Cool DIY Copper Projects

Warm metallic hues are easy to love but often pricey. When you create the look with hardware and crafts store supplies instead of the real thing, it will hardly cost a pretty (copper) penny.

Warm Details

This living room promotes its friendly gray and blush tones with warm copper accents. Metallic paint, string, and fabric add perfect details. The shelves are fronted with copper foil electricians tape, available at most hardware stores.

Burnished Bowl

Glam up a basic bowl using copper leaf. Follow manufacturer's instructions to apply the delicate leaf, being careful to keep it from crumbling before application. For first-timers, choose an easy design like our mistake-proof ragged edge. Finish with a clear spray sealer.

Shelf Upgrade

Succulents and artwork look at home on a copper-front shelf. Basic brackets become lovely accents when treated with metallic spray paint. Apply three light coats for a thorough, durable finish—and remember to spray all screwheads, too.

Copper Leaf Picture Frame

Watch this simple technique for adding the perfect coppery touch to your picture frames.

Good Spirits

Use metallic porcelain paint to add festive confetti dots to a glass carafe. Dip a paint dauber into the paint, blot on a paper towel, then press it to the glass. Continue applying dots densely at the bottom of the vessel and more spaced out as you move up. Use a cotton swab to fill in dots if needed

Foiled Again

A rugged tree slice gets a brilliant makeover when layered with copper leaf. We generously applied gilding adhesive and copper sheets to the flat surface until we had consistent coverage and shine. For an aged effect, apply fewer metal sheets and let some wood grain show.