The Flashy Furniture Upcycle Idea That We'd Love To See More Of In 2025

Metallics are one of the most beautiful ways to add texture and dimension to your home, and with leafing, you can create this look yourself on your existing furniture. Used well, this DIY can create a shinier and more genuine metal look than simply using metallic paint. Silver leaf upcycle projects can have a lot of impact. Use them to stun in glam rooms with French Regency-inspired touches or modern rooms that favor neutrals. While this style may be expensive to buy from retailers, you can actually turn any piece of furniture into a gorgeous silver piece by applying some leafing. 

This stylish look adds glamour and fits various aesthetics while adding texture to create a beautifully layered look. Silver leaf can instantly elevate any piece to look refined or add historic accents to make a new piece of furniture appear antique. It is also great for covering up imperfections or making budget-friendly pieces look much more expensive. Silver leafing can work on a number of surfaces, including wood, ceramics, plastic, and glass. 

To begin, prepare your surface by wiping off debris and removing any hardware that may get in the way of application. You may want to prime the area with blue paint, which can help your silver leafing appear cooler and shinier when placed over it. Apply a layer of adhesive, such as Folk Art Gilding Adhesive, which is made specifically for the application of silver or gold leaf. Mod Podge can also work well. 

Silver leaf comes in sheets, typically with several to a package. Apply it carefully over the adhesive with gloved hands or a brush to avoid damaging the leaf, smoothing any bubbles or imperfections as you go. When you've reached the edge of your application area, use a brush or your fingers to remove any remaining silver leaf — it should easily crumble away from any areas not covered in glue. Sterling silver foil will tarnish over time if exposed to elements, which you can allow if you want a more antiqued look. Alternatively, seal it to retain its initial patina and protect it from damage with an acrylic spray or brush-on coat. You can also purchase imitation silver leaf that will not tarnish.

You can use silver leaf in many of the same ways you would use a gold finish in your home decor. Use it around the trim of a dresser or nightstand for a high-contrast look that screams old money, or apply it on the arms of tufted chairs to give them a Regency look. If your furniture lacks accents and interest, you can add pre-cut molding and millwork appliques covered in silver foil to instantly elevate the piece. You could also use it to cover up areas like the top of a desk or dresser, especially if the piece has scratches or divots but is otherwise sound. 

For all-over leafing projects, apply it across the entire surface of the piece. This works great for old beat-up dressers to give them a chic look. Full silver leaf can also look amazing on vanity tables, consoles, desks, and nightstands. You can even use this finish on decor accessories like lamps or candlesticks, or architectural details like molding and ceiling medallions. For some fun projects that add elegance to your home, swap gold for silver on this stunning gold leaf mirror makeover or this simple DIY gold leaf project for creating a gilded doorway.