It’s always better to get more than enough tiles for renovations to your kitchen or bathroom. If you do find yourself with spare tiles from recent projects though, don’t just leave them in storage. There are some fun things you can do with them, and this article will give you a few ideas on how to use leftover tiles in unique ways.
Tile Coasters & Placemats
Coasters and placemats are one of the easiest ways to repurpose leftover tiles from home renovations. Whether they are better suited for coasters or placemats depends on the size of the tile, but they come in many varieties. The only thing that needs to be done is to choose the leftover tiles which are in the best shape and attach a sticky pad to the bottom to finish them. They are an easy way to add colour and character to any room in your home (Porcelain tiles, in particular, are an elegant addition).
Upgrade a Table Top with Tiles
If you have leftover tiles laying around and an old table which could use some sprucing up, why not hit two birds with one stone? Combine the two by turning those old tiles into a new tabletop! Patterned tiles are an excellent choice for this, but any tiles can be used and still end up with a new statement piece. Begin by measuring the tiles against the table and making any necessary cuts. Then secure them down with an adhesive and let it sit overnight. These tables are striking on a patio or terrace but can be used anywhere in your home.
Mosaic Plant Pots
Use old tiles to add colour to your vases, planters, and terracotta pots. Attach old tiles to them with an adhesive, and create fun patterns and designs in the process. Use chipped tiles too by gently breaking them more and use those pieces for funky results. They will spice up your garden, patio, and any other room of the house they’re in. These colourful features will be statement pieces which have a story behind them while freeing up storage space. Decorating vases, pots, and planters in this way is also a great afternoon activity for the whole family.
Wall Art
Tile mosaics are a classic art form which dates back thousands and thousands of years. Some of them are intricate and complex while others are far simpler. There are no rules about tile mosaics, but they always are elegant and beautiful. So why not try your hand at one? Form a pattern with leftover tiles and frame your work to display it like the artwork it is on your wall. It can be a simple colour pattern, or you could even paint on top of the tiles with a design. Either way, you will end up with a focal point which will last for years to come.
Decorate a Serving Tray with Tiles
Serving trays are a necessary acquisition in the transition between student living and a fully realised adult apartment. They’re easy to use when guests are over and want to serve food to snack on. You can spend as much as you want on a serving tray, but you could also use old tiles to make a unique and impressive one. Just take a larger tile and begin by attaching a sticky pad to the bottom. Attach some handles on the side, and suddenly you effortlessly have a serving tray! Porcelain and marble tiles are particularly useful as trays because of their attractive appearance.
Decorate Frames With Square Tiles
Decorating frames with small square tiles is a fantastic activity for the whole family while also reusing old tiles. You can do this with mirror frames, window frames, or even picture frames for family photos. Just figure out a pattern you’d like to use before fastening it down with an adhesive. You can also take a hammer to old chipped tiles to carefully break them into smaller pieces and use them to decorate the frames. If you like this idea but don’t have leftover tiles, have a quick visit to your local tile store and choose the perfect ones.
Conclusion
Tiles don’t just have to be for floors, showers, and backsplashes. They can be used for decoration and to add colour to your home. Even chipped tiles can be used for arts and crafts! We hope that this article gave you some inspiration for your home.
