Give your home décor an easy update with these creative new uses for tabletop favorites. Refresh your space and see everyday items in a new light with these simple DIY ideas.
Repurpose Candles as Mini Vases
Turn recycled jars, tins, and votives into miniature vases for single stems or small bouquets. Gather assorted glassware and candles in various shapes and sizes. Remove wax remnants and clean thoroughly before using as vases. This is an simple way to add a pop of color or greenery throughout your home. Display mini floral arrangements on shelves, side tables, mantels, or windowsills.
Use Trays as Organizers
Trays are versatile pieces that can be utilized in many rooms beyond the dining table. Try using a serving tray to organize a desktop, entryway table, or bathroom counter. The contained surface helps corral everyday carry-alls like keys, sunglasses, skincare products, mail, etc. Trays bring visual order and make items easy to access. Look for trays with raised edges to prevent spills.
Stack Books as End Tables
Give books new purpose as impromptu end tables. Choose a set of thick hardcover books and arrange them in a tight stack to create a surface next to chairs, sofas, or beds. Top with a tray for lamps, remotes, drinks, or decor items. Make sure books are similar in dimension to form a flat surface. Try organizing books by color for a coordinated look. Swap out books seasonally or when you need a décor refresh.
Display Collections on Tiered Serving Platters
Show off your collections in an organized way by using stacked serving platters. Porcelain cake stands and tiered servers keep trinkets and objets elevated and neatly arranged. Place collections on different levels for a visually appealing display. Try using platter “steps” to exhibit small plants, candles, figurines, seashells, geodes, framed photos, or any nic nacs you want to creatively showcase.
Fashion Coasters into Wall Art
Give ordinary drink coasters artful appeal by arranging them in geometric patterns on walls. Use graph paper to map out dizzying designs or symmetrical mandalas. Attach coasters with removable putty or dot adhesive in your chosen formation. Includemetallic, marble, or bamboo coasters for visual depth and interest. Refresh the look by reconfiguring coasters into new shapes and repeating patterns. Add or subtract coasters as needed.
Build Vertical Spice Storage
Maximize cabinet space and store spices vertically with the help of memo boards and magnets. Attach a metal board designed to hold notes and lists inside a cabinet door. Affix small containers of spices to the board using standard magnets on bottle lids. Keep spices freshly shook and easily accessible. Utilize vertical storage for other small pantry items like extracts and seasoning packets.
Craft Napkin Rings from Cutlery
Give dining settings a handcrafted touch by transforming cutlery into napkin rings. Use pliers to gently bend pieces of vintage silverware into circular shapes. Wrap each utensil-turned-ring around rolled napkins at place settings. Try combining different fork and spoon sizes for visual interest. Play with patinas by mixing shinier utensils with more tarnished ones. Add ribbon for even more embellishment.
Build a Photo Display with Placemats
Piece together placemats to build a dynamic photo wall. Cut cork or faux leather placemats into triangular shapes. Adhere shapes together on the wall with removable putty or dot adhesive to form diamonds, stars, or other interlocking designs. Insert photos between pieces in the gaps. The placemat bits serve as coordinated frames to hold memories and images on display. Get creative with the placement and arrangement.
Fashion Chargers into Wall Mirrors
A simple way to DIY a mirror is by using the reflective surface of chargers. Look for metallic chargers, round trays, or even ornate frames with gloss. Remove any decorative elements so the surface is flat. Attach to the wall like a regular mirror. Consider grouping charger “mirrors” together for a faceted look. Use chargers that play off other metallic touches in the space like lamps, vases, curtains rods, and more.
Questions and Answers
Here are some commonly asked questions and answers about repurposing tabletop items for easy home decor:
How can I display tabletop collections if I don’t have a tiered platter?
You can get creative and use items like cake stands, risers, empty picture frames, mantel ledges, wall-mounted shelves, or stools and side tables of varying heights to display collections in a staggered formation. This helps highlight each item.
What type of placemats work best for making photo displays?
Look for thicker placemat materials like cork, leather, or rubber that can be cut cleanly and hold their shape when arranged together. Avoid flimsier vinyl or fabric placemats that won’t adhere neatly to the wall.
What household items make good mini vases?
Small jars, bottles, tin cans, pristine food containers with labels removed, votive holders, and gemstone pots all work nicely as tiny vases. Just be sure to clean thoroughly before placing stems.
Can I turn actual books into end tables or will they get damaged?
Leather bound classics or decorative books with sturdier covers can be stacked to support lightweight items. Use inexpensive paperbacks if concerned about wear – they can easily be swapped out when looking shabby.
What types of photos and images work best displayed between placemats?
Smaller photos around 4×6″ or 5×5″ fit nicely into placemat frames. Postcards, greeting cards,instant photos, artwork prints, magazine clippings, and other ephemera also look great showcased this way.
How can I prevent rust when repurposing old cutlery into napkin rings?
Remove rust spots gently with steel wool or other metal cleaners first. Optionally clear coat utensils with a sealant spray to inhibit future oxidation before shaping into rings. Store rings away from moisture to limit new rust.
Conclusion
Refreshing your home decor doesn’t have to involve big purchases. With a little imagination, you can easily give tabletop items inventive new purposes throughout your space. Repurpose candles, trays, books, platters, coasters, placemats, and cutlery creatively to add organization, style, and visual interest on a budget. Approach your existing collection of dinnerware, linens, and serveware with an open mind and you’re sure to find inspiration for these fun, DIY decorating projects. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box – you may just see your home accessories in a whole new light.
