Colour Of The Month: Going For Gold

By Ana Zuravliova

Trend Specialist at Blinds Direct

Thu 30 Sep 2021

Last updated Wed 22 Jun 2022

An introduction to the colour gold

There is something special about gold. It’s a material that’s captivated us for centuries and has been used from gold colour decorative accessories to hard currency. This is for a couple of reasons, many elements are gases, too reactive or even radioactive, but gold can be easily melted, doesn’t corrode or tarnish and let’s face it, looks lovely.

Whether we love gold because of its colour or love the colour because we’re obsessed with the material is somewhat academic, the fact remains gold is with us to stay. For all you budding Goldfingers out there, the good news is you can use gold in interior design to great effect!

How to use gold in interior design

A quick note – plain yellow is not the same as gold. It is true that there are “golden yellows” but for the purpose of today’s blog, we’ll be looking more at materials and tones that replicate the sparkle and magic of gold.

Golden tones can be used to enrich a space but be warned, it’s a colour that you can easily find yourself going over the top with. It’s important to carefully consider every use of gold around the home, we don’t want a domestic equivalent of an 80s hip-hop star after all!

Two of the best ways to enjoy the benefits of gold are with material and accessories. If you own a bank or oil company and can afford gold leaf all over your home, that’s great, but for many of us we’ll have to pick less expensive alternatives…

photo to show example of golden themed interior design

Golden fabrics in interior design

Gold coloured materials are varied, sophisticated and more easily available than Jason’s golden fleece. There is a range of metallic finishes available in fabrics, each of which will help add warmth and sophistication to your space.

Golden velvet

One of the best fabrics to add a golden twist to your space is velvet. The shimmer and sparkle inherent in this luxurious material reflect the same magical properties of gold and evokes similar feelings of excitement and positivity hidden deep within us.

Artisanal gold

Thematically, golden fabrics work in a range of classical and contemporary design trends. Take artisanal gold for example, it is a stylish tone that inspires thoughts of sandy beaches, optimism, and exotic locations.

This softer tone of gold works best with more minimalist interiors where it combines with brilliant whites to create a modern, luxurious feel. You could even consider using it as part of a modern, lavish twist on Scandi design!

Luxe gold

Alternatively, there is the classic “luxe” gold. This is the tone you’ll have seen in palaces, art galleries and museums. Here, use gold to support traditionally elegant colours including dark reds and racing green and even warming shades of grey. While this can work fabulously in the classic British style, it can also be used for more fun, retro-inspired interiors, especially those themed around 1920s glam.

Whichever you choose, consider using golden curtains, Roman blinds, cushions, or lamp shades to enhance your style, just remember, don’t over do it.

an image to show how grey and gold go well together

photo of gold and green curtain next to green table

Colours that go with gold?

Blue and gold

Unsurprisingly, sandy tones of gold partner well with blues. Mirroring the sea and the sky, blue as a primary colour is beautifully enriched by selective use of gold tones. For the best effect, look to soft shades of blue with a powdery quality to them. For those not keen on light blue, darker shades of blue can work also, however this will create a more traditional effect.

Red and gold

Red and gold make a particularly regal statement in interior design. Gold coloured metal accessories partnered with luxurious crimson velvets is an excellent aesthetic to enjoy. Since red is tricky to use as a dominant colour, look toward darker shades which you can use with gold in a joint secondary-colours capacity.

Green and gold

Finally, a newer combination that’s fashionable. Natural shades of green work extremely well with gold. Sage, eucalyptus, and grey greens contrast with gold to make a space feel warming yet refreshing. Helping us to relax, this combination is perfect for living spaces and bedrooms.

Grey and gold

For a subtle, more contemporary look, combine gold with grey. To make the most of this style, look to bluer shades of grey which have a warming feel to them. Mid tones of grey with gold may be too much of a juxtaposition, but when the grey has a bit more depth to it, gold will really help to accentuate its natural charm.

Golden accessories

Beyond soft fabrics, there are other ways you can enjoy gold in your home. You can emulate the charm of gold leaf with high quality paint you can apply to furniture, but this might have mixed results.

Curtain poles

To enjoy an excellent yet subtle twist of gold in your space you might find the perfect option in our ranges of curtain poles and lamp shades.

Quality hand finished curtain poles from Blinds Direct are an easy yet effective way to add gold into your home. The range includes two essential types – coloured wooden curtain poles and metal curtain poles. Gold coloured wooden curtain poles offer a slightly more antique effect, while metal alternatives look energising and modern.

Lampshades with a golden inner

Moreover, you can inject gold into your space with a metal inner for your lampshades! When you find the perfect lamp shade for your space, simply pick brushed gold from the “inner” drop down menu and enjoy the sparkle it will bring to your décor.

All our window furnishings, lamp shades, cushions, and curtain poles are manufactured at our state-of-the-art facility here in Yorkshire. Our team here at Blinds Direct works to the highest standards earning them a gold medal for quality and style.