Picture this: You create a stunning dessert. Perhaps you finally perfected flower piping, or maybe you tossed some fruit into a bowl and topped it beautifully with whipped cream. In any case, it’s a work of art, and you want to share it with the world (or at least with your followers on Instagram). You snap a photo and realize your kitchen looks a bit, well, lackluster. You need a background that doesn’t tarnish your sterling image. Here’s a solution: add some silver to your décor!
Silver and metallics add a touch of glamor to your space, and it works with almost every season. From silver pumpkins in fall to metallic vases filled with flowers in the summer, silver complements every style of decor. In addition to being incredibly versatile, silver tones blend beautifully with a broad spectrum of palettes — from cool blues to warm beiges — and they have the unique ability to transform a room by reflecting light. If your rental feels a bit dark, silver touches might be the key to dressing up your space.
Whether you’re inspired by modern elegance, enamored with contemporary glam, or attracted to minimalist lux, here are some ways you can incorporate silver and metallics into your décor.
Liven Up Living Spaces
Starting with smaller décor pieces is a practical approach when you're beginning to decorate. It's simpler, less risky, and gives you a chance to play around with different looks without making a big commitment.
Take silver cushions or throws for example. They're small enough to not dominate your sofa, but their metallic sheen instantly catches your eye. Because of this, they become a focal point in the room without a ton of effort. Plus, if you decide later on you don't like them, it's no big deal to switch them out for something else.
The same goes for metallic planters. They're not just functional, they add a touch of glamour to your space. They can make an ordinary houseplant look extraordinary, and again, they draw attention because of their shiny surface.
Shimmery wall art can really make a statement, whether it’s a silver-framed painting, a wall sculpture, or an oversized mirror with silver accents. These items add interest to your walls and can be swapped out whenever you want a change.
Kitchen and Dining Dazzle
Kitchen cabinets get an instant makeover with new silver or chrome handles — a simple, budget-friendly update that has a big impact. Swapping out a light fixture for one with silver or metallic tones can also transform your space with little effort. Just make sure if you swap out anything in your apartment that you save it to replace when it’s time to move. If you don’t, you hope for getting your security deposit back might not pan out. Peel-and-stick removable tiles make a great backsplash for your kitchen, and since they aren’t permanent, you can easily remove them. These come in a wide range of styles, from silver to mother of pearl.
If you’d rather not alter your kitchen, even temporarily, another option is to use silver charger plates on your dining table, along with some silver candle holders. Don’t overlook textiles, as well. Napkins, a tablecloth, or a shimmery table runner would iron out your need for sparkle.
Brighten Your Bath
If you’re tired of looking at the standard stainless-steel showerhead or fixtures, swap them out for some brushed nickel or chrome. A silver finish on your taps or showerhead can instantly transform your bathroom, giving it a modern and luxurious touch.
A silver-framed mirror isn’t just functional; it can instantly brighten your bathroom. The reflective surface of the silver frame bounces light around, making your bathroom feel larger and brighter. If you're all about the details, think about silver accessories too. A silver soap dispenser or toothbrush holder can add that extra dash of elegance.
DIY Metallic Projects
Satisfy your inner silversmith by tackling some DIY projects. This can be as simple as using metallic spray paint to give new life to a picture frame or mirror. If you’re feeling especially crafty, try adorning your dresser with silver leaf. If you don’t want to try this on an expensive piece of furniture, look for a side table or foot stool at secondhand stores to embellish. If you don’t want to redo the entire piece, try swapping out the drawer pulls or knobs for silver ones. Or head to the local hardware store and look for large washers or other hardware and use that to add a geometric design to the top or front of the furniture piece. Thrift stores and antique shops are also great for finding inexpensive silver-toned and metallic serving trays, plates, and wall art you can hang in a silver-themed vignette.
Balance Is Elemental
Metallics are great as long as you don’t go too heavy on the metal. Too much shine can overpower a space, so intersperse bright elements with matte finishes or soft textures to create a harmonious aesthetic. The reflection of metals changes with the light throughout the day, giving your apartment a dynamic allure that never gets dull.
The standard white and beige tones common in apartments provides the ideal backdrop for metallic hues since the neutral tones allow the metallics to really shine. You could say metallics are the silver lining of apartment décor. It doesn’t take much to brighten up your space, just a piece here and there, which makes decorating with metallics very budget friendly. You can save even more by treasure hunting in local thrift stores or by trying a DIY project or two. We hope the suggestions above will help you hammer out a plan to make your apartment sparkle with silver accents that will make your next photo-worthy moment stellar.
