I love projects that breathe new life into old things, and this mosaic coffee table may just be my favorite yet. Not only is it a one-of-a-kind piece for our home, but each blue and white shard carries a bit of history and character that simply can’t be replicated with new materials.
Ever since I saw Gwen’s blue and white sink surround I’ve wanted to create my own mosaic moment. So I’ve been collecting damaged, cracked, or chipped blue and white (mostly Blue Willow) pieces for years as I just loved the idea of one day creating something beautiful with all of the broken pieces. I mostly sourced through Facebook Marketplace (which had the best deals), and my absolute favorite treasures were found by a local diver who searches the rivers here in the South Carolina Lowcountry recovering pieces that may have spent multiple decades or more hidden beneath the water.
Oh the stories this table could tell! This finished coffee tabletop is full of history, personality, and little imperfections that somehow make it even more beautiful.
If you’ve been thinking about trying a mosaic project, this is such a fun one to tackle! (So long as you don’t make the mistake I made, which I share more about below, this is a pretty simple and easy DIY.)
DIY Details
Supplies:
- Coffee table with a solid top
- Broken dishes, bowl, cups, vases (I used mostly vintage Blue Willow.)
- Optional border tiles ( I used these.)
- Tile nippers (to cut and shape pieces)
- Double-sided tile adhesive by MusselBound
- Premixed white grout
- Rubber grout float
- Damp sponge
- Soft microfiber cloth
Step 1: Gather Your Mosaic Pieces & Plan Your Layout
I intentionally used mostly Blue Willow but mixed in other blue and white patterns for added interest. Then I started playing with the arrangement before sticking anything down. Don’t overthink it too much. There’s no wrong or right.
Step 2: Apply the Adhesive
Instead of traditional thinset mortar, I opted to use double-sided adhesive by MusselBound (which I used in my powder bath). This made the project so much cleaner and easier. I did give the tabletop a thorough cleaning and a light sanding to prep the surface before applying this adhesive, but I’m honestly not sure that sanding was even necessary as this adhesive is quite strong.
It’s basically a double sided sticker sheet, and you remove the protective backing a little at a time pressing the pieces firmly into place. Be sure to work slowly as this adhesive has an immediate strong grab and adjusting pieces after they’re down can be difficult.
Step 3: Fill the Entire Surface
I started with the border pieces and worked my way towards the center until the entire tabletop was covered. I varied the spacing to create a more organic, collected look. And if a piece didn’t fit the way I wanted it to, I used the nippers to trim it. This part takes a little patience, but it’s incredibly satisfying watching the pattern come together.
Step 4: Grout
Once all of the pieces were adhered, I spread premixed white grout over the entire surface using a rubber grout float. Be sure to press the grout into every gap between the pieces.
My biggest tip?
Do NOT let the grout dry completely before wiping it away. Wait until it begins to set up a bit, but while it’s still workable, use a damp sponge to gently wipe away the excess.
If you wait until the grout fully hardens, removing the excess becomes much more difficult and can turn a fun project into one that makes you want to cry. (Ask me how I know. 😉)
Lastly, buff away any remaining grout haze with a clean microfiber cloth.
The Finished Result
A whimsical table that tells a story.
Before
After
Every broken piece has a history, and together they’ve become something so special. That’s one of the things I love most about decorating with vintage, you’re giving old things another chapter.
Plus, there’s something incredibly rewarding about creating a one-of-a-kind piece!
*Side note – I may add a grout sealer although the premixed grout I used doesn’t call for one. With this table being outside, I don’t think an extra layer of protection on this white grout would be a bad idea.
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