18 Gold-leafed DIY Projects That Sparkle With Elegance

Are you bored with the way a certain piece of furniture looks and you want to give it a makeover? You want to add a little spark to your accessories? Well, the answer to both questions is very simple: gold leafing. It doesn’t take long, it’s easy to do and the results are always impressive. You can use this technique for all sorts of projects, on furniture, on accessories and not only. Here are some inspiring examples:

Gold leafed nightstand.

Brass ikea

This beautiful gold-leafed nightstand has a very nice rustic glam look. At first it had a golden paint on it and its owner wanted to give it a makeover. However, the first choice wasn’t exactly inspired at the red didn’t suit the nightstand that well. But when it got this final look it all changed.{found on primitiveandproper}.

Gold Leaf Wooden Napkin Rings.

Brass ikea

You can use this technique on smaller items as well. For example, here’s how you can make gold-leafed napkin rings. You need wooden napkin rings, sand paper, wood stain, a brush, gold paint and clear sealer. First you should start sanding the rings. Then stain them and, at the end, add some sparkle with a little gold paint. Apply the sealer when you’re done.{found on laurendyhome}.

Rock gold leaf.

Brass ikea

A nice way of creating a simple and chic decoration for your home is to gold leaf a few rocks. It can be a very artistic project. You just have to find a few smooth and beautiful river rocks and then you can start painting on them with a thin brush and some gold paint. The design you choose is up to you.{found on designsponge}.

Wall art gold leaf.

Brass ikea

You can also use gold paint to make artwork which you can display in your home. The project is very simple. All you need is a blank canvas, sponge daubers, a clean brush and gold leaf sheets and paint. Dip the daubers into the paint and sponge them onto the canvas. Allow it to dry and then start laying the gold leaf sheets on the canvas{found on ohcuriosity}.

Table gold leaf.

Brass ikea

And now a furniture-related project. Here’s how you can give an old table a new look using gold paint. First you have to sand the table and stain it. Then decide on a design. Tape it and apply and gold leaf. You can create organic shapes or you can try something different.{found on site}.

Leafed terracotta pots.

Brass ikea

These gold-leafed terracotta pots look quite interesting. To make something similar yu need the pots, gold leafing sheets, a paint brush and sealer. Prep the area you want to paint with primer/sealer and then attach the gold leafing to the pot. Gently pat it down and paint over it.{found on site}.

Serving tray.

Brass ikea

We also found another simple and beautiful project. This is a gold-leafed tray. To create a similar design you first need a long sheet of foil. Use it to make several strips. Nail the strips down to a piece of wood and then spray paint them with gold paint. Glue the strips to the tray and apply a layer of sealer.{found on savvy}.

Gold leaf planters.

Brass ikea

If you like these planters we’re now going to show you how to make them from scratch. First mix 4 parts cement with one part water. Then put a smaller carton box inside another and pour the mix in between them. Remove the cardboard after 10-15 minutes and let the planter harden overnight. Then decorate it with gold leaf.{found on groenkapje}.

Bulb vase.

Brass ikea

I’m not a big fan of gold leaf or of this color in general but I have to admit that these bud vases look very cute. To make your own vases look like this you first have to find a stencil or to use tape to make one. Then apply adhesive to the vase and apply gold leaf sheets to the vase.{found on sasandrose}.

Accessories.

Brass ikea

Whenever you have some free time on your hands, you could also try making some lovely paper mache animals and then giving them a shiny look. You need the animals, golf leaf, a paint brush, adhesive and sealer. First apply spray adhesive and then attach the fold leaf sheets. Using the brush, apply sealer and you’re done.{found on allsortsofpretty}.

Bowl.

Brass ikea

Here’s another simple project. The supplies you need are gold leaf, sealer and a soft brush. Take a glue pen and draw the design. Lay the gold leaf down and brush the excess leafing away. Then apply the sealer and that’s all. Use this technique on a bowl for example.{found on thepaintedarrow}.

Another bowl.

Brass ikea

This project also involves a bowl. First get your supplies: gold leaf sheets, glue, a brush and a mixing bowl. Use a brush to coat the bowl with glue. Then apply small sections of gold leaf to the using. Gently pull apart the leaf to create a random pattern.{found on nouvelledaily}.

Strip planter leaf.

Brass ikea

Gold leaf looks more elegant when it’s not used in big amounts. For example, this vase looks very chic and it only has a thin strip of golf leaf on it. You can create a similar design by first putting tape on the vase and then applying glue and gold leaf to the small portion in between.{found on designocd}.

Glasses.

Brass ikea

If you want to add some glam to your glasses or vases, you can come up with all sorts of designs featuring gold leaf. For example, you can create geometric patterns such as in this case. Use tape to determine the design and then apply the gold leaf sheets or paint.

World map gold leafed.

Brass ikea

As for projects that are a little more complex and artistic, here’s a nice example. It’s a gold-leafed world map. Making something like this requires plenty of time and patience and you should also find an empty space where you can work because you’ll most likely make a big mess.{found on uglyducklinghouse}.

Legs dipped.

Brass ikea

This side table has an interesting look. It’s been painted white and it has gold-dipped feet. Achieving such a look is easy. Just use tape to mark where the two color will meet and apply the gold paint on the bottom portion of the feet.{found on designsponge}.

Artwork gold leaf frame.

Brass ikea

If you want to add some spark to the artwork you have displayed in your home you could focus on making the frame a little more eye-catching. For example, a gold leafed frame would complement beautifully a painting that features cold colors.{found on littlegreennotebook}.

Ikea hack.

Brass ikea

Given the right type of décor, any piece of furniture could use a more extravagant color. This gold leafed étagère is not a common choice in most homes but it integrates nicely here. The fact it has a thin and sleek design definitely helps.{found on honeysweethome}.