Tile Tabletop Ideas – 13 ways to upcycle a table with tiles
As living costs continue to rise, giving new life to existing furniture can be an excellent option. Whether you’ve got a table that needs some TLC or are planning to pick up a second-hand bargain to upcycle, keep reading to discover how tiles can turn a table from ordinary to outstanding.
Image credit: @hardyandsmart
Recommended tile: St Andrews
What tiles are suitable for a tabletop?
Although tabletop tiles won’t be faced with heavy wear and tear like floor tiles, if you’re planning to use the table outside, or put hot objects onto it, you’ll need to make sure that you’re choosing the right tiles for the job.
- Porcelain tiles are one of the best all-round tiles for a tabletop. Porcelain tiles are extremely durable and, if you’re using them outside, frost won’t pose a problem. You’ll have the most choice in colour, texture and size with porcelain tiles and as well as having every colour at your fingertips, you can opt for realistic-looking wood, stone and concrete effect tiles too
- Natural stone tiles are a great option if you prefer a more rustic, natural look for a tabletop. They’re one of the more expensive options and will need to be sealed to prevent water damage and staining.
- Terracotta tiles are extremely durable and a good option for use outside, just make sure that the tiles are suitably sealed.
- Terrazzo tiles are an attractive option for a tabletop. Made from porcelain and extremely tough, they’ll create a beautifully stylish table for use inside or out.
- Glass tiles are a beautiful choice, opt for glossy, brightly coloured tiles, metallic tiles, mosaics or eye-catching mirror tiles.
Tabletop tile ideas
If you want to give a new lease of life to a preloved table, take a look at our inspired ideas before you begin and keep reading to find out how to tile a tabletop.
Black and white tabletop
One advantage of tiling a small area like a tabletop is that you can choose the most beautiful tiles to do so. Pick premium range tiles in bold designs to create a luxurious and practical tabletop that you can use in the garden and the dining room.
Image credit: @nikandcarolehome
Recommended tile: Damask Decor 1
Fully tiled table
If you’ve got a spare weekend, why not tile an entire table? Both practical and stylish, square tiles are ideal for a DIY project, you might even be able to get an exact fit and minimise the amount of cutting you need to do!
Image credit: @jemima.good
Recommended tile: Muazurka Emeraude
Tiled media unit
TV unit looking a little shabby? Why not pep it up with pink tiles? An easy beginner project, you can choose tiles in any colour you like and edge them with wood or tile edging strips for a perfect finish.
Image credit: @kotiharjunkupeessa
Recommended tile: Harmonie Camelia
Tiled side table
Smarten up an old side table by tiling the top with your favourite tiles. You can also use leftover tiles from another tiling project. Ceramic tiles are easy to clean and will withstand the heat from a cup of coffee, as well as inevitable spills.
Image credit: @Rugianointeriors
Recommended tile: San Babila
Patchwork tile tabletop
Give an old table a beautiful makeover with a layer of patterned tiles. Sure to brighten up the kitchen or garden, a bright, funky table will be the centre of attention in an otherwise neutrally decorated home or add even more character to a more traditional space.
Image credit: @spectrum.tiling
Recommended tile: Provenza Deco
Mosaic cube table
Get creative with beautiful mother-of-pearl mosaic tiles and create an eye-catching centrepiece for your home. Although mother-of-pearl may look delicate, it’s waterproof, weatherproof and suitable for use inside and out.
Image credit: @yellow.bubble_
Recommended tile: Antique White Gloss
Metro tile garden table
As well as looking fantastic on walls and floors in the home, the ever-versatile metro tiles are ideal for decorating tabletops. Use leftover tiles from a house project or choose bright jewel tones to brighten up an existing piece of furniture.
Image credit: @percivalhouse_
Recommended tile: San Vincenzo
Mosaic tile tabletop
If you’re feeling really creative, combine colourful mosaic tiles with broken tile pieces to create a unique tabletop tile design. You can take inspiration from artists like Gaudi and Laurel True or design your own masterpiece.
Image credit: @twogirlsandacontainer
Recommended tile: Arkitekt White
Mirror tiled tabletop
Add a luxurious look to a tabletop with glitzy mirror tiles. They’ll instantly revive a tired old table and the tiles will go with everything. Mirror tiles are easy to keep clean and make a surprisingly practical addition to a table.
Image credit: @luckyspanieldesigns
Recommended tile: Original Style Glassworks
Terrazzo tabletop
Terrazzo tiles have been around for centuries. Created by the Venetians as a way of using up marble chips, today’s terrazzo tiles are usually made from cement or porcelain with embedded stone, porcelain or glass chips. As the chips run throughout the tile, you can leave the edge of the tile on display without needing to use edging strips.
Image credit: @ecoartsyuk
Recommended tile: Monarch Terrazzo Pearl Matt
Penny mosaic tile tabletop
Add a retro look to a tabletop with penny mosaic tiles. These tiles come on a sheet for easy fixing, but if you want to create patterns or mix different coloured tiles together, you can easily snip tiles off the sheets to do so. Porcelain penny tiles will be the most hardwearing option for a tabletop.
Image credit: @pele_findson
Recommended tile: Shapes Round Matt White
Moroccan style tiles
Liven up a side table with boldly designed Moroccan-style tiles. These statement tiles are perfect for transforming spaces and using them to clad a tabletop is a subtle way to introduce pattern if you aren’t keen on using them over a larger area.
Image credit: @joannepaddondesign
Recommended tile: Damask Decor 3
Wood effect tile tabletop
Wood-effect porcelain tiles are an ideal solution for a tabletop. Durable, waterproof and weather-resistant, they can be used indoors and out. Unlike real wood, they won’t need to be stained or varnished and you won’t need to worry about discolouration or rot.
Image credit: @mooneward
Recommended tile: Naturae Wood Effect Hazel
How to tile a tabletop
If you’re thinking of transforming a table with tiles, we thought we’d put together a handy guide to help get you started. It’s a job that you should easily be able to complete over a weekend.
You’ll need:
- Enough tiles to cover your table, allow extra for inevitable breakages when cutting
- Tile adhesive and grout
- Tile spacers
- Tile cutter
- Edging strips, if using.
Before you start, lay out your tiles so that you can work out the best fit and which tiles, if any, you’ll need to cut.
If your table has an inset, perfect! If not, you can hide the edges of the tiles using decorative wooden trim or metal tile edging. Remember to factor this in when working out the layout of your tiles. You can also leave the edges of the tiles exposed, it’s all down to personal preference.
If you are using an old wooden table, give it a good sand down before you start. It’ll help to remove any loose or flaking paint or varnish and provide a good surface for the adhesive to adhere to. If you’re painting the table, it’s best to do this before you tile.
Spread the adhesive onto the tabletop and attach the tiles. Use tile spacers if you want the tiles to be perfectly aligned.
Once the adhesive has set, it’s time to grout. Apply the grout with a grout spreader then remove any excess with a damp sponge.
And that’s it! A great project if you’re new to tiling and one of the best ways to upcycle a table.
Atlas Ceramics has an extensive selection of porcelain, glass and natural stone tiles. Browse our selection yourself or call one of our experts for advice.