.
Add a soft edge
Vij notes a potential downside to chrome (it can be a bit harsh next to a mirror) but also offers an alternative: balance it out with organic textures to add softness.
One of her favorite ways to soften the cold look of chrome is to add textiles to the space through warm-colored rugs, soft upholstered furniture, or curtains.
Another option is to use a lighter neutral color like pink, white, beige or gray for the walls, although she likes to create contrast by pairing chrome with a dark color like burgundy.
Consider your climate
While Kurth loves chrome, she never recommends it to clients who live near the ocean—salt water and salty air are chrome’s worst enemies.
“Chrome plating typically has a lifespan of about 200 hours in a corrosive environment,” she says. “So in less than a month of exposure, that beautiful chrome plating will start to corrode.”
Use it in small amounts
Kuhlman believes less is more when it comes to this silvery metal.
“My biggest piece of advice is to not overdo it with chrome,” she says. “It can easily look sterile, so use it sparingly, like on drawer knobs, chair legs, and fixtures.”