Upcycling tiles: Using construction leftovers for creative projects

A couple of years ago, an anonymous street artist in France garnered fame by filling up hazardous potholes on Europe's pavements with colourful mosaic tiles and ceramic flakes. This gives us an idea of how discarded tiles and finished construction materials can be upcycled to make something beautiful.  

Whether it is traditional village homes or urban residences, tiles are the common choice to augment a home's aesthetic appeal. From walls and floors to stairs, tiles are often incorporated for beautification. 

Upcycling tiles is an interesting interior design concept, as the material is available in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours and can be used to create many enticing works of art.

Furthermore, if thrown away, leftover tiles can negatively impact the environment. 

Filmmaker and architect Shakoor Majid explained, "It is much more logical to use the materials that we already have properly. Instead of using materials purchased from outside, I would use tiles that are at hand, produced in the country, available in the local market, and available in my locality."

If your extra tiles have been gathering dust in your store room, below are some ideas to give them renewed value, beauty and function. Moreover, if you are a DIY enthusiast, you can make your own projects at home with discarded tiles.

Coasters

If you have 4x4 square tiles, small hexagon tiles, or the tools and experience necessary to cut larger tiles down to size, why not make some new coasters to prevent rings on your desk or coffee table? Just glue some felt onto the back of each tile, and your project is complete.

Fridge magnets

This craft is perfect for small tiles, like mosaics or penny rounds. Simply glue magnets onto them to create functional and aesthetically pleasing fridge magnets.

Flower vase and planters

Decorate a plain planter by attaching small tiles to the sides. You can also add a touch of personality to a plain vase by using small tile pieces to create a pattern or abstract design. If you have a leftover sheet of tiles, simply apply adhesive, wrap it around the vase and fill the spaces between tiles with grout.

Coffee table and end table

Refresh an old piece of furniture or countertop by adding tiles to the surface and grout between them. It may be wise to seal the surface of the table once the adhesive and grout have fully set. The same process can be used to create a stunning end table for your living room.

Garden pathways and staircase

If you have a small garden behind your house, there may be an opportunity to use tiny pieces of tiles to adorn charming paths to the garden. On the other hand, geometrically designed tiles can be used to build a staircase.

Creative products for sale

Creative entrepreneurs or business owners can create and sell items made from tiles online. Clocks are often made of wood and metal but tiles can add a unique touch to the design. Candle holders can also be made by wrapping a sheet of small tiles around them.

School projects

Students can design a personalised name plate by stacking broken or pre-cut tiles in different designs on a wooden or clay base. They can build a collaborative classroom mural in which each student decorates a tile with a theme (for example, the environment, history or famous individuals) and then assemble them into a large artwork. They can learn mathematical principles like symmetry and geometry through tile patterns as well.