Natural metals bring warmth, quality, and sophistication to any home design. One of the most highly-regarded and unique metals is copper.

If you’re intrigued to learn how to incorporate copper into your home, we’ve compiled a wide array of practical — yet still creative — ways to do so. Read on to gain inspiration for your next home improvement project!

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5 Ways to Integrate Copper Into Your Home

  1. Kitchen Accents
  2. Lighting Fixtures
  3. Bathroom Updates
  4. Décor and Furniture
  5. Outdoor Features

Also see:

 

Why Copper?

Copper is a gorgeous, supremely practical metal.

Close up view of shiny hammered copper

Close up view of shiny hammered copper

Foremost, it makes a statement with its unique reddish-brown hue that develops a patina over time. Its durability ensures longevity, making it perfect for high-use items, such as:

  • Countertops
  • Sinks
  • Cookware
Kitchen copper sink. Image courtesy of CopperSmith

Rustic  copper sink in large kitchen island.
Image courtesy of CopperSmith

Additionally, copper is naturally antimicrobial. This makes it ideal for frequently touched surfaces, like:

  • Doorknobs
  • Bathroom Fixtures
  • Kitchen Islands
Small kitchen with interesting copper stove hood

Small kitchen with interesting copper stove hood

Beyond its practical uses, copper can also mesh seamlessly into various design styles. Whether your home leans rustic, industrial, or modern, copper’s natural beauty adapts effortlessly.

Modern white kitchen with copper backslash and accent pieces

Modern white kitchen with copper backslash and accent pieces

 

Ideas for Integration

Copper offers endless possibilities to elevate your home. Check out the following inspiring ideas to integrate this stunning material into your space.

  1. Kitchen Accents
  2. Lighting Fixtures
  3. Bathroom Updates
  4. Décor and Furniture
  5. Outdoor Features

 

1. Kitchen Accents

The kitchen is one of the most popular spaces to showcase copper. You can install a copper sink, choose copper for your cabinet handles, consider a hammered copper backsplash behind the stove, and more.

Modern kitchen with copper backsplash, copper sink and copper hardware

Modern kitchen with copper backsplash, copper sink and copper hardware

 

2. Lighting Fixtures

Set the mood with copper light fixtures.

Retro modern copper pendant light in darkly lit room

Retro modern copper pendant light in darkly lit room

Pendant lights with copper shades hanging above a kitchen island or dining table create a warm and inviting ambience.

Vintage copper pendant lights in festive kitchen atmosphere

Vintage copper pendant lights in festive kitchen atmosphere

Likewise, wall sconces and chandeliers with copper finishes add elegance without overwhelming the space.

Retro copper wall sconce in dimly lit hallway

Retro copper wall sconce in dimly lit hallway

 

3. Bathroom Updates

Upgrade your bathroom with copper fixtures that stand out against neutral tiles and surfaces.

Bathtub with copper tub filler, knobs and hand shower

Bathtub with copper tub filler, knobs and hand shower

Copper showerheads, faucets, and towel racks are great places to start.

Copper showerhead in neutral white bathroom

Copper showerhead in neutral white bathroom

If you want to go bolder, consider a freestanding copper tub for a spa-like retreat in your own home.

Large copper bathtub in rustic stone bathroom

Large copper bathtub in rustic stone bathroom

Benefits of owning a copper soaking tub include:

  • Exceptional heat retention
  • Natural antimicrobial properties (copper surfaces remove more than 99% of bacteria that is harmful to humans within 2 hours)
  • Unique, durable aesthetic that can enhance both the look and health of your bathroom

 

4. Décor and Furniture

Copper is just as decorative as it is functional, with your choices only limited by your imagination.

Set of copper Tibetan singing bowls that are elegant and functional

Set of copper Tibetan singing bowls that are elegant and functional

Copper candleholders, planters, and mirrors can subtly ornament your space.

Copper décor pieces

Small copper décor pieces

If you prefer larger statement items, look for furniture with copper accents, like a coffee table with a copper top, or bar stools with copper legs.

Copper vessel filled with water with leaching of copper ions into the water that gives the water an oily sheen

Classic copper vessel filled with water, with leaching of copper ions giving the water an oily sheen

 

5. Outdoor Features

Don’t forget the exterior of your home!

A classic copper lion door knocker

A classic copper lion door knocker

Copper mailboxes, weathervanes, and guttering improve curb appeal and age gracefully.

Rustic birdhouse with a durable copper roof

Rustic birdhouse with a durable copper roof

Copper fire pits and patio furniture are also popular choices for creating cozy outdoor spaces.

For those with the budget and wanting to make an elegant design statement, copper roofs are a popular choice.

A large house with sections of copper roofing. Image courtesy of Coppercraft

A large house with sections of copper roofing.
Image courtesy of CopperCraft

Copper roofs and eaves are highly regarded for their exceptional durability, longevity, and aesthetic appeal, including the distinctive patina that develops over time. They are also fire-resistant, low-maintenance, and energy-efficient.

House with copper eaves

House with copper eaves

For something more subtle, consider creating a shining garden by using copper as the backing for LED signs you place in your yard, or showcasing other objects of interests, such as sculptures, fountains, or birdbaths made of copper.

 

What to Keep in Mind

Before you jump on any of these beautiful ways to integrate copper into your home, you should consider three remaining items.

A slab of copper ore mined in Jerome, Arizona

A beautiful slab of copper ore mined in Jerome, Arizona

First, most of these projects will involve copper sheet metal. However, cutting and shaping copper sheet metal is a challenging task that you might be able to do yourself, if you’re handy, but you probably want to leave it to the pros.

Second, copper changes color as it ages, turning green-blue over time. If you prefer its original shine, you’ll need to regularly polish and seal it. However, keep in mind that the patina protects the underlying copper, making it more durable. There are also products that can speed up the patina process, as well as adjust the final color to your preference.

Third, copper can be costly. Even if money isn’t an object for your remodel, it’s worth shopping around to get the best deal on your copper and manufacturing fees.

By keeping these points in mind, you can fully enjoy the beauty and functionality that copper brings to your home!

 

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