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
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