If you adore all things gilded, revamp your space in gold décor! Colours are an amazingly potent source of inspiration, and gold is an especially warm, vibrant and powerful one. It symbolizes wealth and abundance and is beloved worldwide for its beautiful radiance and association with prestige. This is because, for one, the actual mineral is the most stable, long-lasting currency – and one that sparkles and shines. And warm hues in general, such as similar yellows and oranges, are uplifting colours that energize and promote joy.
In modern Western society, many consider gold to be ‘too bold a colour’ to use excessively in home decor. There’s a general consensus that it appears ‘gaudy’ or ‘showy.’ Let’s firstly admit that no one’s design choices need be canonized by anyone else without subjecting those opinions to each person’s own internal scrutiny. Secondly, remember that much of today’s mainstream design decisions are products of a curated whitewashed culture originating from one region of the world. Never mind it. Gold décor is perfect for you if it makes you happy.
To clarify why colour is important in our home, colour therapist Lee Chambers explains:
‘We spend a significant amount of time in our domestic environments, and we use the space in a variety of ways. One thing we have a level of autonomy over is the colors we choose to place in our domestic environments, and by curating the palette of our property, we are able to influence how we feel in a positive and proactive way. It is also a great way to express ourselves and our identity in a space that is often safe and where we feel like we belong.’
You need not justify your design choices. Your home is your template! If you love gold, embrace it.
Gold Décor for a Brilliantly Shining Space
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means I may earn commission if you click through the link and finalize a qualifying purchase. This does not affect the price in any way.
1. Walls of Gold
The easiest way to cover your space in swaths of gold is by gilding your walls. No, I don’t mean literally gold-plating your walls (unless it’s within your budget and ability!) but simply covering them in removable gold wallpaper. With all gold walls, you will literally surround yourself with gold. Here are a few dazzling peel-and-stick wallpaper options:
- Chunky gold glitter peel-and-stick wallpaper for a thicker textured look
- Thick gold glitter peel and stick wallpaper for a similar (if smoother) look
- Gold faux metal peel and stick wallpaper for an excellent metallic sheen
Other ways to cover your walls, if not entirely, with gold include hanging gold-coloured tapestries or art hangings. A gold sequin hanging backdrop isn’t just for people to take photos in front of during parties; it can be a permanent fixture in your home. Hang it on the wall behind the head of your bed, hang it over a window as a curtain, or anywhere else to make a gold statement. A less permeating option is a gold string curtain. Think of it as a more elegant take on door beads. It’s great for hanging in front of a window for a sheer filter that still lets in plenty of light, or from a doorway for a delicate entry.
There are many gorgeous gold art pieces you can hang on your wall, such as this striking gold glass glitter painting for a decadent statement. Metal line art can be found in various figures and styles, and though it doesn’t necessarily cover a huge swath of space, this set of gold minimalist metal line wall pieces of female form offers a tastefully captivating gold art display. Or if your taste is more casual, hang a playfully chic gold kiss canvas.
2. Gold Objects
I always lean toward embracing décor in the form of practical items that serve some purpose rather than things that exist solely to look at. That being said, sometimes certain pieces of art pull you in such a way that their sole use for viewing pleasure warrants their existence in your space. We’ll cover a bit of both.
These handsome little rechargeable gold cordless table lamps are simple yet elegant. They’re small enough to lend even the narrowest nooks, shelves and end tables a touch of gold. And the fact that they’re rechargeable makes them suitable for middle-of-the-room locales. If you want something fancier, opt for this gold crystal table touch lamp instead. It screams maximalist and opulence in the politest way. For a larger version, station a similar gold crystal floor lamp somewhere prominent. Its slender size and unobtrusive shape allows it to fit anywhere with a bit of floor space for its base.
For an alternative form of illumination, light these unique gold glitter beeswax pillar candles for a beautifully sparkling ambiance. Plain beeswax tea light candles are still golden in colour, even if not glittery, and add lovely and demure lighting.
As for objects that don’t otherwise serve a ‘useful’ purpose, while you can find plenty of gold-coloured art (chosen at your own discretion since art speaks to each of us differently), one playful example is this gold sculpture of hands-forming-heart symbol. It’s modern, minimalist, and small enough to display almost anywhere in your space.
A table runner is likewise purely for display but conveniently takes up no extra space laid flat across a tabletop. You can add a tasteful pop of gold décor to your table with an embossed-leaf gold organza table runner for an elegant statement piece.
3. Gold Pillows
Throw pillows and blankets are an easy way to add colour pops to an area, and especially if you don’t want to commit to broader sweeps of any one colour on the walls or elsewhere. Throws are easy to switch out for any season or occasion, and it’s even easier when you use the same pillow insert with interchanging covers. Here are a few fun ones in gold:
- Sequined gold throw pillow covers provide extra sparkle and brightness
- Gold velvet throw pillow covers add that velvet touch of luxury
- Faux silk gold throw pillows are super sleek and shiny with a smooth texture
As for actual upholstery in things like sofas, you’d likely need to have furniture custom-made with a material that truly lends a gold metallic sheen. A ‘gold-coloured’ sofa made with normal upholstery material will basically look tannish-yellow. Most gold-coloured fabrics don’t offer the same appeal as, say, gold satin sheets and similar bedding, unless it’s sewn throughout with metallic thread. That’s why throw pillows offer an easier option when it comes to furnishings.
4. Extra: Gold Fashion and Accessories
Yes, this is a post about gold décor, but let’s not skip over a peek at some fun fashion finds! After all, if you really love gold, you can wear it all day no matter where you are.
If you’re going somewhere fancy, a long sleeveless metallic gold dress is a beautifully elegant option. Pair it with a gold-plated stainless steel cuff bracelet – and also wear the bracelet with any casual outfit for a confident band of gold décor around your wrist. A gold metallic shawl is a versatile accessory that pairs nicely with the gold gown above and can also dress up any casual outfit, whether as a scarf, headscarf, or shoulder wrap.
Ready to Go Gold with Gold Décor
If you’re happily inspired to paint the town gold, rest assured that everything listed here is reversible and affordable so you have nothing to lose. But if you want to take it a step further than simply gold décor and really gild your space with customized gold furniture and permanent gold wallpaper, I would love to learn how it went! Do share your results in the comments, however much you choose to do. Gold is a lovely and timeless colour so you really can’t go wrong. Have fun with it!