Tile Africa: 3 Unconventional Ways to Use Tiles in Wall Decorating

Any frequent DIYer will tell you that you’re spending too much money bedecking your walls in costly canvas pictures, over-priced photographic prints, and art that – whether affordable or not – always goes hand in hand with the added expense of a frame. So, what’s the alternative? Liza Watermeyer, Retail Displays Manager at Tile Africa offers these creative DIY ideas, to demonstrate a few ways you can transform something as simple as a tile into the perfect finishing touch to any room.

Paste and go The artwork you choose for your home should say something about you and speak to who you are. Obviously, the best way to do this is probably not to go out and buy a generic paper print in a cliched white or black box frame, most likely found in a retail store where everyone you know shops.

Instead, create something original, made of sturdier stuff for a fraction of the price, using the art of decoupage. All you have to do is find an image – make sure it’s high resolution – or a fabric you like, and paste it to a ceramic tile with decoupage glue. Then use the glue to coat the surface of the tile three or four times with a foam brush, waiting for it to dry between coats, and spray it down with acrylic sealer. Spell it out Calling all board game lovers, this one’s for you! Scrabble tile décor looks great across a variety of styles from vintage chic to quirky and eclectic, and can even be painted onto existing tiles in the kitchen or bathroom. Just print out the letters and numbers, cut them out into stencils and trace them in black oil paint. You could also take a shortcut and have vinyl stickers printed. For a polished look You probably would have never guessed you could use your old nail polish and a few white ceramic tiles to create premium looking watercolour masterpieces. Just fill a container with water and add a few drops of nail polish. The colour should float close to the surface of the water. Then dip the tile in, remove and turn over. Repeat the process until you’re satisfied and then leave it to dry for 24 hours. Find more useful DIY projects and Tiling advice at Tile Africa.