DIYer Transforms Old Teacups Into A Gorgeous Kitchen Backsplash
Mosaic backsplashes are a major kitchen design trend, but that doesn't mean you need to shell out for fancy tiles. In fact, maybe you shouldn't. A DIY approach is more fun and creates an entirely unique look with vintage-inspired appeal. For one of the best ways to add personality to your kitchen, DIY a mosaic backsplash like TikToker wanderingpeacockhouse. She uses plates, but it's the addition of teacups that really makes a statement, adding texture and artful shapes.
To do this in your kitchen, you'll need to safely break the cups and plates you use. For smashed pieces, place items into a bag you can seal to trap shards and then break it up with a hammer. Wear gloves and safety glasses just in case. For more precision, you'll need a Dremel tool. Wanderingpeacockhouse slices the teacups in half so they're still recognizably teacups when she glues their flat backs to the wall. To do this, mark your cups where you'll cut them and then carefully saw along your lines.
To apply your pieces, map out your pattern first — you can stick them up temporarily with something like Fun-Tak and mark where pieces should go. Adhere pieces when you're ready with tile adhesive, then fill the spaces with grout. Consider using epoxy grout, as it's stronger and can withstand the moisture and temperature fluctuations in your kitchen — you want this mosaic masterpiece to last.
Designing your own teacup-studded backsplash
"My jaw is on the floor," says one commenter on wanderingpeacockhouse's TikTok video. "That is sooooo special." Remarks another, "I did not expect to get chills looking at this. Absolutely magical." As another one of the swooning commenters points out, no other kitchen will ever look just like wanderingpeacockhouse's — and that's an effect you can achieve for your own backsplash with this DIY project.
Best of all, using old plates and teacups is one of the most affordable ways to make a stunning backsplash. You can use teacups, saucers, and dishes you already have — maybe they're not in the best shape anymore, or some have already broken, but you still love them; this gives them a second life. Vintage cups and plates are a genius thrift store find to turn into art, too. Look at resale sites like Facebook Marketplace to find entire sets for less than $5.
Pick a color scheme to match your kitchen and then have fun mixing patterns within that. Think florals, toile, stripes, and pastoral scenes all in pink and white. Take advantage of the added interest you'll get by using teacups and not just plates, too. Arrange them in wreath-like forms to frame specific patterns, or line them up as a sort of frame. You can even pop things into the cups — commenters on wanderingpeacockhouse's post suggest air plants, which would bring the wall to life with verdant green.
@wanderingpeacockhouse Plate wall time! Have a gorgeous flow blue teacup, missing a handle, should I slice it and put it up on the wall or try to sell? Or fix??? Feel free to comment, on the fence! #platewall #mosaic #kitchenbacksplash #diy #flowplates #china #ratechina #englishchina #cobaltchina