After finishing a bathroom renovation, I ended up with a stack of leftover tiles just sitting in the garage. I didn’t really want to toss them, but I wasn’t sure what to do with them either.
Turns out, those extra tiles can actually be put to good use. Whether it’s a small home fix or a creative weekend project, there are plenty of ways to turn them into something both useful and nice to look at.
It’s a simple way to make the most of what you’ve got, and maybe even enjoy the process a little along the way.
1. Create A Stunning Mosaic Table
Those plain coffee tables can get a whole new life with tile scraps! Break your leftover tiles into pieces and arrange them in patterns on tabletops for an instant conversation starter.
You’ll need some tile adhesive, grout, and a bit of patience. The result? A unique piece of furniture that looks like it came from a fancy boutique without the boutique price tag.
2. Design Your Own Coasters
Why spend money on store-bought coasters when you can make your own? Small square tiles make fantastic drink coasters that actually look better than anything you’d buy at a home goods store.
Stick some cork or felt on the bottom to prevent scratches. For extra flair, paint designs on plain tiles or use decorative ones as is. Your guests will ask where you bought these cool drink savers!
3. Craft A Plant Pot Tray
Houseplants and water don’t always play nice with wooden furniture. Larger tiles work wonderfully as trays under potted plants to catch drips and prevent water damage.
If you have multiple identical tiles, glue them together for larger plants. The smooth surface makes cleaning super easy when soil spills. Sometimes the simplest ideas are the most useful, and this one definitely falls into that category!
4. Build An Outdoor Path
There’s something magical about a garden path that looks like it belongs in a fairy tale. Leftover outdoor-rated tiles can create charming stepping stones through your garden or yard.
Lay them directly on packed soil or set them in concrete for a more permanent solution. Kids love hopping from tile to tile, making this both a practical and fun addition to your outdoor space. Your neighbors might even ask for your landscaper’s number!
5. Make Personalized Wall Art
Blank walls begging for some personality? Tiles transform into canvas for your artistic expression! Paint designs on plain tiles or arrange colorful ones in a frame for instant wall art.
Acrylic paints work great on ceramic surfaces. If you’re not feeling artistic, transfer family photos onto tiles using decoupage techniques.
Though they might look professional, these art pieces cost practically nothing except your time and creativity!
6. Fashion A Kitchen Backsplash
Kitchen walls near sinks and stoves need protection, and leftover tiles are perfect for this job! Even mismatched tiles can create a funky, eclectic backsplash that adds character to your cooking space.
For a cohesive look, paint them all one color before installation. The practical side? Tiles make cleanup so much easier than painted walls.
Your cooking splashes will wipe right off instead of becoming permanent wall decorations.
7. Craft A Rustic Trivet
Hot dishes need a safe landing spot, and tiles are naturally heat-resistant! Glue four identical tiles together in a square, add some felt feet, and you’ve got yourself a homemade trivet.
For extra pizzazz, arrange different colored tiles in a pattern. These make thoughtful housewarming gifts too.
Though simple to make, these trivets work just as well as store-bought versions that would cost you three times as much!
8. Create Address Numbers For Your Home
How about making your house numbers stand out with some tile magic? Paint numbers on tiles and mount them by your front door for a custom address display that weather won’t easily damage.
Large format tiles work best for visibility. You can even add solar-powered lights nearby so visitors can find your house after dark.
Your mail carrier will thank you for this functional upgrade that makes their job a little easier!
9. Design A Decorative Mirror Frame
Plain bathroom mirrors get boring after a while. Spice things up by creating a custom frame with leftover tiles! Arrange them around the perimeter of a frameless mirror for an instant bathroom upgrade.
Small mosaic tiles work wonderfully for this project. The moisture-resistant nature of tiles makes them perfect for bathroom environments where wood might warp.
Your morning routine will feel much fancier with your custom creation reflecting back at you.
10. Assemble A Jewelry Organizer
Tangled necklaces and missing earrings frustrate everyone. A tile with several small hooks screwed into it creates a wall-mounted jewelry organizer that keeps everything visible and tangle-free.
For rings and studs, add a line of caulk across the tile and let it harden to create grooves to hold small items.
If you use a decorative tile, it doubles as wall art when not holding your accessories. Mornings become less stressful when you can find your favorite earrings instantly!
11. Craft Colorful Refrigerator Magnets
Those bills and school notices need somewhere to go on the fridge. Small tile pieces with magnets glued to the back make charming refrigerator magnets with more personality than store-bought options.
You can paint tiny designs on them or leave them as is if they have interesting patterns. Kids love helping with this easy project too.
The weight of ceramic gives these magnets extra holding power for those bulky school calendars and artwork.
12. Build A Small Fire Pit Table
Outdoor gatherings get cozier with a mini fire pit! Ceramic tiles work wonderfully for the top surface around a small metal fire bowl, creating a safe border that won’t catch fire.
This project requires some woodworking for the base, but the tile top makes it weather-resistant and easy to clean.
Your friends will gather around this conversation piece during cool evenings. Just add some comfortable chairs and marshmallows for an instant backyard upgrade!
13. Fashion A Chic Serving Tray
Breakfast in bed feels extra special on a handmade serving tray. Arrange tiles in the base of a wooden tray frame for a waterproof, easy-to-clean surface that looks store-bought.
The flat tile surface prevents drinks from tipping over. You can coordinate tile colors with your bedroom or kitchen for a pulled-together look.
When not delivering morning coffee, these trays look great on ottomans holding remote controls and magazines.
14. Create Custom Cabinet Knobs
Cabinet hardware costs add up fast during renovations. Small tiles can become unique drawer pulls with just a little hardware and adhesive! Broken tile pieces work great too if you smooth the edges.
For a cohesive look, use tiles that match your backsplash or countertop. These custom knobs add personality to boring cabinets without breaking the bank.
Your kitchen or bathroom instantly looks more customized with this simple weekend project.
15. Design A Bathroom Accessory Set
Matching bathroom sets from stores cost a fortune for what they are. Tiles can cover plain containers to create coordinated soap dispensers, toothbrush holders, and trinket dishes.
Use waterproof adhesive since these items live in humid environments. The ceramic surface cleans easily and resists water damage.
Your bathroom instantly looks more put together with matching accessories that cost a fraction of retail sets.
16. Craft A Bird Bath Topper
Feathered friends need water too, especially during hot summers! A large tile or several tiles arranged together make a perfect topper for a homemade bird bath stand.
The slight concave shape of some tiles naturally collects water. Seal the grout lines well if using multiple tiles. Birds will flock to your yard to enjoy the refreshing water spot you’ve created just for them.
17. Make Seasonal Door Decorations
Front doors deserve some decorative love beyond just wreaths. Tiles become seasonal door decorations with a bit of paint and creativity! A large tile with a holiday design can hang just like a wreath.
Change them with the seasons or for special occasions. The weather-resistant nature of ceramic makes these decorations last for years. Unlike fabric decorations, these won’t fade in the sun or get damaged by rain.
18. Assemble A Garden Marker Set
Gardeners know the frustration of forgetting what’s planted where. Small tiles with plant names written in permanent marker or paint make charming and weatherproof garden markers.
Stick them in the soil with attached dowels or lean them against pots. Unlike wooden markers that rot or plastic that cracks in the sun, these ceramic markers last through many growing seasons. Your herb garden never looked so organized!