How to make DIY tile coasters

Turn old bathroom tiles into cash when you repurpose them into striking coasters and expand your homeware range

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Holly Spanner

Published: August 8, 2021 at 7:08 am

Add some rustic charm to your home by upcycling some old tiles with these exciting colourful coasters. They’re quick and easy to make and with very little outlay, so if you're looking for a side hustle, they’re perfect for profit. It’s much cheaper to bulk-buy, but sample tiles are a great way to try out a shape or colour before you commit to buying a box. We used bright origami papers to add a blast of colour to our coasters, but you can use wallpaper or wrapping papers – just choose something smooth for a neater finish. If you're stuck for patterned paper, we have a huge selection of patterned paper here on Gathered, all free for you to download and print! Sell your coasters in fours or sixes for a better return – why not offer a pick and mix option so shoppers can create their own unique sets? Here's a top tip, if you're selling or giving your DIY tile coasters as gifts, tie sets of four with sheer ribbon for a luxe wrap and easy presentation. The technique used to make these DIY tile coasters is similar to that used in decoupage - so check out how to decoupage for everything you need to know! Like this project - why not make a matching decoupage tray?

Check out our other upcycling projects for more inspiration, like how to upcycle a mirror, or how about making your own DIY birdhouse? Why not check out our round-up of the best sea glass projects, or how about giving your wardrobe a revamp without splashing the cash? We've got all the best upcycling clothes ideas here on Gathered.

We love seeing what you make, so don’t forget to share your upcycling or craft projects with us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, too!

You will need

Patterned paper (wallpaper, origami paper or wrapping paper)
Pencil
Scissors
PVA glue
Rustoleum Crystal Clear Semi Gloss Finish Spray
Felt
Tailor’s chalk

How to make DIY tile coasters

Step 1

First, choose the tiles you want to make into your DIY tile coasters. Use sandpaper to rub away any rough edges from the tile. Lay a piece of patterned paper face down onto your work surface, then place the tile on top. Draw around the tile using pencil. Measure 0.5cm (¼in) inside the pencil line and draw another line going all the way around the tile. Cut out around this inside line.

Step 2

Place the patterned paper on top of the tile, pattern side up; the paper should be slightly smaller than the tile with a small border of tile showing, trim more if needed.

Step 3

Coat the tile with a layer of PVA glue, then stick the patterned paper on top, smoothing out any bumps. Leave to dry for about 30 minutes, then paint the tile and paper with another coat of PVA glue. Leave overnight to dry completely, then spray the tile with clear gloss finish and leave to dry.

Step 4

Place the coaster onto a piece of felt and draw around it with tailor’s chalk. Cut out the felt and stick it to the bottom of the tile using PVA glue. Trim away any overhanging felt, to finish.

DIY tile coasters, portrait 2

We hope you’ve enjoyed these upcycled tile coasters. If you’re looking for more easy upcycling projects, why not make these (super easy) wine bottle lights or these (equally easy) herb pots. Check out our upcycling projects for more brilliant inspiration!

Staff Writer, BBC Science Focus

Holly is the Staff Writer for BBC Science Focus and looks after the popular Q&A section. She holds an MSc (distinction) in Geoscience (Space and Climate Physics) from UCL, and specialises in astronomy and earth sciences. Before joining Our Media, she worked as a geoenvironmental consultant and engineer, informing on ground risk and remediation in the north of England, while hunting for exoplanets in her spare time. Alongside this, she was regional editor of a popular theatre website for nine years, and has a solid background in curating and developing content for the digital space. Holly is also an artist and illustrator, and regular contributor to the craft website, Gathered. She has previously worked with the RSPB, English Heritage, Disney, Pilot and Brother, as well as on BBC Good Food magazine, Home Style magazine, and Papercraft inspirations magazine. She enjoys photography and has a sustained interest in antiques.