I’ve got a bit of a thing about tiles. My friend, Agnes, bought me a set of old blue and white tiles from San Telmo market in Buenos Aires (if you are ever lucky enough to go there, you will never want to leave) and I absolutely love them. I never wanted to tile a wall with them, even though they would look gorgeous behind the bathroom or kitchen sink, because if I leave my home I’d have to leave them too, or go to all the effort of re-tiling. Instead, I’ve always used them as coasters either on the dining table for hot pots, or on the coffee table for cups and candles. A friend came over the other day and noticed the tiles and couldn’t believe she hadn’t thought of using pretty tiles as coasters herself – she has just finished tiling her bathroom floor with the most beautiful Fired Earth tiles and she has a few left over. So, I thought I’d share a few pics of how I use my tiles just in case you hadn’t thought of using them either. However, I have swapped my lovely Argentinean tiles and a couple of tiles from Morocco, for some cheap tiles from the local tile shop, to show you that inexpensive, new tiles can look nice, too, as I know not everybody has a vintage collection;)
All you need to do is buy some surface protectors and add them to each corner of the tiles. That way they won’t scratch your dining table, coffee table, bedside table, kitchen worktop or sideboard. The surface protector pads only cost a couple of pounds.
Add surface protectors to the bottom of your tiles to use them as coasters.
Dot the tiles around your home and not only do they serve a practical purpose but they also add decorative detail that lifts any surface. I have them on my coffee table for drinks and candles, dining table for hot pots, bedside table for candles and on my dressing table for my hair straighteners (the best use for them!!).
I always have a few tiles on my coffee table (my mum’s old school trunk) to protect it from candles and hot drinks. This is the Tangier Blue tile that you can buy here.
BEST use of a tile EVER!
Have a couple of tiles on your dining table for hot pots.
Antic Blanco Delft tile that you can buy here.
Looking to give some inexpensive gifts this Christmas? What about a stack of tile coasters? This stack cost £4 and took about three seconds to add the surface protector pads…
A stack of tiles would make a lovely, inexpensive Christmas present.
Or, what about these beautiful Mexican tiles from Milagros, which cost 46p or 75p each! What a perfect present instead of another box of boring chocolates…
Katy x
Beautiful! Big fan of blue and white designs. I have been wanting to do some DIY tiles for a while after all the leftovers we had from the bathroom works in august, and this post just reminded me of them! 😉 Although, I do like the idea of using patterned ones (especially old reclaimed ones) as opposed to designing ones myself :p Anyhoo, thanks for the lovely Monday monting inspiration! 🙂 xxx
SUCH a good idea to design your own! Plain tiles are just a few pence xx
I am off to buy as many tiles as I can find right now! BEST PRESENT IDEA I HAVE EVER SEEN!
Ha ha! If you buy the Mexican tiles you could make a beautiful present for just a couple of pounds x
Love this – brilliant idea for presents and coasters that can’t be chewed up by the dog – perfect 🙂 I’m going in search of pretty tiles 🙂
Glad you’ve found it useful, Lorna x
I’ve just made 2 tile coasters! They look great 🙂 I can’t instagram them until after xmas as going to make some as presents but I’ll tag you when I do so you can see. Also just scored a wine box for my wellies… your blog is changing my life!
Hoping one day to be organised/stylish enough to join in styling the seasons 🙂
Ha ha! This made me chuckle x
Such a brilliant idea. Just yesterday the hubster said “We need nice coasters”.
Well, what perfect timing x
Great idea! Love it. I’ve got a few ones I picked up in India and they are so pretty to look at. We also picked up a beautiful tile in sciliy that we have in the kitchen. Love it!
They sound lovely! X
Arrrghhh the best idea ever! And for GHD’s too – perfect! Love this idea (in case you hadn’t guessed) x
Ha ha! Glad you like it, Leanne x
Love these! You have such a pretty collection…great idea for GHD’s especially for forgetfuls that leave them on (ahem ;0) x
That’s my problem too! x