Cork tiles are inexpensive and more useful than many people realize. After creating a cork tile wall for an electronic dartboard in my basement family room, I still had several. I could have returned them, but I came up with creative ways to use them instead. I used all of the remaining cork tiles and ended up buying two more. Within a week I devised a number of creative and practical ways to use the precut squares, and I enjoyed making useful items for my home.
Make Handy Coasters with Cork Tiles
Even though I have slate tile side tables I wanted a set of coasters to help prevent moisture rings from sweaty glasses. Dust and crumbs end up in the wrought iron framework, and added moisture creates a mess. I used one of seven cork tiles to make a set of four drink coasters. I used a right angle ruler and a sharp utility knife to cut the cork. Next, I added an absorbent felt layer. I bought squares of blue craft felt, and I glued it beneath the coasters. They were not the most decorative coasters I have ever used, but they worked better than anything else I had used to protect my slate side tables.
Use Cork Tiles to Make Unique Bulletin Boards
I also made two small bulletin boards with my leftover cork tiles. I made the first one for my daughter’s room. I purchased lilac colored craft foam letters, and I glued her name across the top of the board. After trimming it with lilac lace, no other decorations were necessary. It looked great, especially after adding homemade decorative tacks. The article entitled Ideas for How to Make Decorative Bulletin Board Pushpins provides a number of creative suggestions. They can serve a practical use while adding color and appeal to an otherwise ordinary bulletin board.
Protect Delicate Surfaces
I used two of the cork tiles to protect the top of my bedroom dresser. I have two heavy tabletop works of art, and they would scratch the wood if they were moved across the surface or simply bumped. I traced around the items, cut out the forms and used double sided peel-and-stick adhesive to attach it. The cork was hardly noticeable, and it would be easy to remove if I ever wanted to take it off. I could safely display the art on the dresser without scratching the wood.
These are just a few of the many ways to use extra cork tiles. I also attached one to the inside of a kitchen cabinet door. It provided a great place for small notes, business cards and other things that I did not want everyone to see. In any case, do not buy them from a craft store. Visit a local home improvement store or shop online for the lowest possible prices and the greatest selection.
Source: Personal and Professional Home Design, Crafting and Decorating Experience