Copper decor and copper home accents offer a unique touch to any room in your home. While brassy and gold tones are (arguably) outdated, copper colors can be a focal point and make a statement, or simply add a touch of elegance to a kitchen or bath. Darker tones are brown and earthy. Brighter tones can be orangey yet elegant with a fresh-penny finish. Whether you’re interested in a polished, gleaming finish or embellished with texture and character, copper home accents do not disappoint. Copper decor can take your interior design ideas to a new level.
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Decorating with Copper Decor
Distribute copper accents as you would any decorative items for the home – small touches here and there. Mirrors, vases, sinks, lighting, cooking and baking supplies, canisters, you name it – they can come in copper. Generally, these won’t all be made of 100% copper. Try using a magnet to see if your piece is made of copper. Copper is not magnetic, so if a magnet sticks then it’s made of another metal.
Try incorporating 3-4 copper elements for a large room. Here are some great examples to add little pops throughout your kitchen:
- Cooking Utensils that look great on your counter
- A gorgeous Copper Hood and Copper Farmhouse Sink for the ultimate luxurious kitchen
- Add Copper Door Handles to your cabinets. I like these rounded edge ones, as some can have very sharp corner and catch your leg!
- Coordinating a Toaster and Electric Kettle on a the counter will also pull the kitchen together. Check out these ones that I have – they come in several colors and have copper accents!
Copper mailboxes and birdhouses are a great way to add dimension to your style and yard. I found this gorgeous copper mailbox with hummingbirds that is just so fun and different, it would be a great housewarming gift or a gift to yourself for your new home!
Homemade penny décor is a fun idea to make your own pieces. Hot glue pennies to mirrors, frames, and letters for a different look. Try copper wall art in your entryway or living room, like this lotus flower or try copper lighting that emanates a farmhouse & vintage feel. Your message will come across and give your room a cohesive look.
Copper Sinks & How to Care for Them
However, you really should avoid using abrasive scrubbers or cleaners on your copper sink. These may scratch the finish. Copper products react to acidic foods, mustard, vinegar, cosmetics, and chemical cleaners. Try to avoid using these things if you can. Wipe the copper off quickly if it does come into contact with these foods or products. Make sure to keep the water running while rinsing acidic foods.
For copper sinks, water should bead on the surface. Once this stops happening, a wax should be applied. Bottom grids like this one (depending on size) for copper sinks are also super helpful to preserve your finish and prevent dishes from sitting too long directly on the surface.
Thinking of redoing your kitchen and adding a beautiful copper sink? Check out kitchen cabinet colors and ideas here. Copper looks beautiful with deep blue cabinets or light cream and copper handles!
Green spots can also occur on copper from excess moisture. Usually around a faucet or drain, or anywhere pooling water may transpire. Easily pick these spots off with your nail, or wipe away with a soft cloth. The best way to clean a copper sink is with a mild soap, water, and cloth. That’s really it! General upkeep is simply keeping it dry and clean. Wax when needed. When something is left for a prolonged period and strips the patina, don’t worry. Wipe it away. It may be shiny for a day or two, but the patina process will begin again and before you know it, the spot will blend in.
Copper Styles and Tones
Many different styles can include copper accents. Most commonly, copper is used to convey a rustic or antique style. Think country, lake living, or farmhouse. To find great vintage pieces, flea markets are a great start. You can also find pieces at pretty much any home decor store right now, and always on Amazon. Always remember to spread out your pieces and make them cohesive with similar tones.
If you are going to decorate with copper accents, try to stay in the same color scheme. Although you can mix textures, be careful. I like to mix hammered and brushed copper, all in a mid to darker tone. Going for a shiny, polished copper? Try to stick with other copper pieces that are also polished and shiny. Add in other shiny metals as well. This style can even verge on modern, so take it in the direction you are feeling.
Properties of Copper
Before decorating with copper accents, you should know just how versatile and great copper really is. Being a strong and malleable chemical element, copper is commonly used to conduct electricity and heat. It resists corrosion and looks good doing it. You’ve seen it used in electrical wiring and plumbing pipes. In addition, copper roofs are well built and attractive, lasting 50 years or more. Copper sinks and copper kitchen decor are stylish and beautiful. Copper even contains health benefits for a healthy lifestyle.
Many of you may be familiar with copper for it’s patina. Some seem to think that this makes copper hard to care for, while really it’s the gift that keeps on giving. It embraces what is known as a “living finish”. The color of your copper will continue to change over time. Certain areas will become lighter or darker during the patina process. The patina is a natural process of protection, resisting corrosion and prolonging the beauty and life of the element.
Caring for Copper Decor
Caring for your copper accents can be tricky. Copper does tend to tarnish, or oxidize more in moist air. To preserve the finish, you can use a wax, a spray, or a lacquer. Of course, this depends on what you are using your copper item for. Certain methods cannot be used if the product is being used for food. The most important part of keeping the beauty of your copper is to keep it clean and dry. Make sure it is moisture free before storing.
However, your copper home accents will mostly be easy to care for and you really won’t need to do anything special to them except enjoy their beauty for years to come!
Commit to the Copper
If you’re going to do it, you need to commit! As with any theme or room style, you need to buy a few new things and move some things around from room to room to find their right place. It will all come together if you have enough pieces to keep the room looking cohesive and intentional.
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