How to Wow With Metallic Paint Colors in Your Home

One way to incorporate depth and texture in any space is by adding pops of metallic paint throughout your home in unexpected ways. There are many ways you can do this: Through the trim, via an accent wall, or by painting accessories or old furniture. 

No matter if you plan to go big or small, here are some ideas on how to use metallic paint in your home decor.

1. Start Small With Accent Pieces

If you’re unsure whether you'll like the metallic look in your home, start with painting a few small pieces. Think: the decor trinkets on a tray or the items decorating a set of built-in bookshelves. Be sure to get paint in all the cracks and crevices; metallic spray paint is a good choice for this project.

2. Stick to One Metallic

Sometimes less is more, and if you truly want your metallic to stand out, pick a bold color like gold paint and get creative about how you incorporate it into your space. It doesn’t have to be an entire wall; maybe you want to try your hand at an abstract piece of art on a canvas using hues of gold, or perhaps you have ornamental trim that is due for an upgrade. You could also paint a headboard or refresh existing hardware on your doors and drawers.

3. Mix Metals If You’re Bold

Sometimes mixing metals in your home decor can lend it an air of sophistication—so long as you stick to two metallic colors (or, at most, three). Start with what’s already in your room; for example, if all the hardware is already gold, consider painting your trinkets and other items with a different metallic paint color like silver or nickel. This trick works best when the rest of your room is painted with neutrals like whites, creams, or blacks.

4. Add Pizazz Via an Accent Wall

Metallic paint doesn’t have to be just for furniture or other small accent items; you can go all in by painting it on walls, too. Because the look of metallic paint packs a big punch, you might consider reserving it as an idea for an accent wall or a smaller area such as a powder room or cigar lounge instead of a large open-format space.

5. Repaint a Light Fixture

Paint isn’t just for walls; you can also take a can of spray paint and makeover your existing light fixture as one way to change your room’s aesthetic for cheap. If you’re in the market for a new fixture entirely and are on a budget, consider going to a thrift store or antique market to pick out a new one, then make it your own with a can of metallic spray paint that matches the vibe you’re going for.

6. Paint Furniture With Metallic Wall Paint

One relatively easy way to incorporate metallic paint colors in your home is breathing new life into old stools or other metal furniture that could use a fresh coat of paint. You can easily do this with spray paint, but if you’re using a brush, consider stippling to avoid leaving obvious brush marks behind. You can also paint a bigger piece of furniture like a dresser with metallic wall paint, just make sure you do a solid prep job including priming and sanding between coats.

7. Paint Your Trim Metallic

Think wall trim has to be all neutrals all the time? Wrong — there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to painting! Just make sure there’s enough of a difference between your wall color (opt for a lighter shade) and the metallic paint color of your trim to really make the room pop. A local interior designer can help you come up with the right color combination for your home.