Decorative Metal Sheets: 9 Inspiring Uses for Brass, Copper & Zinc in Modern Spaces

9 Stylish Ways to Use Decorative Metal Sheets in Homes, Hotels & Commercial Interiors

9 stylish ways to use decorative metal sheets across homes, hotels and workplaces — with brass, copper and zinc inspiration.

Decorative metal sheets are no longer just industrial materials — they’re design elements in their own right. From boutique hotels to private homes, aged metals like brass, copper and zinc are being used to add warmth, texture and luxury to modern interiors.
Their natural patina, depth and light-reflective qualities make them ideal for contemporary fit-outs across residential and commercial spaces.

Why Decorative Metal Is Having a Moment in Interior Design

Aged, satin and patinated metals offer something that paint, laminate, or tile can’t: authentic character. Whether mirror-polished, softly brushed or richly oxidised, decorative metal sheets create a material contrast that feels premium and timeless. Designers are increasingly choosing metal for statement walls, bar fronts, counters, kitchens and branded elements — all made possible through our in-house laser cutting, engraving and patina services.

1. Reception Desks & Counters

Reception areas are your brand’s first physical impression — and decorative metal instantly elevates them. Aged copper, antique brass and dark patina zinc create striking, durable finishes ideal for hotels, clinics, venues and workplaces, especially where bespoke reception counters elevate the brand.

Custom cash desk clad in dark aged zinc with matte patina finish

Bespoke dark aged zinc cash desk with clean modern angles

Swansea Arena reception desk with perforated brass cladding and warm underlighting

Brass clad reception counter with perforated detailing and warm lighting

Copper-clad reception desk with bespoke patina finish and inset branding

Aged copper reception desk at Ultra Sports Clinic with backlit signage

2. Bar Fronts & Restaurant Interiors

Decorative metal sheets perform exceptionally well in hospitality environments — offering durability with a premium aesthetic. From aged brass bar fascias and brushed zinc counters to copper panel inserts, metal brings atmosphere, warmth and visual impact to any dining or bar space.

Aged brass bar front with rounded corners and exposed rivets

Curved aged brass bar front with exposed rivets

Copper panels inset into a timber bar front

Rustic copper panel inserts within a timber bar front

Decorative etched zinc panels framed within a traditional bar front

Bar front with decorative etched zinc panels and moulding

Large-scale hospitality counter clad in patinated brass

Restaurant bar and rear wall cladding in patinated brass

3. Feature Walls & Vertical Panels

Decorative metal wall panels bring depth, texture and luxury to lounges, meeting rooms and hospitality spaces. Whether softly aged, richly patinated or brushed to a satin sheen, they transform plain walls into standout features — especially our brass wall panels. For broader inspiration across all materials, explore our Walls Hub.

Aged brass wall panels with brass inlay strips and lighting

Brass wall panels with inlay strips behind sofa in modern lounge

Reception wall panels clad in aged brass for corporate fitout

Aged brass wall cladding behind reception desk in corporate office

Restaurant seating area with dark antique brass wall panels

Antique brass wall cladding in restaurant booth seating area

Bronzed copper wall panels behind bar with rustic timber ceiling

Bronzed copper wall panels with rustic patina behind timber bar

4. Kitchen Splashbacks

Metal splashbacks offer a durable, easy-clean surface with a warm, reflective aesthetic. Aged zinc and copper patinas pair beautifully with natural woods, shaker cabinets and modern appliances — while mirror-polished finishes add drama to high-end kitchens. Explore our copper splashbacks for more ideas.

Dark patina zinc splashback with floating timber shelves

Dark patina zinc splashback with stainless steel cooker hood and timber shelves

Light grey patina zinc splashback in a shaker-style kitchen

Light grey zinc splashback in alcove-style kitchen with shaker cabinets

Polished aged copper splashback behind classic AGA cooker

Bright aged copper splashback behind traditional AGA range cooker

5. Metal Table Tops & Inlays

From boutique restaurants to home dining rooms, metal table tops and inlays bring both durability and beauty. Aged copper and brass pair well with timber, offering a sophisticated contrast that works in modern and traditional settings. See our copper table tops for inspiration.

Bespoke round copper table surrounding tree centrepiece in a restaurant

Aged copper dining table with black metal chairs in modern kitchen

Brass wrapped tabletop with angular shape and bar seating

Angled brass tabletop in bar restaurant with stools and place settings

Sleek aged copper top paired with black metal framed dining chairs

Aged copper inlaid dining table with black metal chairs in modern kitchen

6. Statement Metal Art for Modern Interiors

Decorative metal panels offer bold alternatives to framed artwork — perfect for fireplace surrounds, gallery installations and feature walls. Aged copper, bronze patina and corten steel pieces introduce texture and colour that evolve naturally over time.

