Metallics have long been used in household décor as eye-catching accents or impressively bold statements. These days copper is catching up to stylish silver and gold tones in popularity. This bright-hued metal adds both warmth and character to your home. Here are some ways to incorporate it into your decorating scheme.

Bathroom

Copper shines in the bathroom. A solid workhorse behind the scenes – it’s the piping material most recommended by plumbers – copper is also used to fashion outstandingly attractive faucets, basins and even luxurious bathtubs. Due to concerns about health problems which can be caused by ingesting excessive levels of copper, avoid using hot water from copper-fitted bathrooms for human consumption.

Kitchen

The kitchen is another obvious place for copper to work its magic. If you are an enthusiastic home chef/decorator, why not combine form and function by hanging classic copper pots on your kitchen wall? They’ll add atmosphere to the kitchen, and will be conveniently within reach when you are whipping up a gourmet meal. A purpose-built pot rack will show off your copper collection to its best advantage. Copper canisters, molds and teapots are other attractive, practical items that are perfect for display when not in use. (All copper utensils on active kitchen duty should be lined with another metal, generally steel or tin.) For an unexpected note, try a range hood crafted from copper.

Living Room

In the living room, the sky is the limit for decorating with copper … literally. Few indoor design features rival the impact of a spectacular copper ceiling, whether solid or tiled. Other dramatic pieces are bold copper fireplaces or coffee tables. Should you prefer a more subdued effect, consider a wall hanging, vase or lamp. Depending on your décor and personal tastes, you may opt for striking modern copper accessories or antiques with a rich, deep patina.

Bedroom

Set a romantic mood in the master bedroom with a pair of delicately scented tapers in copper candleholders. Or for the ultimate in romance, purchase a very elegant copper bedstead. As down-to-earth accessories, you can choose a copper warming pan or a bed pan. The following morning you might ring a copper bell to summon breakfast on an engraved tray made of your favorite metal.

Bar

Create a handsome backsplash for a home bar with copper. This versatile metal may also be used as countertop material. Absent a full in-house wet bar, arrange bottles and glasses on a gleaming copper bar cart. Some enterprising homeowners have created interesting effects by patiently gluing pennies to bar surfaces; however there’s now a premade copper penny tile that provides the same look with a great deal less effort.

Exterior

Out of doors, raise your curb appeal factor with gutters and rainspout, awnings or an entire roof made of copper. Adorn your garden with copper planters and statuary. A copper wall is a good-looking way to provide your yard with both privacy and shade. Relax on copper lawn furniture such as benches and chaises longues, and when you get chilly, just fire up your trusty copper patio heater.

Laura Firszt writes for Networx.com.