Check out how I DIY’d our gold Christmas card holders into silver for an entirely new classic coastal look.
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Our last house was decorated very modern coastal and I embraced gold for the first time in my life. I know gold has been trending for a long time, but hey – it took me two years after skinny jeans became popular (circa 2010) to ever buy a pair (and now they’re uncool again?!). Honestly I can’t keep up with what’s cool or not. Trends come and go, but I am a tried and true girl through and through, which meant for our new forever home, I am back to silver finishes.
With all our gold decor over the last few years, I collected quite a few decor pieces in gold including the cutest Christmas card holders I bought on Amazon. You can read all about them HERE. This year, I wanted something softer, more timeless, and a little more “classic coastal.” So I grabbed a can of spray paint and gave them a quick silver refresh. The best part? It completely transformed their vibe with less than an hour of effort!
From Gold to Silver: Modern vs. Classic Coastal
When it comes to coastal holiday decorating, it’s amazing how much of a difference color tone can make:
- Gold = Modern Coastal → warm, polished, pairs well with bold blues and brass accents.
- Silver = Classic Coastal → cool, subtle, and timeless, perfect with classic blue and white, driftwood, greenery, and linen textures.
By repainting my Christmas card holders silver, they went from bold and contemporary to understated and classic—exactly the look I wanted for this year’s Christmas decor.
Supplies You’ll Need
- Christmas card holders (or any small metal decor piece you’d like to refresh)
- Cardboard for protecting floors
- Respiratory mask for helping you not inhale paint (important if you are indoors — I did this in an open garage but the fumes were still intense!)
- Metal primer (if you’re covering a shiny surface)
- Satin or matte silver spray paint (avoid chrome—too harsh, go for “soft silver” or “brushed nickel”)
Step-by-Step Tutorial
- Clean – Wipe down your holders with a damp microfiber cloth to remove any dust or debris. Dry completely.
- Scuff (Optional) – If the original finish is glossy, lightly sand with fine-grit paper for better paint adhesion. I did not need to do this.
- Protect Floors – put down old cardboard to protect flooring. I did this in the garage and just used flat Amazon boxes to prevent paint from getting on the floor.
- Prime (Optional) – Apply a thin coat of bonding primer made for metal. Let it dry according to the can’s directions.
- Spray Silver – Shake your spray paint can well, then apply light, even coats of silver spray paint. Build up slowly instead of going heavy.
Follow the instructions on the paint can for specific dry times.
Styling Silver for a Classic Coastal Christmas
Now that the Christmas card holders are silver, they’ve become a subtle, timeless accent that blends beautifully with our classic coastal decor. I keep them to the side of our fireplace on the floor. They’re tall and beautiful, so they look perfect here. Here are a few ways to style them:
- Table Setting – Pair silver holders with linen napkins, cedar sprigs, and kraft paper place cards for a crisp coastal tablescape.
- Mantel Display – Use them to hold family photos or seasonal prints alongside driftwood garland and eucalyptus.
- Entryway Accent – Cluster them on a console table with white candles and seashells for a soft holiday welcome.
Sometimes the smallest DIY updates make the biggest difference. By switching these Christmas card holders from gold to silver, I completely changed their feel—from modern coastal chic to a classic coastal Christmas. If you’ve got holiday decor that doesn’t quite fit your current style, a can of spray paint might be all you need to make it feel brand-new.
I hope this post gave you some good inspiration. Happy holidays!
FAQ: DIY Silver Coastal Christmas Card Holders
Yes, if the gold is matte and textured. But for shiny finishes, primer will help your silver coat last longer.
Choose a satin or matte silver labeled as “brushed” or “soft.” Chrome and mirror finishes can look too harsh.
It’s optional, but a matte clear coat helps protect against scratches and keeps the silver looking fresh for years.
This post is about how to DIY spray paint silver Christmas card holders.
