5 Clever Cork DIY’s You Need to Try Today

What could be better than having a tall glass of wine after a long day? Being able to reuse the corks, of course! Corks don’t need to be one of those items that end up in junk drawers or consistently thrown away. In fact, with some creativity, cork is very versatile and can come together as a unique fixture for your home. Here are a few ways to get crafty with cork this season!

A New Bathmat

Cork bathmat photo by Amelia Sommer. License: CC BY 2.0.

Say goodbye to shaggy bath mats and get to work on your own cushy cork replacement. Not only are these mats comfy to stand on post-shower, but they’re easy to make and give your bathroom a more of a natural, rustic feeling. This particular mat was even inspired by a bamboo version, and Craftynest offers a step-by-step guide to creating your own. We’re just glad it gives us more reasons to drink wine.

Clever Coasters

Cork coasters photo by Lenore M. Edman. License: CC BY 2.0.

Cork can be used to make really unique coasters. If you’re imaginative you can really take them in any direction, and we especially love these agate coasters from A Peace of Creativity. Using hodgepodge or another adhesive, they can be glued to cork coasters to add a pop of brilliant color to any end or coffee table. You can also choose to cut cork coasters into various shapes (think animals or countries) depending on the theme of the room you’re using them in. You can also personalize them with initials, paint them in funky colors, and engrave them with clever phrases.

Decorative Vases

Decorative cork vase photo by Marc Majcher. License: CC BY-SA 2.0.

Who doesn’t love bringing some life into their rooms with the help of lush plants? Luckily, there’s a way to liven your home while simultaneously using your saved corks. These cork vases are the perfect accent for any coffee table, window sill, or empty shelf. They’re super easy and inexpensive to create, making them the perfect decoration or gift for a friend – just fill them with fresh cut flowers! Of course, if you’re not the proverbial green thumb, you can always take a low-maintenance approach and opt for beautiful decorative plants you can change with the season.

Chic Backsplashes

Chic cork backsplash photo by Jeremiah Andrick. License: CC BY 2.0.

Unsure of what to do with the old wallpaper in your kitchen? We’ve got the perfect solution. Create a simple, chic backdrop to kitchen counters with your collection of corks. It brings an antiquated look to your kitchen, although they’re certainly an endeavor, the end product is worth the investment. Remember, you will probably need a lot of cork so this may be a project that will need to mature before you go crazy with the wood glue.

Matted Mirror

Matted cork mirror photo by Torbakhopper. License: CC BY 2.0.

Sometimes after redecorating our favorite room, we’re left with an obnoxious empty space on the wall, glaring at us and begging to be filled. This is where a large oval or oblong mirror comes in handy. Large, picturesque mirrors tend to be expensive, so this is an affordable solution. All you need to do it buy a basic mirror, piece of wood to mat it on and surround it with corks. Feel free to let the creativity flow and organize them in whichever design suits your room best. Viola! You’ve got a great, decorative DIY piece for the nagging spot on the wall.

There are so many ways to use cork for home improvement. Its versatility makes it a go-to material for everything from small knick-knacks to full-on furniture, so the next time you enjoy a glass of your favorite Cab, save those wine corks!