11 Ways To Reuse Leftover Countertop Materials To Decorate The Inside Of Your Home

So, you've finally finished your highly anticipated kitchen remodel (with a fancy new island, of course) and realized you have some leftover countertop material lying around. These leftover pieces — remnants — are pretty common, actually. Countertop slabs come in standard sizes, so if your kitchen isn't a perfect fit, there'll be some extra bits. It's also easy to overestimate how much material you'll need, especially if it's your first time planning. Plus, if you've got a dreamy new kitchen with lots of curves and angles, there's a good chance you'll have leftovers.

Fortunately, while it's hard to avoid leftover pieces entirely, there are tons of creative ways to reuse them. You could use the countertop remnants as kitchen trivets for hot-out-the-oven dishes. If you've got a big enough piece, it might even work for a chic bathroom countertop or an outdoor table. 

One major perk of repurposing leftover countertop material is that you save money by reusing the pieces for other projects, instead of purchasing new materials. Repurposing remnants is also sustainable, helping reduce waste. Best of all, you can create unique pieces that complement your home's style. Need some inspiration for your remnants? Check out these 11 cool ways to reuse leftover countertop materials around your home.

Depending on the size and thickness of your countertop remnant, you could transform the material into a stylish and functional shower bench. Not only will it add a touch of luxury to your bathroom, but it can also make your shower safer and more accessible. A built-in bench can come in handy for elderly guests, as well as for holding items like towels and shower products. Plus, many durable countertop materials, like quartz and granite, are also water-resistant, making them perfect for a wet environment. With a little planning and customization, you can create a shower bench that's both beautiful and practical.

Are your walls looking a bit bland? Give your living space a stunning facelift with your leftover countertop material. A wall backsplash made of remnants can easily elevate the room's aesthetic while helping protect your walls from scuffs and dents. You can create a dramatic accent wall without painting it, making it an instant focal point. Feel free to add the material to walls in unconventional spots, like the bathroom or hallway, where you can choose to cover the entire wall or isolate the accent around mounted items like a mirror or television.

Need to declutter and free up floor space? Consider turning your leftover countertop material into sleek floating shelves. Not only are they a great storage solution for books, plants, and decor, but floating shelves can completely transform your space. From geometric shapes to functional racks, you can create custom floating shelves in any room and elevate your home's aesthetic. Stone countertop remnants are perfect for creating durable and beautiful shelves that can withstand heavy items. Butcher block material is another great option, available in different woods and stains that create a natural, warm feel.

Tired of your dogs knocking over their bowls and spilling water during feeding time? Create a custom dog bowl holder for them made from your leftover countertop material. Holders can be as stylish as they are functional, serving as a lovely upgrade to your pet's feeding area while also helping keep it clean and organized. Another great advantage of custom bowl holders is the elevation, which can help improve a dog's posture and comfort while eating. Fortunately, most countertop materials, such as quartz and porcelain, are moisture- and scratch-resistant, which are the qualities of an ideal bowl holder.

Need a dedicated cutting board that's not only stylish, but also incredibly durable? Making one made from your leftover countertop material can be a total game-changer. It provides a designated surface for chopping and dicing food, all while keeping your countertops clean and protected from knife marks. Some materials, like butcher block, already look like traditional cutting boards, so the leftovers will look natural and match your current kitchen countertop. You can leave your custom cutting board out on the counter as a convenient and functional kitchen accessory.

Do you have an outdated, boring fireplace? Jazz it up with a custom surround made from your leftover countertop material. A stone surround can instantly elevate the look of your fireplace and become an immediate focal point in your living room. Several popular countertop materials like granite and natural stone are perfect for fireplace surrounds, as they are heat-resistant and can withstand the high temperatures. In addition to a custom surround, you can decorate the fireplace and mantel with objects like vases, mirrors, and string lights to complement your home's decor.

Give your plain windows a little pizazz with a custom windowsill ledge (made from your leftover countertop material, of course). Sleek remnants can serve as ledges on windowsills, which you can use to display potted plants, books, and other decorative items. If the sill area and ledge are large enough, you could even add seat cushions and a few comfy pillows to make it a cozy window reading nook. Countertop materials are generally good for windowsill ledges since many are durable, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean.

Did you know you can revitalize a thrifted table with a custom tabletop? Use your leftover countertop material as a top for side tables, patio tables, dining tables, and more. The moisture- and damage-resistance of certain countertop materials, not to mention their lovely aesthetic, makes them the perfect choice. You can create a unique and personalized look for your tabletops by carving a new edge profile or installing a chic mosaic design. Take the table makeover a step further by painting the legs a fresh new color and adding a few decor pieces.

Hosting a major event? Use countertop remnants to create custom charcuterie boards for guests during a housewarming or dinner party. Compared to basic wooden boards, the sleek and modern feel of a countertop material will look more like an elegant serving tray, impressing your guests and making your food presentations even more appealing. Quartz, soapstone, and other popular countertop materials are nonporous and easy to clean, which comes in handy for charcuterie boards. You can even create a unique and personalized design by reshaping the board and installing handles.

Protect your furniture and create elegant table accessories with DIY coasters made from leftover countertop material. These upscale coasters will not only prevent water rings and scratches on your tabletops, but also make snazzy drinkware displays. Since coasters are small, you're more than likely to have enough countertop remnants to create plenty. Use the coasters in your dining room, kitchen, wet bar, or even as personalized gifts for others. Varying shapes and sizes, along with different designs and edge profiles, enable you to customize the coasters any way you like.

Bathtub and shower stalls can get pretty cluttered from shampoo bottles and other toiletries. As a quick solution, you can cut and mount your leftover countertop material on your shower wall to serve as a stylish and functional shampoo rack or caddy. These provide easy access to your favorite toiletries as well as a practical storage to keep your shower space clutter-free. Countertop materials like ceramic tile and soapstone are perfect for shower environments since they're water-resistant and easy to install. You can also customize your caddy with shelves, hooks, and other accessories to suit your needs.