We might be a little obsessed with gold spray paint. Ok, maybe A LOT obsessed. Whether you want to update a piece of furniture or add some glam to a thrift-store find, spray paint is just the thing for a quick and easy DIY. And speaking of quick and easy, have you ever come across an IKEA hack that you loved and then realized it would take the whole weekend (including your Sunday Funday) to finish? If you want to work a one-off miracle for your IKEA finds, look no further than these 20 expensive-looking, budget-friendly IKEA hacks that were done using nothing more than a coat or two of gold spray paint.

1. Golden Lighting: Normally a golden desk lamp could set you back quite a bit, but with a touch of gold spray paint, you can add some style and class to your workspace for just a few dollars. (via Pennies for a Fortune)

2. Gilded Campaign Nightstand: White and gold will never go out of style, and we think the extra effort to paint the top of the nightstand gold is absolutely worth it. (via Style Me Pretty)

3. Dressed Up Dresser: Switch up a boring IKEA dresser with a bold, gold geometric shape. (via Camille Styles)

4. Geometric Lamp: Add some personality to a clear glass IKEA lamp by putting a geometric spin on the classic, gold-dipped look. (via Sewing in No Man’s Land)

5. Gilded Desk: Looking for a new desk? Well, maybe you should head to the hardware store for some gold paint instead of shelling out for a brand-new expensive desk. (via The Lifestyle Directory)

6. Gold Shelves: Whether you’re adding open shelves to your kitchen or dressing up some shelves you already have, the answer is definitely gold hardware. (via Design Manifest)

7. Side Tables: Why spend a fortune on side tables when you could update a pair of these IKEA tables for about the cost of a latte? (via Oh My Dear)

8. Touched With Gold: Proof that a little paint can go a long way, just adding gold knobs and painting the legs and base of this IKEA dresser gives it that Scandinavian-glam look we love. (via Smitten Studio)

9. Gilded Bookshelves: No one will ever guess where you got this pretty little number after you coat it in gold. (via Style Me Pretty)

10. Patterned Side Table: Play with pattern by adding some tape designs to a side table before attacking it with gold spray paint. (via Dwell Beautiful)

11. Magazine Holders: Instead of spending a fortune on updating your workspace, just pick up a can of gold paint and go to town on all your existing desk and storage supplies. (via Homey, Oh My)

12. Open Shelving: Jump on the open-shelving trend with some stylish gold-painted IKEA hardware and any rustic plank pieces you can get your hands on. (via Lay Baby Lay)

13. Pendant Lamps: You may not think adding gold paint to the inside of a lampshade is that impressive, but you’ll be amazed how much more stylish and elegant even a simple IKEA shade looks with this luxe update. (via Lulus)

14. Office Chair Chic: Isn’t it amazing how the simplest update like gold instead of silver can make this IKEA swivel chair look like a completely new piece of furniture? It’s a stylish piece of furniture that you definitely won’t mind having in your workspace. (via Hither and Thither)

15. Rustic Glam: Whether you need extra shelves in the kitchen, studio or office, you can’t go wrong with some gold-painted IKEA brackets and a couple pieces of rustic, unfinished wood. (via Houzz)

16. Dream Office: Anyone else insanely jealous of this workspace? Even though the DIY suggests gold leaf, we think a solid coat of gold spray paint would look just as good. (via Style Me Pretty)

17. Wall Sconce: Silver lighting is nice, but nothing beats that soft golden glow for a cozy and feminine look in the bedroom. (via Dwellings by Devore)

18. Golden Lamp: Basically any lamp looks better in gold — or copper, if you’re more into that shade. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, add some fun dashes of paint to the shade. (via Pennies for a Fortune)

19. Striped Candles: Technically this DIY calls for gold tape. But since it still only requires one item (another one of our faves: washi tape), we decided it still deserves to be included. (via Kristi Murphy)

20. Bar Cart: A bar cart is already a pretty chic item. Paint it gold to really take it over the top. (via Blush and Jelly)

What IKEA items have you updated using only gold paint? Share your projects and photos in the comments below!

Kate Thorn
Kate Thorn is an illustrator, foodie, photographer, and blogger at Create & Kate. She loves creating art, traveling, and all things chocolate. A native to the Great Northwest, she is currently living in London and pretending to be a mature grad student.