Lacquered surfaces are seeing a major spike in popularity lately. Perhaps it’s the advanced chemical constitution of today’s resins, but there’s something about the finish that feels bold and modern, though the treatment has more historical precedent than you’d expect. Lacquerware originated in Asia, where artisans used tree sap to polish wood to a high sheen favored by European aristocrats in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, you’ll find this high gloss applied to walls, ceilings, furniture and built-ins. Discover 12 gorgeous iterations of this designer treatment here.
1. Dramatic in black. The best of two trends (black walls and lacquer) combine in one photo. Black walls hold their own as a glam feature, but many find that they look their very best in high gloss. Otherwise they can appear a bit dusty and lose their drama when the light hits them.
2. A shade lighter. Sometimes you want the drama of a black wall but find that another dark shade works even better in your space. The deep espresso walls with substantial trim are the chef-d’oeuvre here. The overall design is so well-composed that it feels almost inevitable, as if every element has attained its highest potential in this space.
3. Fireplace surround. This unexpected mantel would attract attention in any room, but it shines like a diva in this woodsy, eclectic space. Indeed, lacquer has a knack for waking up its more matte roommates.
4. Ceiling stunner. As more of us look up to find decorating potential on the “fifth wall,” a few see the ceiling as a logical venue to experiment with lacquer. Maybe your home is already a finished product, stuffed to the gills with your favorite furniture, colors and personal treasures, with no room for more. Maybe you’re a minimalist with a decorator’s soul and need to get your fix with a project that won’t add physical clutter. Glossing the ceiling could be your solution.
5. Bookshelf beauty. A masterful testament to the value that professional interior designers bring to a project, every aspect of these built-ins is deliberate and custom-tailored to the room. Lacquer gives the light a stage to dance upon and defies the tired notion that white is always the best way to visually open a space. Click the photo and explore the Comments section for some gems of Meredith Heron’s design wisdom.
6. Built-in bonanza. I think of a wall treatment like this as an outfit — a simple, classic jumpsuit or dress that requires little adornment. Maybe a chunky beaded necklace or star-studded wallpaper on the ceiling, and the ensemble is complete. To get the proper effect, a high-quality paint is the difference between jersey knit and graceful silk taffeta: This room’s designer recommends using a coat of primer and two or three coats of high-quality high-gloss paint, adding that “the number of coats needed to achieve this type of look depends on the condition of the existing surface, the quality of the paint and the intensity of color desired.”
7. Lux on wood. I have a strange affection for wood paneling, but I know it makes other people cringe. If you’ve purchased an older home that contains a rustic wall treatment that was someone else’s pride and joy, consider glossing it all and turning that knotty pine into a major asset.
8. Two-tone standout. As “light and airy” rules the day, renowned designer Steven Gambrel dares to be different with a grounded gentleman’s club vibe featuring two-color gloss (did you notice the ceiling?) plus patent leather chairs. It’s an updated take on the now-maligned “heavy” interiors of yesterday.
9. Bookshelf backer. You’ve seen it done with wallpaper, decoupage, paint and a host of other creative materials, but what about gloss? Here’s a low-commitment little splash of lacquered fun on the backs of bookshelves. It’s a relatively quick and simple design touch that adds one more layer of interest and contrast.
10. Furniture feature. Another DIY project in the making, lacquered furniture texturizes a room the way mirrored furniture popularly does. In fact, the combination of lacquer, light and mirror is a slam-dunk recipe for a bright and elegant space.
11. Bold on brick. A brick wall usually implies a particular aesthetic that lies at the opposite end of the stylistic spectrum from slick glossy walls. Keep everyone guessing by merging the two for a highly original look.
More
Keep Things Fresh With a Bright Lacquer Finish
Lacquered Walls Rise and Shine
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