Create Luxe-Looking Metallic Decor on a Budget
These do-it-yourself metallic accents deliver high-end style without the high-end price tag. Simple to make, elegant to display, and kind to your wallet.
By Drew Ross
Metallics, and gold in particular, have taken over everything from beauty products to clothing to interior decorating. The catch is that as a look gains popularity, its cost tends to climb along with it. There's no need to pay those inflated prices, though. You can make your own metallic home accessories that give the impression of costing much more than they actually do.
Flatware with Gold Handles
Dishwasher safety is another perk of this DIY flatware project, beyond the money it saves you. A lot of the gold-handled sets sold in stores require hand washing, while these can go straight into the dishwasher. Beautiful, budget-friendly and easy to care for — that combination is a real find.
Sparkly Sequin Hangers
Why not bring a bit of glimmer into your closet — or someone else's? Putting these sequin hangers together takes so little effort that you can treat yourself as well as your closest friends.
Geometric Table Lamp
A single can of spray paint plus a simple lamp kit is all it takes to give an old, worn-out pendant lamp new life as a contemporary geometric table lamp.
Gold Polka Dot Glasses
Add gold paint to ordinary glasses and they turn into refined drink ware. A set serving 8 people can be finished in under 60 minutes.
Asymmetrical Gold Accents on Glass
With these uneven gold flourishes, adding a second layer of design is encouraged rather than avoided. Go ahead and be bold — you can handle it.
Gold Coasters
Once you've got those lovely gold glasses, coasters become a necessity. Take a look at these attractive options.
Gold Wreath
Believe it or not, this refined wreath began life as a pair of foil baking pans picked up at the Dollar Store.
Sculptural Spheres
In virtually any season and nearly any space, these sculptural spheres add a touch of class. The key material for this project is vinyl tubing from the hardware store — the same kind used to supply water to an ice maker.
Glittering Pinecones
A little glitter is all it takes to make pinecones glimmer and gleam. For many of us, more is better — particularly around the holidays.
Metallic Acorns
Gilded acorns are tiny, but placed in the right setting they make a strong decorative impact. What's more, they come together quickly and with very little effort.
Faux Mercury Glass
The traditional way to make mercury glass involves coating the interior of double-walled glass pieces with silvering. If gold is more your style, this DIY take on faux mercury glass could be exactly what you're looking for.