Collection of decorative aged metal wall panels in copper, zinc and corten finishes

Collection of six decorative aged metal wall panels in copper and corten steel finishes, styled in various interior settings

7. Bedroom Accents & Luxury Headboards

Metals aren’t just for public spaces — they bring boutique-hotel style into the bedroom. Aged brass and copper headboard panels add warmth, character and soft reflection, especially when paired with LED backlighting or timber framing.

Aged zinc bath panel used as inspiration for bedroom panelling

Aged zinc bath panel fitted to a modern white bathtub with coastal decor.

Bronze copper bath panel — inspiration for bedroom feature panels

Bronze copper bath panel under a white bath with modern neutral bathroom fixtures.

8. Doors, Joinery & Cabinetry Features

Decorative metals integrate seamlessly into bespoke joinery. From brass wardrobe doors and copper cabinet inserts to zinc inlay strips, metal adds a refined, tactile quality to kitchens, bedrooms and high-end interiors.

Mirror-polished brass counter showing high-reflective surfaces for modern joinery

Mirror polished brass reception counters in a modern shared office space

Aged copper counter with blue patina panel and inset detailing for luxury cabinetry ideas
Reception desk with blue patina aged copper front panel and copper inlay detailing

Antique brass counter showcasing warm patina tones suitable for door and joinery fronts
Reception counter clad in antique brass panels with integrated wood detailing

These three examples show how decorative metals transition effortlessly from commercial counters into residential and bespoke joinery applications. Mirror-polished brass offers a crisp, contemporary feel ideal for wardrobe fronts or cabinet fascias, while aged copper with inlay detailing introduces warmth and texture. Antique brass panels, when paired with timber, demonstrate how metal can soften into traditional interiors as well as modern schemes — giving joinery pieces a refined, crafted finish.

9. Fireplaces, Chimney Features & Media Walls

Aged metal cladding transforms living rooms, lounges and open-plan spaces, including options like corten steel.  Whether used around fireplaces, chimney breasts or full-height media walls, metals offer dramatic depth with a warm reflective glow.

Rusted Corten steel panel with natural patina — ideal for chimney breasts and feature walls

Corten steel restaurant sign with Oxheart logo on natural stone wall

Antique brass panel with warm, heritage tones suitable for fireplace surrounds
Antique brass directional signage for Ellenborough Park’s De La Bere Suite and restrooms

Satin brass panel with aged infill showing layered, decorative patina effects
Brushed brass plaque with Hard Rock Hotel logo in aged patina infill

Deep antique brass engraving demonstrating texture and depth for feature wall panels
Engraved brass sign for Ninety Watches & Jewellery with black infill

 

Bring Your Vision to Life with Bespoke Metalwork

Decorative metal sheets offer limitless design possibilities — from dramatic feature walls to subtle joinery details. At Metal Sheets Ltd, we manufacture every panel to order in Liverpool, supplying designers, homeowners, architects and hospitality brands across the UK.

With in-house laser cutting, engraving, precision fabrication and a fully equipped patina studio, we can turn any concept into a finished piece.

Need decorative metal sheets for your next project?
Explore our full range of sheet metals or contact our team for expert advice and made-to-measure options.

☎ 0151 526 4777

🧩 Where Each Metal Works Best — Designer Guide

  • Brass — Ideal for reception desks, feature walls, bar fronts and joinery detailing.
    Warm tones add luxury and pair beautifully with dark timber, stone and textured paint finishes.
  • Copper — Best for restaurants, kitchens, statement artwork and residential feature pieces.
    Offers rich patina movement and works with both rustic and contemporary schemes.
  • Zinc — Perfect for splashbacks, wall cladding and minimalist interiors.
    Softer grey patinas bring calm, understated texture that complements natural materials.
  • Corten Steel — Strong choice for fireplace cladding, entrance features and industrial themes.
    The weathered surface adds drama and architectural depth.
  • Stainless Steel — Use for kitchens, high-traffic hospitality areas and modern, reflective surfaces.
    Mirror and brushed finishes offer crisp lines and easy maintenance.

💡 Design Tips for Using Decorative Metal Sheets

  • Balance metal with natural textures such as timber, stone or linen to keep interiors warm and welcoming.
  • Use patina finishes where you want depth and softness; use polished metals for light and impact.
  • Consider panel size early — large sheets reduce visible joins and give a more seamless, architectural look.
  • Add LED backlighting behind brass or copper to enhance shadows and highlight surface texture.
  • Protect high-touch areas with a clear lacquer if a long-term, unchanged finish is required.

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