From appliances and hardware to furniture and light fixtures, metal can be found anywhere in your home. Let’s take a look at five popular types of metals and metal finishes.

Types of Metals

While there are many types of metals, below are five options frequently found in your home decor and furnishings.

Aluminum

Aluminum has a soft silver finish, making it similar in appearance to stainless steel. It is lighter in weight than steel, but it isn't as strong. While aluminum doesn't rust, it does oxidize, creating a chalky white residue. Aluminum is most often used in outdoor furniture, and it is often powder-coated for protection.

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 doesn't rust, oxidize, or corrode and is a low-maintenance material.

Brass

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.

Copper

Copper is reddish orange 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 greenish blue patina over time due to oxidation. If you want to prevent this from occurring (especially if your copper is used outdoors), coat it with beeswax or carnauba wax, buff it 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.

Five Popular Metal Finishes

Antiqued

This finish makes the metal appear to have stood the test of time, often by darkening or tarnishing it.

Brushed

This is a matte finish that looks as if it has been smoothed with a paintbrush, leaving faint brushstroke marks in the metal.

Hammered

It's as simple as it sounds. Metal with a hammered finish appears to have been pounded and has many small indents that add texture to the surface.

Polished

This finish creates a reflective, mirror-like surface on metals.

Satin

This finish is similar to a brushed finish, but it is smoother and typically does not have brushstroke marks. The sheen is between matte and polished.