Don’t be too quick to toss out those mismatched, chipped, or vintage plates gathering dust in the back of your cupboard. Whether it’s a family heirloom with a small crack or a beautiful find from a thrift store that doesn’t fit a set, old plates are a goldmine for DIY enthusiasts.
Here is your ultimate guide to transforming forgotten porcelain into 10 stunning home decor and practical projects.
1. The Classic Gallery Plate Wall
One of the most sophisticated ways to reuse old plates is to treat them as art. A “plate wall” can turn a blank dining room or hallway into a focal point of texture and color. Use adhesive plate hangers to secure them, and don’t worry about them matching perfectly—mixing patterns and sizes creates a curated, eclectic look.
2. DIY Tiered Jewelry or Cupcake Stands
If you have plates of varying sizes (a dinner plate, a salad plate, and a saucer), you can create a beautiful tiered stand. These are perfect for organizing jewelry on a vanity or serving treats at a party. You will need a diamond drill bit and a “tiered stand hardware kit” to assemble them.
3. Whimsical Garden Edging
Give your garden a touch of charm by using old plates as a border for your flower beds. Porcelain and ceramic are remarkably weather-resistant. Simply bury the plates halfway into the soil, overlapping them slightly to create a continuous line.
4. “Pique Assiette” Mosaic Art
If a plate is already broken, use the shards for Pique Assiette mosaic art. You can cover old picture frames, flower pots, or even a tabletop with the colorful pieces. Use tile nippers to shape them, stick them down with adhesive, and finish with grout.
5. Unique Kitchen Wall Clocks
Turn a particularly beautiful dinner plate into a functional timepiece. It’s a great way to keep a piece of a sentimental set. Purchase a simple battery-operated clock motor kit, drill a hole in the center, and install the motor and hands.
6. Charming Teacup and Plate Bird Feeders
Combine an old plate with a teacup to create a whimsical bird feeder. The plate serves as a wide base for seeds, while the cup can hold water or extra food. Use a strong, weather-resistant adhesive to glue them together and mount them on a sturdy stake in your garden.
7. Mosaic Garden Stepping Stones
Create decorative stepping stones using broken plate shards. Press the ceramic pieces into wet concrete inside a mold. Once set, apply grout to fill the gaps. It’s a durable and artistic way to pave a colorful garden path.
8. Decorative Mirror Frames
Small saucers or the patterned rims of broken plates can be used to frame a simple mirror. You can glue whole small plates around the edge for a bold look or use shards to create a classic mosaic frame that adds personality to any room.
9. Chalkboard Memo Plates
Transform a plain plate into a functional message center using chalkboard paint. Paint the center while leaving the decorative rim exposed for a “framed” effect. It’s perfect for writing daily menus or reminders in the kitchen.
10. Custom House Number Plates
Use a large dinner plate as a unique backing for your house numbers. Use waterproof paint or vinyl stickers to display your address on the center of the plate, then mount it near your front door for an instant boost in curb appeal.
