While metallics may be being pitched as the first ‘must have’ trend of 2026, silver-hued materials have in fact played a major role in Nordic design for decades. So, instead of jumping on the latest bandwagon and encouraging you all to buy into a fleeting fad, I thought I’d share ways to add chrome to your home without it ever going out of style.
From mid-century furniture and classic lighting to clever kitchenware and modern home accessories; a pop of chrome, aluminium or steel not only gives a pared back interior a touch of elegant sophistication but provides the perfect accent to darker woods and counterbalances more colourful decor choices too.
Just as much about materiality as it is minimalism, the grandfathers of modern Danish design such as Verner Panton and Arne Jacobsen were fascinated by new production techniques, seamlessly combining the industrially manufactured with the organically crafted. While another favourite of mine, Poul Kjærholm often stated that steel deserved the same artistic respect as wood, “I’d rather express the character of the materials than my own personality,” he said.
- Ferm Living Arum Portable Lamp, £235, Goodhood
- New Works Aura Table Mirror, £57, Nest
- Ferm Living Elysia Candle Holder, £105, AndLight
- Georg Jensen Bernadotte Toaster, £179, Georg Jensen
- Georg Jensen Bernadotte Kettle, £130, Harvey Nichols
- Muuto The Dots Metal, £74, Nordic Nest
- Normann Copenhagen Fem Bowl, £78, Holloways of Ludlow*
- Louis Poulsen Panthella 250 Table Lamp, £712, Nordic Living by Biehl
- HAY Arcs Salt & Pepper Grinder, £65, Holloways of Ludlow*
- HAY X-Line Chair, £262, Holloways of Ludlow*
- New Works Ripply Candle Holder, £76, Nordic Nest
- Stoff Nagel Nagel Candlestick, £130, Royal Design
- Normann Copenhagen Pipe Pitcher, £109, Holloways of Ludlow*
- Vipp 14L Pedal Bin, £353, Royal Design
With a continued desire to create practical objects with a true sense of meaning and permanence, contemporary Nordic brands such as New Works, Ferm Living and Normann Copenhagen to name just a few now continue this tradition.
Designing everyday products, whether in a super shiny or softly brushed chrome finish, these pieces too will stand the test time, and over the years to come, thanks to the natural patina they acquire go on to look more beautiful then ever.
Just remember, great design doesn’t expire, it simply waits for the right time to be seen.
Please note this post contains some affiliate links* which means I will receive a small commission on any resulting sales. You won’t pay any more by clicking on these links than you would by visiting the websites directly, it just helps to support the free content I share.
All cut-outs courtesy of the brands listed, main images by Fritz Hansen, Nuura, &Tradition, Form & Refine and Gubi.
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