Quick Answer
Gold can be an elegant and luxurious interior paint color if used thoughtfully in the right spaces. When well-executed, gold paint evokes glamour and richness. However, it also risks looking gaudy if overdone. Gold paint works best for accent walls and smaller doses in dramatic, formal spaces and vintage/retro interior designs. It generally pairs well with other metallics like silver and brass. Lighter soft gold tones are more versatile than bright yellow golds. Consider the amount of natural light, the room size, and your overall decor style before painting rooms completely gold. Test samples first to ensure the gold tone interacts well with your lighting.
The Pros and Cons of Gold Paint
Here are some key benefits and drawbacks to weigh when considering gold paint:
Pros:
- Adds glamour and luxury to formal spaces
- Works well in vintage, art deco, and retro room designs
- Pops against dark wall colors like navy or black
- Complements metallics like brass, silver, copper and bronze
- Soft gold tones are sophisticated neutrals
Cons:
- Can appear gaudy if overdone
- Dark golds show imperfections on walls more
- Requires careful placement in right lighting
- Doesn’t suit all decor styles and color palettes
- Not ideal for entire rooms/homes
Choosing the Right Gold Tone
Gold paint comes in a wide spectrum from light champagne to deep yellow gold. The tone you choose impacts how versatile and stylish the color appears:
Soft Gold: Buttery light gold with hints of yellow works well in more spaces. The soft tone reads as a sophisticated neutral. Soft gold paint enhances the feeling of natural light in a room.
Bright Gold: Vibrant yellow gold pops against darker colors but can look gaudy if overused. Limit bright gold to accents.
Metallic Gold: Gold paint with a true metallic sheen has an ultra glamorous, luxury effect. Save metallic gold for drama in formal spaces.
Rose Gold: The trendy pinkish gold tone is especially versatile for accent walls and furniture. It works for glam, boho, or feminine spaces.
Test gold paint samples on walls at different times of day. Ensure the undertone interacts well with your lighting before committing.
Best Rooms for Gold Paint
Gold paint works better in some rooms than others. It pairs well with specific color schemes and decor styles.
Best Rooms for Gold Paint:
- Entryways and hallways
- Living rooms
- Dining rooms
- Home offices and studies
- Master bedrooms
- Powder rooms
These rooms suit gold’s bold, dramatic impact for an elegant effect. Use gold to define these spaces in open floor plans.
Gold also excels at adding glamour to rooms with the following color schemes:
- Black and gold
- Navy blue and gold
- Grey and gold
- Blush pink and gold
It pairs well with marble, brass, velvet, and dark wood trims for extra luxury.
Worst Rooms for Gold Paint
Gold paint tends to look overpowering and out of place in these rooms:
Worst Rooms for Gold Paint:
- Small spaces like bathrooms and closets
- Kitchens
- Kid and teen bedrooms
- Basements
- Outdoor rooms
Full gold walls can make these areas feel cramped and overly flashy. Reserve gold for smaller accents like framed art.
Gold also rarely complements these color schemes successfully:
- All white or light neutrals
- Pastels like mint green, baby blue, and lilac
- Woodsy color palettes
The gold will look jarring and out of sync with the decor in rooms with these schemes.
How Much Gold Paint to Use
A little gold paint goes a long way. Use it sparingly to avoid a gaudy look. Some effective ways to incorporate gold include:
- Accent wall: Paint one wall in a room gold to create a dramatic focal point.
- Trim/molding: Outline windows, doors, and baseboards in gold for cohesive pops.
- Ceiling: Paint a powder room or dining room ceiling gold for an artistic effect.
- Furniture: Upcycle a dresser, end table, or chair by painting it gold.
- Art: Frame artwork, prints, and photos in gold frames to tie a color scheme together.
In general, painting more than two walls completely gold risks looking overwhelming in average-sized rooms.
Achieving the Perfect Gold Paint Color
Follow these tips to ensure your gold paint color looks classy rather than tacky:
- Test samples on the actual wall before fully committing to the color.
- View the paint color at different times of day to see how the light affects it.
- Opt for a soft tone like champagne rather than bright yellow gold.
- Pair gold with darker accent colors like charcoal or navy.
- Ground the gold with wood furniture and brass/marble accents.
- Reserve metallic gold paint for glamorous special spaces only.
Style the gold walls with ornate decor for an elegant, put-together look.
Popular Brands for Gold Interior Paint
You can find gold paint from most major paint brands. Here are some top options to consider:
| Brand | Gold Paint Colors |
|---|---|
| Behr | Canyon Gold, Glittering Gold, Champagne Toast |
| Benjamin Moore | Old Gold, Satin Gold, Gilded Gold, Champagne |
| Sherwin-Williams | Modern Gold, Softened Gold, Gilded Gold |
| Valspar | Gilded Champagne, Gallery Gold |
| PPG | Precious Gold, Glittering Gold |
Be sure to get swatches and samples before purchasing full gallons. Test in both natural and artificial light on the actual wall paint.
Faux Gold Painting Techniques
For a budget-friendly metallic gold effect, use these faux painting techniques:
Gold Leaf: Brush adhesive onto the wall in a design, then apply ultra-thin sheets of gold leaf. Seal with clear acrylic sealer.
Gold Mica Powder: Add golden shimmer powder to clear acrylic paint for a glittery metallic wall paint.
Sponge Stamping: Cut a sponge into a geometric shape. Dip in gold paint and stamp onto the wall.
Stenciling: Use a gold stencil and paint over it to create a patterned design.
Ragging: Drag a rag dipped in gold paint lightly over a base coat for an organic marbled look.
Dry Brushing: Slightly dip a stiff brush into gold paint and brush lightly over raised surfaces.
Choose faux finishes like gold leaf or metallic powders for the most realistic gold effect.
Should You Hire a Pro?
Painting with real gold paint is beginner-friendly. However, consider hiring a professional muralist or faux finisher for specialty techniques like:
- Metallic gold leaf walls
- Gold vertical stripe accent walls
- Intricate gold stenciling designs
- Full rooms with gold ragging, dry brush, or sponge effects
Their artistic precision ensures the ornate gold finish looks polished rather than messy.
For basic accent walls or painting furniture gold, you can likely DIY it with some painter’s tape and patience. Use high-quality roller sleeves for the smoothest finish.
Maintenance for Gold Painted Walls
Gold painted walls require special care to maintain their shine and prevent early damage:
- Use a gentle touch when cleaning. Avoid abrasive scrubs.
- Gently dust walls with a microfiber cloth to remove dust buildup.
- Repair scuffs immediately to prevent visible marks.
- Apply touch-up paint as needed to cover nicks and chips.
- Consider applying a clear sealer for added protection, especially on metallic gold.
The flashy color shows damage more easily than neutral paints. Address issues quickly to keep walls looking their best.
Conclusion
Gold paint adds instant luxury and glam to formal dining rooms, living spaces, bedrooms and more. While gold risks looking gaudy if overdone, strategic use of soft champagne tones and metallic accents creates an elegant, sophisticated look when executed artfully. Test your gold paint color thoroughly before diving into full feature walls or entire rooms. Ultimately gold paint works best for small dramatic touches rather than overwhelming full spaces in most home decor.
