![Otto Leather and Steel Armchair](https://www.modishliving.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Otto_Leather_and_Steel_Armchair_c582c926-3e5f-4248-b05f-188a721d34c9.jpg)
Stainless steel is an ideal choice for adding a zing of detail to any room, so no surprise that we turn to it as the must-have metallic finish.
But it can be tricky to handle, soon tipping from chic to a cacophony of silver finishes. And so, using it sparingly but well is the key.
Use it as an accent
Many interior designers use stainless steel as an accent colour in a space. This allows it to be introduced in a way that is controlled and without it being overpowering. It works with a variety of other materials, such as reclaimed wood furniture. The smoothness of the stainless steel works well with the roughness of the wood, an ideal combination.
Devil in the detail
Exquisite pieces with stainless steel detailing are also a serious option for introducing stainless steel into any room. For example, this rather easy-on-the-eye console table is the perfect fit for any hallway. Note how the silver accessories bring a note of cohesion to the whole look, a plus in our book of hallway decorating ideas.
Perfect for any sized room
From the smallest room in the house to open plan living, the versatility of stainless steel is such that it suits all sizes and dimension of rooms. In smaller rooms, stainless steel can really shine but this doesn’t mean opting for larger-than-life furniture. This bijou piece is perfect as a modern TV unit with understated stainless steel legs is perfect.
Workhorses can shine too
There are many items of reclaimed furniture that can be described as essential in any room, from the sideboard in the dining room to the display unit in the living room. All of these items can stand out, with stainless steel being the ideal detail. Take a look at a reclaimed wood coffee table, for example, complete with simple, yet striking stainless steel legs, perfect for pulling together the industrial style with a hint of sumptuous luxury.
Mix it with the traditional too
There are many iconic shapes and styles that we love for our homes, and there is nothing wrong in ringing the changes by marrying the sleek modern, cool appeal of stainless steel with stylish leather.
Mix the modern and the old can produce exciting eclectic pieces. And we think the RetroSit brown leather armchair is a perfect example of the stunning results of mixing two materials such as stainless steel and leather together.
Likewise, the iconic styling of the leather Chesterfield armchair is perfect sitting alongside the elegance of stainless steel legs.
All that glistens…
… could be stainless steel. Or gold. Or both. There is nothing in the rulebook that says you must only just one metallic finish and never mix metallic. There are stunning examples of chrome and brass, or stainless steel and gold metallic finishes working harmoniously in one room.
Our tip would be to decide on one ‘main’ metallic finish but using the other in a supporting role, such as brass tack beading on chairs or a lamp base.
Stainless steel is beautiful. Smooth and cool to the touch how will you bring stainless steel into your home?