Copper is a gorgeous metal that has been used decoratively for thousands of years. With its warm, reddish-brown color, copper makes a beautiful accent in any home. When choosing materials to pair with copper decor, you’ll want to pick options that complement copper’s rich tones. Here’s an overview of the best materials that look good with copper.
Warm Metals
Pairing copper with other warm-toned metals creates a cohesive, natural look. Here are some of the best metal choices for combining with copper decor:
- Brass: With a golden hue, brass makes an ideal partner for copper. The two metals work seamlessly together in everything from lighting fixtures to hardware.
- Bronze: Slightly darker than brass, bronze also brings out the warmth in copper decor. The patina finish of aged bronze adds vintage character.
- Gold: For a luxurious look, copper and gold make a striking duo. A touch of golden decor provides an elegant accent.
- Nickel: With a silvery sheen, nickel neatly contrasts against copper’s reddish tones. The mix of the two metals creates depth and interest.
When combining warm metals like these, opt for a unified antique or brushed finish. The coordinating textures will make the look feel pulled-together.
Natural Wood Tones
Wood furnishings and finishes make an excellent complement to copper’s organic vibe. Here are some wood tones that pair attractively with copper:
- Medium wood tones: Materials like oak, cherry, and walnut offer a balanced middle ground that allows the copper to shine. Their muted, natural look enhances the copper.
- Dark wood tones: For more contrast, pair copper with richer, darker woods like mahogany and ebony. The bold woods make the copper really pop.
- Light wood tones: Lighter woods like maple, birch, and pine create a bright, airy feel that keeps a copper-accented space from feeling too heavy. They highlight copper’s warmth.
Opt for wood with a smooth sanded or hand-rubbed oil finish for an organic feel that works nicely with copper’s nature-inspired vibe.
Earthy Neutrals
Neutral backdrops grounded in earthy, organic hues make copper shine. Try pairing copper with these natural neutrals:
- Browns: From light beige to deep chocolate, brown hues bring out copper’s tawny warmth. Espresso and walnut browns work especially well.
- Tans: Subtle tan and khaki tones make copper feel cozy and welcoming. They’re ideal for more rustic, casual spaces.
- Grays: Neutral grays nicely balance copper’s boldness. Charcoal and slate gray backgrounds help the copper stand out.
- Off-whites: Cream, beige, and light tan off-whites subtly showcase copper against a clean backdrop. Avoid stark bright whites.
Linens, textiles, and wall colors in these muted earthy neutrals help create a natural color scheme that complements copper accents.
Contrasting Colors
While copper looks best with other warm metallic and natural hues, you can make it pop by contrasting it with cooler accent colors. Here are some options:
- Blues: From navy to sky blue, rich shades of blue vitally offset copper’s warmth. Blue accents make the copper stand out.
- Greens: Mossy, sage, and emerald greens make lively partners for copper. Green and copper mirror nature’s color palette.
- Purples: Deep jewel tones like amethyst and eggplant intensify the look of copper decor. Light lavender provides softer contrast.
- Turquoise: With its mix of green and blue, turquoise combines the best of both to contrast with copper in a vibrant, invigorating way.
Use these colors strategically in small accents like pillows, art, and decorative objects to create pops of contrast to copper furnishings, lighting, or hardware.
Stone and Tile
Natural stone and ceramic tile choices can enhance copper’s organic beauty in flooring, counters, backsplashes, and shower walls. Some top options include:
- Travertine: With its rustic, earthy aesthetic, travertine tile or stone has an exotic flair that complements copper beautifully.
- Marble: For a glamorous look, dramatic veined marble creates the perfect opulent complement to elegant copper light fixtures or bath hardware.
- Granite: Speckled granites like Uba Tuba and Mount Airy pair nicely with copper accents, bringing together sophisticated style and natural richness.
- Limestone: In soft beiges and taupe, Limestone has a universally versatile yet organic look that provides an ideal subtle backdrop for copper.
Pair these stones with copper cabinet hardware, sink basins, or clawfoot tubs for a stunning, spa-like feel.
| Material | Color Tones |
|---|---|
| Brass | Golden hues |
| Bronze | Dark, aged patinas |
| Gold | Rich, luxurious accents |
| Nickel | Silvery sheen |
| Oak | Medium wood tones |
| Mahogany | Deep, dark wood |
| Maple | Light, bright wood |
| Browns | Earthy, neutral backdrops |
| Grays | Charcoal and slate tones |
| Blues | Vibrant, cool accents |
| Greens | Mossy, sage tones |
| Turquoise | Vibrant mix of blue and green |
| Travertine | Organic patterned stone |
| Marble | Elegant veined stone |
| Granite | Speckled natural stone |
| Limestone | Subtle beiges and taus |
Fabrics and Textiles
The right fabric selections also help tie everything together in a space with copper accents. Here are some good textile choices:
- Linen: With its casual, organic texture, linen upholstery, pillows, and drapes complement copper’s natural style. Stick to solids or subtle patterns.
- Wool: In warm, earthy hues, cozy wool knits and wovens work beautifully with copper. Throw blankets and area rugs are ideal.
- Silk: For a glamorous twist, rich solid silk pillows, silk rugs, or upholstered headboards provide an elegant backdrop for copper lighting fixtures.
- Cotton: Natural cotton textiles like pillows, curtains, and tablecloths in solid earth tones or subtle copper-toned prints tie everything together.
Avoid loud, visually busy patterns that compete with the copper. Simple, textural fabrics enhance the aesthetic.
Conclusion
With its warm, earthy beauty, copper demands equally natural, organic accompaniments to bring out its best qualities. By pairing copper decor with coordinating metals, wood tones, neutral backdrops, and natural textiles, you can create a beautifully harmonic, on-trend look. Use the color and material pairings here as a guide to help your copper shine.
