Easy DIY Marble Tray Tutorial (with matching coasters!)

I don’t really do many DIY tutorials on the blog, but with #NationalTileWeek here, what better way to celebrate than a little upcycled project for my easy DIY marble tray.

So here’s my guide to making a VERY simple marble tray and matching coaster set.

How to Make an Easy DIY Marble Tray Perfect for a Coffee Table

1. Choose your Materials

So for this mini project, you’re going to need a few tiles.

If you have any leftover from a house project then perfect.

I’m using some beautiful marble wall tiles from British Ceramic Tile which could easily be the remains of a kitchen or bathroom remodel.

I’ve then bought a couple of inexpensive handles (black or gold would be great for this too), rummaged in the shed and found the little sticky pads, and also a tube of strong glue.

2. Assemble the Tray

So this is easy. My tiles are the perfect size for a tray, so no cutting or fiddly mess required. Just stick on the pads onto the underneath of your tile to ensure you protect any surface it sits on.

3. Add the Handles

Next up is the most difficult bit (and it’s really not difficult at all). You’re going to stick your handles onto the tile using the strong glue, so measure out exactly where you want it to go, and ensure both sides are level.

Now, this tray isn’t going to be fully functional and I wouldn’t recommend carrying it around too much laden up with hot tea and toast. It’s much more for decorative purposes so be careful how you use it. 

4. Make the Matching Coasters

Now I actually had a few tiles for this project, so with a second one I decided to have a go at making a set of matching coasters.

This is more tricky and you will need a tile cutter (I borrowed one from my Dad – and had a mini lesson too!).

All you need to do is take an existing coaster to use as a template, draw around it and make 4 matching pieces cut out from your large tile. Easy. The whole thing took 15 minutes.

As with the tray, I used some mini sticky pads for the base and gently sanded some of the cut edges to smooth them off.

I found it was a good idea to move the large tile around as I cut it so I had a variety of effects from the marble. This way I’ve got a lovely selection of mini marble tiles in my coaster set, all slightly different.

5. Style it Up

Now this is where the magic happens.

If you’re lucky enough to have some stunning tiles like me, this job is so much easier. Use your tray in an ornamental way on a coffee table or sideboard and style it up with some of your favourite accessories.

Place your matching coasters nearby to finish the look.

Play around with how you want it to look. If you’ve used black or copper/gold handles, choose a few pieces that tie in with that.

I’ve gone for texture in my display, choosing some greenery, concrete and wood to give the table more of a luxe look.

I’m pretty pleased with how it’s turned out. Why not have a go at your own easy DIY marble tray?

So I mentioned at the beginning of the post that it is National Tile Week, and to celebrate British Ceramic Tile have a wonderful giveaway you can take part in. They’re giving away a trip to London for 2 people to include, 2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast, transport to and from London and tickets to the V&A exhibition. All you need to do is go HERE and leave them your details.

Thanks to British Ceramic Tile for providing the tiles and inspiring me to create this simple but effective project. 

We have other DIY tutorials that you’ll love too. Why not try this upcycling dressing table idea, or make yourself a macrame plant hanger?

If you love this idea, why not save the image below to your Pinterest board to revisit later;