Color Story: Metallics

Pearl: When we think of winter, a bright white blanket of snow comes to mind. Bring this frosty look into your home with the iridescent shade of pearl. It’s an elegant version of white with a touch of subtle shimmer. Keep things simple and intermix it with matte white accents.

Champagne: It’s the color of celebration, so strike a festive chord with this effervescent hue. We love it at the table, so look for textured cloth napkins, oversized chargers or candles in this shade. Pair your accents with a color that’s extra rich, like deep aubergine.

Tip: As you think about color this season, go beyond the walls of your home and consider how you can incorporate metallics into other items, like your holiday greeting cards. Shimmering champagne cardstock is a lovely upgrade from your normal white paper.

Frosted Blue: This dusty, metallic shade of blue has been on the rise for years and we know why. It’s both understated and opulent—plus, it pairs beautifully with any of our other metallic shades. Use it for ornaments, festive window treatments or to accent wax-dipped pinecones.

Silver: Sure, silver and gold go hand in hand, but create a less expected holiday scheme when you pair silver with another cool-toned color like evergreen or cobalt blue. Pile glass bulbs in these colors into an oversized glass vase for an instant centerpiece.

Tip: Colors are often classified as either “cool” or “warm.” Typically, shades of blue, purple and green are considered cool, while reds, yellows and oranges lean toward warm. To learn more about the fundamentals of color, pick up our new book.

Gold: It’s warm, soothing and evokes feelings of good fortune and happiness. Touches of gold sit well alongside appetizing shades like cranberry red in a place setting. But for a different look, try gilding your own candlesticks or vases—you’ll love the way candlelight dances against them.

Copper: Like a found penny, copper has a lucky, lighthearted quality that brings gorgeous sheen to holiday décor. Whether it’s through picture frames, ceramics or even a shimmering chenille throw, copper belongs in your holiday space. Echo its red quality through brighter matte shades of red or intermingle it with gold and bronze.

Tip: Typically, metallics are seen in more neutral tones so that their shimmer can take the spotlight. But if you’re partial to traditional holiday shades like red and green, you can dust colorful décor items with translucent glitter to add a coat of shimmer.

Bronze: This shade is especially bold, making it a stunning addition to any holiday setting. With both red and green undertones, it has a unique sheen that pairs well with warm and cool tones. Try it with various super-saturated shades of blue and green for a unique look.