Decorating Guides
Get Glowing With Gilded Decor
Learn the history and modern uses of gilt furnishings to set your home agleam with gold or silver's radiance
Gilding has been used to add shine and shimmer to our homes since ancient times. In this craft, fine gold, silver, copper or aluminum leaf or powder is applied to objects. Even though the basic application has remained the same, generations of expert gilders from around the world still have distinct trade secrets regarding the finer techniques.
While gilded objects have always had a place in interiors, large gilded furniture has recently come of age. Learn more about the evolution of this fine craft below — maybe gilded decor can find a place in your home.
While gilded objects have always had a place in interiors, large gilded furniture has recently come of age. Learn more about the evolution of this fine craft below — maybe gilded decor can find a place in your home.
Ancient Greek gilding. Ancient Greek gilders brought fire into the equation. By applying a gold amalgam (a mercury alloy) to a metal object and placing it under intense heat, they were able to remove the mercury completely, leaving just the top coat of gold on the surface of the object.
The same kind of gilded patina on these nested side tables, mirror and lamp gives this room visual richness and depth.
The same kind of gilded patina on these nested side tables, mirror and lamp gives this room visual richness and depth.
Ancient Roman gilding. Roman gilders turned the Greek method into more of a decorative art, filling their temples with brilliantly gilded pieces.
Evidence suggests that the Romans gilded wooden objects with a mixture of clay and chalk as a base, using egg whites to apply the gold leaf. They used a piece of ivory to polish the leaf to a bright shine.
These Corinthian-inspired columns, with gilding inside the pediment and on the frieze, show off the benefits of gilding to full effect.
Evidence suggests that the Romans gilded wooden objects with a mixture of clay and chalk as a base, using egg whites to apply the gold leaf. They used a piece of ivory to polish the leaf to a bright shine.
These Corinthian-inspired columns, with gilding inside the pediment and on the frieze, show off the benefits of gilding to full effect.
Renaissance gilding. France saw the reinvigoration of gilding during the reign of King Louis XIV, aptly known as the Sun King. The Palace of Versailles, with its excessive bronze gilding and gilded plaster moldings, is a striking example of this craft.
The gilders of this time made a mold in wood or clay and filled it with wax. The mold was then filled with molten bronze. A mixture of ground gold and mercury was heated and applied to the bronze object until the mercury evaporated and a thick layer of matte gold was left on the object. Rubbing the gold with a heliotrope stone gave it a polished sheen.
This magnificent Louis XV–style gilt wood mirror and Louis XIV–style console vanity both display a true master gilder's delicate and painstaking work.
The gilders of this time made a mold in wood or clay and filled it with wax. The mold was then filled with molten bronze. A mixture of ground gold and mercury was heated and applied to the bronze object until the mercury evaporated and a thick layer of matte gold was left on the object. Rubbing the gold with a heliotrope stone gave it a polished sheen.
This magnificent Louis XV–style gilt wood mirror and Louis XIV–style console vanity both display a true master gilder's delicate and painstaking work.
Oil gilding. Today there are two methods of gilding that were developed in ancient Egypt and improved upon during the Renaissance.
Oil gilding can be used on both indoor and outdoor decorations. During the process a linseed oil–based glue is applied to a very clean surface. The gold leaf is laid down when the glue is dry to the touch but still slightly tacky. Professional-grade gilding tools are used to manipulate the incredibly thin leaf. When the glue is dry, the loose leaf is brushed away and the surface is buffed with cotton wool.
The subtle gilding on this antique French console table works perfectly in this setting.
Oil gilding can be used on both indoor and outdoor decorations. During the process a linseed oil–based glue is applied to a very clean surface. The gold leaf is laid down when the glue is dry to the touch but still slightly tacky. Professional-grade gilding tools are used to manipulate the incredibly thin leaf. When the glue is dry, the loose leaf is brushed away and the surface is buffed with cotton wool.
The subtle gilding on this antique French console table works perfectly in this setting.
Water gilding. Water gilding requires more work by the artisan, and the end result cannot be used on outdoor decor. First, six to 12 coats of gesso (a type of plaster of paris) are applied to the object, followed by four to eight coats of bole (a refined clay). The bole is polished until it is extremely fine and thin. Gold leaf is applied using gilder's liquor, which activates the glue in the bole and gesso. After, the object is left alone for a matte finish or burnished with polished agate for a mirror finish.
The contemporary gilding on this pedestal, lamp base and painting frame have been given careful thought, and the results speak for themselves.
The contemporary gilding on this pedestal, lamp base and painting frame have been given careful thought, and the results speak for themselves.
Care and maintenance of gilded objects. If you have a gilded object of value, avoid regular cleaning. Using a spray or any other wet cleaning substance will cause abrasion and wear away the surface. Instead, dust it lightly on occasion and seek professional advice if there's any obvious damage.
I love this 1960s-inspired salon with its silver and gold gilding on the bed's headboard and footboard — too fun!
I love this 1960s-inspired salon with its silver and gold gilding on the bed's headboard and footboard — too fun!
Ancient Egypt was rich in gold, so many Egyptian craftsmen were master gilders. Goldsmiths in ancient Egypt pounded gold to less than a hundredth of a millimeter in thickness, decorating wood and metal objects with the thinnest and finest overlays of gold leaf. Some experts believe that animal glue was used to adhere the leaf directly to the object.
This delicate gilded wall sculpture is the hero element in this eclectic dining room.