As anyone who has just moved into a new home knows, decorating your space takes time. I've spent just under a year perfecting my new apartment, and still have plenty I want to do. To plan it all, I use Pinterest. And want to know what's made its way onto every moodboard I make? Chrome decor.
If you follow the latest interior design trends, you'll surely have noticed the growing popularity of chrome decor over the last year or so. If you're a true aesthete, you probably own your own piece of the shiny, sleek metal. But what is it about chrome decor that has captured our collective hearts of late? Especially when you consider it wasn't so long ago that we were all about brass.
Chrome decor's metallic sheen is reminiscent of retro styles (another hot trend right now), yet it's also fused with the idea of fashionable futurism. Maybe it's the move towards interiors that diverge from beige minimalism, or perhaps it's to do with the sudden demand for more industrial-leaning spaces. Maybe it's simply because while everyone was filling their homes with warm golds and patinaed brass, a certain set were out there, looking for something new. Whatever it is, the chrome decor trend has become inescapable.
Part of why the chrome decor trend feels so retro is because it's been around for decades now, cycling back every so often (as most timeless styles do).
It first came on the scene around the 20s and 30s, during the era of Art Deco interior design, when chrome-plating became more widely available, and styles centered around luxurious materials and industrial design.
We then saw its return with the rise of Mid-Century modern homes (the famous Wassily chair being a prime example), and then, with the emergence of Space Age interiors. And, of course, now its back again in 2025, and more stylish than ever.
So, why do we think chrome decor is back now? "Chrome has several advantages," says Guillaume Fantin, interior designer and co-founder of Paris-based design studio, Le Cann. "It easily matches various styles and materials, and its shine often contrasts beautifully with matte surfaces."
Chrome decor also fits in with the aesthetics of minimalism in interior design, but adds its own unique sparkle of personality. It's a material that stands out on its own, adding sophistication without needing additional elements. Dare I say, it's quiet luxury with a shiny twist?
"The reflective properties and interaction with light bring an extra dimension to the decor adding depth and dynamism to a space," adds Guilluame.
How to Style Chrome Decor in Interiors
While, yes, chrome can technically come in a variety of colorways, the cool-toned silver shade is the heartbeat of the current design movement. Whether you opt for a finish that is so shiny it's reflective, or a more muted metal, staying with silver is the ultimate guide to getting it right.
From there, "Chrome pairs well with other metals like brass or brushed stainless steel," says Guillaume. This combination creates visual complexity and avoids a monotonous look.
For example, pairing chrome lighting with brass accents and accessories can add richness and depth to the decor. "The key is to balance contrasts and textures for a harmonious result," says Guillaume.
For instance, wood and chrome make a wonderful pairing because the natural texture of the wood grounds the industrial feel of the chrome.
Now for the fun part: finding the perfect decor to bring your chromatic dreams to life. While there is definitely room in the chrome decor trend to try out a more 'drenched' design, starting off with a few pieces here and there will help you gauge how much or how little of the material you want to use in your space.
"We like to incorporate chrome in small touches, such as in hardware like door handles or faucets, lighting fixtures, or furniture accents," says Guillaume. "This approach adds a modern and elegant touch without overwhelming the space."
A chrome table lamp, candle holder, or side table will make your home ooze cool — it's just about finding what speaks to you. Below are several of the most stylish chrome decor pieces that have recently caught my eye.
This wall sconce from H&M is what I consider the perfect little touch of chrome. The rippled metal creates a hypnotic texture that I can only imagine gets better when there is a lit candle reflected on it. Place a couple of these beside your front door, or even an artwork.
I am absolutely obsessed with this style of light fixture. It feels inspired by retro design and immediately reminds me of a tabletop version of the floor-to-ceiling lamp by Residence Supply(another item on my chrome wishlist). This lamp will give your office space or bedroom that brutalist edge while still feeling full of personality. Place it on a warm wood table to keep the cozy aesthetic.
If you really want to dive into the chrome decor trend, this candle stick holder is a must. The geometric shapes reflect the industrial quality of chrome, yet it hints at the traditional style of silver candelabra. And who doesn't love a decor piece that feels more like a piece of art?
As the love for chrome in interiors raves on, I must say, the bigger and bolder you go the better. It is like the 'one amazing thing theory' suggests; when you incorporate an unexpected element in a space, the room is instantly elevated. Something about your living room feel off? Replace your standard wooden side table for a contemporary chrome look — the result is unbeatable style.
Did someone say castlecore? The plated aluminum drip design takes me to candlelit dinners in grand palace ballrooms. I know, I know, this Pols Potten candle holder on Selfridges is pretty much the perfect piece. It's art and decor all in one, and though it's a statement piece on its own, you can easily style this candle holder with a combination of other decor items. Silver is a neutral in my book.
I couldn't talk about chrome decor without mentioning the iconic Plopp stool by Zieta. All of the coolest interiors are sporting some kind of deflated decor, and Zeita is championing the style with its inventive designs. And if you love the style you are in luck; the brand offers everything from wall hangings to dining chairs and tables.
I recently went to the H&M Home store rebrand in London, and this chair immediately caught my eye. A good way to do chrome when you aren't sure you want to go all in is to incorporate it through hardware details. Furniture like this will be a timeless piece to add to your collection and can blend harmoniously in many different rooms and with many different interior design styles.
The more confident of a statement you make with chrome, the more the look will come together. Though it may be hard to pull a complete renovation and apply a chrome wallpaper trend or door frame, something like this metal wall shelf from Ferm Living is the perfect happy medium. The shelves act as extra storage, while the metal back will create a curated chrome moment.
Last but most certainly not least, the chrome mushroom lamp. A mushroom lamp feels like the origin of the chrome phenomenon in interior design. Lately, styles have shifted towards retro and 70s-inspired design, and this table lamp is covers both vintage styles and sleek chrome interiors. This is a piece that immediately moved off of my wish list and into my living room.
There are plenty of dated interior design trends to leave in the past, but in 2025 chrome is not one of them.
