Don't Toss Broken Coffee Mugs - Use Them To Create A Unique Statement Decor Piece

Coffee mugs can be some of the most treasured and frequently used items in our homes, so it's often sad when they meet the end of their life, whether through wear, chipping, or broken pieces. While you may be tempted to throw these pieces out along with and other broken ceramics in your kitchen, you may want to instead check out this awesome DIY mosaic table created by TikTok user @kotn. The DIYer uses unsalvageable ceramic mugs to create a stunning tabletop mosaic that turns a boring glass and wood table into a beautiful and unique furniture piece.

This project is very easy and inexpensive to create, requiring a few mugs, two-in one grout like SimpleFix's Pre-Mixed Adhesive and Grout, and an old table. While the DIY video uses a recessed table top that creates an automatic frame for the mosaic to rest in, you could also build a frame around the edge of the table by attaching some pieces of molding with wood glue or nails to the perimeter. Use this technique on accent tables, coffee tables, or any flat top surface in your home. These mosaics make especially lovely outdoor side tables, coffee tables, or DIY patio tables to add an artsy aesthetic to your outdoor spaces. You can also turn old coffee mugs into beautiful wall art with a similar technique.

To create a tabletop mosaic, begin by breaking up the ceramic pieces into smaller bits. To do this safely, employ goggles and gloves to avoid flying debris. Wrap a dish towel over your ceramic pieces and use a hammer to break them, getting the pieces as flat as you possibly can and making sure that you have enough shards to span your table's surface area. For smaller pieces, you can place them in a plastic bag before breaking them.

Lay down a layer of the grout adhesive on the surface and begin placing your pieces. You can do this randomly in a terrazzo style, or use it as an opportunity to create images and designs using color more strategically. Once the entire surface is dry, begin adding another thick layer of grout, allowing it to fill all the cracks and cover the mosaic pieces. Once dry, use a damp cloth or sponge to remove it from the ceramic surfaces. Sand down any remaining sharp edges, then add a mosaic protective coat, like Krylon Make It Last Sealer, to protect it.

In addition to pieces of broken pottery and ceramics, you can add other elements to your mosaic table for additional interest, such as glass gems, stones, bits of mirror, beads, and sea glass, all of which create beautiful variations in texture. Or you can carefully cut your mugs in half using tile cutter tools to make them 3-D elements in your mosaic. You can also add tinting to the grout, like Marbler's Liquid Colorant for subtle color, or Hemway Glitter Grout Additive for some sparkle.