Chrome Is Back. Here Are Ways To Add The Metallic Silver Trend In Your Home

All trends come and go — what was once popular feels dated in a few years, and what was once dated feels new and interesting again since it's uncommon. That's exactly why chrome home decor accents are making a comeback. Chrome first took off in the 1920s as part of the Art Deco movement, which showed off the industrial materials used to build the exciting new world of skyscrapers and modern machines. 

It then popped up again in the 1950s, the 1980s (which was influenced by Art Deco), and the early 2000s, and it seems like it's back in the spotlight in 2024. This could be for a myriad of reasons. Some think it's because people are becoming more unique in their tastes and aren't afraid to experiment with metals in their home design. Others believe it's because of the rise of biophilic design, which mixes earthy textures like wood, marble, and metals. Whatever the reason, it's back in full force, and there are so many ways to add the metallic trend to your home today. 

If you're way into the trend, you can add more expensive fixtures such as tubular chrome sofas or a stainless steel kitchen island. However, if you just want to dabble with it, then opt to incorporate it in less permanent ways with chrome decor. This can include investing in items like metallic wall art, chrome servingware, silver vases, and knick-knacks. Here's how to make it work.

When decorating with metallics, you want to start slowly. That means weaving in the metal via small accents so it doesn't overwhelm your current decor. Start with smaller-scale pieces such as picture frames, vases, bowls, table lamps, or sculptures and scatter them across various surfaces. Make sure to evenly space them out across the room so it doesn't seem like you have a chrome cluster on just one shelf. 

Then, to balance out the icy accent, mix it with a selection of warmer organic pieces such as fur, textiles, velvet, and wool. You can even warm it up by pairing it with more organic shapes, such as circles and squiggles. For instance, if you have a chrome sculpture on a side table, pair it with a circular bowl or an oval picture frame. This will soften its sterile appearance. 

It's also a great way to add crispness to an overly cozy room. For example, if you have an overstuffed velvet couch and a wool area rug, you can balance out the soft design with metallic wall decor over the couch. This will add contrast to the space and the chrome element will add depth and interest. Similarly, if you have a plush headboard and thick duvet covers in your bedroom, you can contrast that look with chrome nightstand lamps, making the space more interesting and complex. 

When looking to shop for chrome home accents, zero in on affordable, easy-to-swap pieces. For instance, a chrome decorative tray on the coffee table or entryway adds a pop of silver without feeling overwhelmingly trendy. The Mitri stainless steel and brown leather decorative tray from CB2 for $70 is a great fit since it mixes chrome with brown leather, embracing biophilic interior decor with the two natural textures. Another example is integrating a chrome vase into the design, whether it's just for decor or to use for bouquets. You can put it anywhere from a bookcase shelf to a dining table. The polished metal vases from West Elm are an ideal pick. 

If you're looking for something a little more permanent or substantial, turn your sights towards wall art, lamps, or furniture. If you want to spruce up your walls with metallic art pieces, The Ode To's psychedelic mirror is one of its most popular pieces. It's a metallic art piece that looks like wrinkled molten metal. If you're looking for a lamp accent, then you can't go wrong with CB2's Gigi modern stainless steel floor lamp for $600 for a pop of futurism. As for furniture, try something with chrome accents, such as this chrome side table from Amazon for $130.