HI-HO SILVER! [The Return Of Silver Finishes And How To Use Them In Your Home]
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Silver is back, have you heard? Of course you have, so I’m not going to pretend this is some kind of interiors insider scoop, but I thought it would be fun to curate a selection of some beautiful silver pieces that I love, to show you how you incorporate the ‘new silver’ into your homes and lives.
Silver was pretty much abandoned when brass came into our worlds, particularly when it came to bathroom and kitchen taps.
It was probably because we had gorgeous brass specimens dangled in front of our eyes online from the states, and it took what felt like EONS for brands to accept that we wanted those finishes here in the UK too, that it wasn’t a passing phase, and that we were no longer happy with only having basic chrome to choose from for kitchens and bathrooms, and generally elsewhere too.
So when brass finally became more accessible and affordable, we REALLY went for it, and chrome wasn’t just sidelined, it was well and truly frowned upon. For years.
From jewellery to furniture pulls, light switches, accessories and accents, where silver finishes were once accepted as the only option, the brass revolution has had a huge knock on effect and now it’s standard that a selection of finishes will be offered.
Because guess what? Different finishes work with different colours and different materials, and we all have different tastes. I honestly have no idea why it took so long.
And I guess. as humans are such peculiar creatures, when silver all but disappeared for several years, that it was inevitable that it would eventually have a comeback, and be seen as the shiny new and exciting kid on the block. And that time, is now.
But enough waffle, let’s get down to business.
Once again, in putting this edit together, I’ve fallen hard for many of these products. Only time will tell if I’m able to resist the urge…
Tom Dixon Bell Portable Stainless Steel Table Lamp - Selfridges*
I have this lamp and I LOVE it - a great way to reintroduce some silver into any space, and as it’s portable, you can even pop it on the garden dining table for some ambient glow on balmy al fresco evenings. Which are currently nowhere in sight, but we live in hope, right?
Georg Jensen Stainless Steel Vase - John Lewis*
This vase will evaluate any old flowers or foliage, and look equally beautiful on a shelf when not in use. What a beauty!
Acrylic Horn Handle Mirrored Tray - Interior Ways
Combining two of my favourite materials - clear acrylic and mirror, I just love this tray which would be beautiful on a coffee table, sideboard or bar, to corral a group of crystals, a candle and a box of matches. Uh-oh, I think I’ve just enabled myself. Again.
Perrin & Rowe Armstrong Monoblock Nickel
Rumour has it that I *may* have had this tap hidden in its box under the sofa for a few years now, waiting to be installed. Somewhere. Just quietly, it probably won’t be in THIS kitchen, but I still love it as much as I did when I impulsively purchased it. Well actually it wasn’t so much impulsive as obsessive, as it was impossible to find stock and I tracked it down from literally the only place in the UK that held stock of this special finish at the time.
I’d actually intended to use it in the utility room, but if you don’t know already, not all taps are ‘around the same size’, as I’d extremely naively presumed, and when it arrived it looks positively ridiculous next to our dinky utility sink as it’s MASSIVE, so back into its box it went, and has since remained there whist I stubbornly refuse to sell it on, knowing it will get used somewhere some day. Sometimes I take it out for a quick gaze and pop it away again. Polished nickel is without a doubt my favourite tap finish and I’ll definitely be using it in a future kitchen and bathroom.
I’m just going to say if you’re looking for taps, avoid purchasing from Tap Warehouse, as they have without a doubt the worst customer service I’ve ever come across, and when they supplied my alternative tap - a dubious quality Crosswater one, it came with a faulty cartridge and they outright refused to accept that was the case and told me it must be our hard water as it was dripping on the first day it was installed and insisted we go through several processes of soaking, using viakal on it etc etc. Yes, for a brand new full priced tap. Then when I finally got them to send a replacement, they sent the wrong size, and Ed had to go on a wild goose chase a few days before Christmas so his dad would be able to use the loo in that room when he was staying. Terrible customer service sticks in my mind forever, and yes, I am bitter.
Also a warning regarding Perrin & Rowe taps. They are beautiful taps and great quality, but their lead times for special finishes (of which Nickel is one), are INSANE unless you can find a stockist who holds actual stock (check first despite what they claim on the listing!). I know of at least one kitchen company that doesn’t use them anymore for that reason, but if you have around six months patience, then go for it, otherwise you might want to look at stock finishes or other brands. So there’s a reason I’m holiding on to mine. Forewarned is forearmed and all that.
Okay, that was a lot. About a tap. Moving right along…
Porto Silver Modular Sofa - Project 213a
It was seeing this sofa a few months back that made me realise that silver was indeed making a big comeback. I actually just checked my messages with them asking if it was okay to use their images for this post, and it was in October last year, so not ‘a few’, but eight. EIGHT MONTHS. And it had probably been stewing for a while then too. Yes, that’s how long it’s taken me to get my act together to finish writing this post. My drafts folder is heaving with ideas. No, I don’t know what’s wrong with me either. ANYWAY, I freaking love this sofa, even if I could probably only ever afford a single ottoman section, which would be super cool as a coffee table, so not to be sniffed at - and double use equals half-price in decor maths, no? This sofa also got a LOT of love recently when it was on display during Milan Design Week - gutted that again I couldn’t make it this year, but next year for sure.
Lumir Mirrored Side Table - La Redoute*
Yes it’s mirrored furniture, which done badly can look super-dated and shabby chic, but the ‘new’ mirrored furniture, done well, is super simple and linear and is actually a great addition to most spaces. Just take a look at Project 213a’s ridiculously cool mirror lounge chair for confirmation. Obviously if your budget stretches to the Project 213a chair, then please do it, for me, but otherwise, you could do much worse than this side table for a nod to the trend. These would be perfect as bedside tables too, which are always so tricky to get right. Not silver, but I probably prefer the bronze version personally, but they’re both great.
Fraulino Cast Aluminium Side Table - La Redoute*
Yes, it’s another side table from La Redoute, but it was way too good to not include. The shape and the finish are just brilliant, and I do love a side table or five. This is such a great piece. And yes, I want it.
Nickel Meander Hook - Maude Vaughn
I have this hook in the original iron and I adore it, and the nickel ones are divine! That’s all.
I have vowed that I won’t buy anymore candlesticks as I have WAY too many, but I can’t stop thinking about this one, and may have to break that vow. I guess I need a candlestick cupboard next to the candle cupboard now.
Candle sconces are a brilliant way to add ambient light and drama to walls when it’s not an option to add a wired wall light, and I love the simplicity of this one. Just be careful with live flames people.
Polished Nickel Rope Pull - Gipsy Hill Hardware at Etsy*
These rope twist handles are SO lovely. I have nowhere to use them currently, but I’m absolutely bookmarking them for the near future. They come in four finishes including polished and matt Nickel.
My absolute favourite silver finish is polished Nickel which has warmth that chrome doesn’t. I have another half-written post about metal finishes, so who knows, I might even finish it! Would love to know your thoughts on the ‘new silver’ too!