DIY Gold Leaf Leg Caps

22 Oct DIY Gold Leaf Leg Caps

Remember last week when I showed you my new sofa for the Addition and slightly lamented its legs?

pottery barn carlisle sofa

They are fine, of course, but they were looking so uninteresting, and I didn’t really want to spend money to change them out right now.  Therefore, late one night, I had an idea and took matters into my own hands.  This involved me whipping out my gold leaf paint.  I purchased this exact kind at Aaron Brothers long ago, and it has served me well for various projects.

First, I cut two pieces of a brown paper grocery bag to put under my legs.  (I just painted the two front legs as the back legs are two small square feet.)

I originally planned on taping off the bottom of my sofa legs with painters tape, but because of the shape of the legs, I didn’t have to.  (which made this project even easier, awesome)  However, if you have straight sofa legs and you want that “cap” look, you will need to tape them off.  Propping your two front sofa legs off the ground is recommended for ease of painting.  I tried painting these with the feet on the floor at first, and it was way too cumbersome.

I used my knee.  (also, here are my favorite pajama pants)

Gold leaf paint is very thin and drippy so don’t put too much paint on your brush.  I dipped my brush in the paint and then scraped off the paint from one side before I applied the paint to the legs.  Also, gold leaf paint is very smelly so make sure your space is well ventilated.

I brushed on one coat of paint and let it dry for a couple of hours.  Then I put on a second coat for good measure.  If you apply the coats too close together, the first layer of paint will smudge so be patient.

This project was super easy, cost me nothing except time, and the legs look WAY better.  Gold leaf paint has a lovely, subtle textured look, and the color is so rich.

I think the tips could easily pass for brass caps.

My sofa got amped up in style in a short amount of time, and I had some fun playing around with styling.

I am obsessed with the whole line of gold leaf tables from Wisteria, and I purchased the side table this weekend.  (they are having a nice sale if you’re shopping in store)  Classic, classic design that will never go out of style, plus those thin, hammered legs, and the marble top is amazing.

My love of opaline boxes continues, and I snagged the yellow one a few weeks ago.

So go forth, dear readers.  Give your furniture legs some class!  (and send me photos when you’re done)  Boring looking upholstery legs be gone!