Upcycling: Getting Creative With Old & Leftover Tiles

If you, like many others, have undertaken an interior renovation project this year, you may have some new tiles left over. Alternatively, perhaps you’ve ripped up an old tiling project and are still stuck with the remains. Fear not, we’ve got a solution! 

Today, we’re offering up several ways to make old tiles sparkle and new tiles versatile with a number of upcycling ideas. Quick, easy and fun, these upcycling projects could be just the cure for lockdown boredom, adding a dynamic new layer of creativity to your home interior or exterior. 

Freshly painted titles

Want a change to your current tile aesthetic but don’t want the hassle of starting a job from scratch? Why not apply a fresh lick of paint?

When it comes to painting tiles, be sure to use waterproof and self-undercoating paint for the best results. While your colour choice will, of course, depend on your interior style, we recommend a timeless colour like white, black or grey. If you feel particularly adventurous, you could even create a geometric style with paint – just be sure to use masking tape when applying to help define those sharp edges! 

Coasters and placemats

Feeling crafty? Even those less arty interior enthusiasts can create stunning coasters and placemats from unused or old tiles with ease. 

Depending on the size of the tiles, you can potentially stick them together using a piece of velvet or soft cloth as the base layer. Simple as that! Either leave the original surface untouched for a quirky take on traditional coasters and placemats, or repaint to match your existing decor. The possibilities are endless! 

Plant pots

As one of the most popular upcycling projects for the garden, consider revitalising those plain terracotta plant pots with some creative design. 

This is where the fun begins. Take some much-needed stress out of your life and smash those leftover tiles with a hammer – just please be careful and wear appropriate safety equipment! Use some adhesive to apply the broken pieces of tile to the pot in your own creative take, then once happy, finish with grout. You can take inspiration from classic Moroccan styles or create your design from your own tiles – once again, the only limit is your own imagination!

Tiled vase

Much like creating unique new plant pot styles, a similar technique can be used to bring a new lease of life to vases. 

However, if you’re using smaller tiles for this upcycling project, they won’t need smashing (sorry, you’ll have to find another stress outlet this time around!). Using an adhesive, stick your tiles to an old ceramic vase, smoothing off a nice rounded edge to finish.  

Bookcase

Bored of your old wooden bookcase? Transform it into a standout feature within your home. 

Using old and leftover tiles, you can either return to the hammer-smash method for a creative mosaic piece, or leave the tiles complete and stick on using adhesive. Matching your approach to seamlessly complement your existing decor themes is enough to turn any worn-looking bookcase into a stunning focal feature of any room.

Furniture

Don’t throw away old furniture! Old furniture can be the foundation of a whole host of upcycling ideas that not only provide a real sense of self-achievement, but also save money and the planet in the process. The very definition of a win-win!

With a small number of leftover tiles and some paint, you can upcycle unused furniture items like old tables and chairs to bring a fresh dynamic to any interior. Whether it’s resurfacing a tabletop with some smooth natural stone tiles or reimagining a chair’s aesthetic with some eye-catching patterns on the legs and base, throwing out furniture can quickly become a thing of the past. 

Fridge magnets

Perhaps one of the most simple upcycling projects you can find, why not try your hand at dismantling a mosaic tile board and then adding a magnet to the back? 

This will enable you to create truly one of a kind fridge magnets that are not only easy to make but also super effective in asserting aesthetic cohesion when matched with your splashbacks, worktops or overall colour scheme.

When it comes to using up old or leftover tiles, there’s no better option than upcycling projects. Simply let your imagination run wild and see where your creativity takes you – and be sure to share the end results with us over on Instagram. Here at Tiles Direct, we love nothing more than seeing our tiles in action!