The gleam of stainless steel has graced refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers for decades. It’s a popular choice for shelving as well. But there are additional ways to use stainless steel in interior design to enhance the beauty of your home.
Advantages of Stainless Steel
It’s called “stainless” largely because this type of steel doesn’t corrode. Its non-porous surface makes it naturally resistant to bacteria. This means that germs don’t soak in. Stainless steel holds up well to a variety of anti-microbial cleaning agents, which means it’s a natural choice for medical environments.
Stainless steel is often described as “self-healing” because its composition causes it to react with oxygen in the environment in a process called oxidation. Oxidation produces a protective layer on its surface, even if it gets scratched.
Kitchen Counters and Cabinets
A natural use for stainless steel in interior design beyond kitchen appliances is in countertops or cabinets. Stainless steel beautifully complements other commonly used cabinet and countertop materials such as wood and stone.
Wall and Ceiling Panels and Backsplashes
More designers are choosing stainless steel to add a shiny, reflective surface to interior walls and even ceilings. Metal fabricators often use stainless steel to produce custom shapes, designs, and textures that benefit from the corrosion-resistant properties of the metal.
Use stainless steel as a kitchen backsplash or easy-to-clean stainless steel tiles in bathrooms.
Stair Railings
Stainless steel railings are common in public buildings, but designers are increasingly using them for interior design. In addition to railings, stainless steel fixtures hold glass stair panels (balustrades or bannisters) and stringers, the side pieces that secure the stair treads.
Furniture
Stainless steel may form the support structure for a chair or, in some cases, the entire chair. Stainless steel benches make stunning room and hallway accents. For dramatic impact, use a stone dining table with stainless steel legs or a stainless steel surface for a breakfast counter or bar front.
Light Fixtures
The gleam of stainless steel adds a sleek, modern touch to pendant light fixtures and lamps. Stainless steel light fixtures bring a fresh, clean appearance to any room, but they are especially effective as kitchen and dining room pendants.
Functional Decor
Stainless steel barware is a common feature in many homes. But stainless steel also makes attractive cooking utensils you can proudly display on your countertops rather than hiding them inside a drawer. Try stainless steel bookends, shelf supports, and door hardware to bring beauty to functional parts of your home.
Using stainless steel in interior design simply requires imagination and a willingness to try something new. The versatile metal combines well with other natural materials to add texture and variety to home interiors.
