How To: Paint Schemes and Fixture Finishes

This was originally posted on June 12, 2014 and updated on July 7, 2022.

When planning a remodel or updating the paint scheme in your home, it's essential to consider the relationship between metal finishes and wall colors. Naturally, certain lighting and appliance finishes look better with some colors over others. So before splashing the walls with your most-loved hue or purchasing that gorgeous silver chandelier, please look at this quick color guide for our suggestions on the best paint color and fixture finish pairings.

Bold and Timeless Beauty: Antique Bronze Finish

A naturally dark, rich metal that captures the timeless beauty of old-world artisanship, Antique Bronze fixtures breathe warmth into bold interior designs.

If you want your Antique Bronze fixtures to pop, place them against a neutral backdrop such as an off-white with a hint of rusty red or brown. To complement the relaxing and earthy quality of the finish, pair with gentle hues and cool, hazy-day tones found in nature. Or try a deep charcoal to complement the metal's glint for a bold look.

Classic and Timeless: Black Finish

Black is timeless, it's classic, it goes with everything. And matte black fixtures, in particular has emerged as one of the hottest finishes for lighting, cabinet hardware, plumbing fixtures, and décor pieces. White, off-white and especially gray color schemes pair well with black fixtures. For a more dramatic look, try a deep blue or red accent wall.

Warmth and Beauty with Gold and Brass Finishes

Brass and gold-toned fixtures have a beautiful reflective quality that brings exceptional warmth and beauty to a room. As a result, gold finishes are becoming increasingly popular in today's interior settings.

Vintage Brass offers a dramatic look that contrasts nicely with warm, dark rooms adorned with deep red-orange hues. This finish also coordinates in cool rooms, bringing a burst of warm, glowing color to blue-green walls. Brass also pairs well with lavender and pink, which complement its tone nicely.

Resilient Metal: Brushed Nickel Finish

One of our most popular fixture options, brushed nickel is a resilient metal that coordinates with various design schemes. Brushed Nickel is a cool-toned metal finish found in many lighting collections, from modern to traditional, but the brushed quality gives it a subtle warmth.

Neutral color schemes, such as ivory, light brown, beige or slate, blend well with brushed nickel fixtures and create a soft yet contemporary effect. Likewise, the muted silver tone of Brushed Nickel blends well with purple, from lavender to plum. Blues and greens also make attractive pairings that lend to a calming environment. If you feel adventurous, consider a navy accent wall to offset the light color of Brushed Nickel fixtures.

Did you know that you can shop for Progress Lighting fixtures by finish name? Simply select ‘Finish Name” on the menu at the lefthand side of any fixture category page to sort by finish color.