10 Incredible Things You Can Do With Paper Napkins

Hometalk Recommends
by Hometalk Recommends
What do a boring chest of drawers, a thrift store basket, and a $1 candle have in common? All of them are dying for to be decoupaged! And we've know the best material for the job -- paper napkins!
The next time you’re cleaning up after a cookout, use the leftover clean paper napkins to cover any plain decor, from picnic baskets, to table tops! Here's some inspiration:

1. Dollar Tree Bread Basket

Project via Gail @Purple Hues and Me
This Hometalker was sick of searching for the perfect place to display her baked goods, so she created her own with a basket and napkins from the Dollar Tree. The best part? Her creative idea immediately went viral!


2. Distressed and Decoupaged Dresser

Project via Alli @Refunk My Junk
After combining her two favorite looks - aged wood and vintage flowers - this DIYer created a naplin decoupage dresser update that could win furniture flip awards. And it’s even crazier when you see what it looked like before!


3. Upcycled Candle Sleeve

Project via Robin @Redo It Yourself Inspirations
With a cut up soda bottle and a paper napkin, one crafter created a candle sleeve design that works for any holiday or event. For a budget-friendly decoration, make your own with her instructions.


4. Boho Blue Table

Project via June @Nostalgiecat
Ok, a basket is understandable, but how someone managed to cover their entire tabletop in bold patterned paper napkins is flat out unimaginable. On a mission to turn this table from plain to extraordinary (and isn’t it?!), this Hometalker saved these paper napkins for over a year before this transformation.


5. Flowerpot from Recycling

Project via Gail @Purple Hues and Me
Don’t toss your empty tin cans - instead, copy this upcycling queen, and turn a food can, a paper towel roll, and some paper napkin pieces into a look-alike vintage watering can - the perfect spot for displaying summer blooms!


6. Faux Marble Filing Cabinet

Project via Alexis @Persia Lou
When you find a pattern you like, you can turn it into anything, even a new front for a banged-up set of filing cabinets! Whether you’re using some pretty scrapbook paper or an especially striking stack of paper napkins, make use of the beauty you find.


7. Floral Picnic Basket

Project via Jeanie @Create & Babble
The only thing better than a summer picnic, is a summer picnic with a basket as whimsical and wonderful as this! Use extra paper napkins to give your ancient picnic tote a fresh new face for the season.


8. Flower Framed Mirror

Project via Alyssa @Clever Nest
Cover a boring mirror frame in colorful paper napkins, to instantly turn it into eye-catching decor, and make it match any color scheme or design style easily!


...And our favorite projects from across the internet are...


9. Covered Brass Drawer Pulls

Project via In My Own Style
This quick a simple hardware update is a stroke of design genius! Can you imagine an easier way to add bold patterns and bright colors to a beloved piece of furniture? This accenting idea is just perfect!


10. Colorful Tile Coasters

Project via Curbly
Turn leftover tiles into pretty coaster, by simply coating them in paper napkins and Mod Podge! With a pack of napkins, you can easily create a complete set of coasters, great for displaying on your coffee table or gifting to a friend.


So, which is your favorite? Share your ideas with us so that we can all turn our extra paper napkins into incredible decor!
(Share these outrageous ideas with friends!)
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  3 questions
  • Simone Simone on Aug 23, 2018

    when using napkins to do your dresser and you used a darker color nakin on a darker wood, sanding wont make it look aweful?

  • Rita Rita on Jan 10, 2019

    hello, my name is rita, i'm Italian, my question is what is MOD PODGE,? Please, I can't go in my Italian shop and ask for MOD PODGE, it wouldn't be understood.

    THANK YOU

    RITA

  • Virginia Virginia on Mar 05, 2019

    Can you do this on plastic storage containers? If so how?

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  • Ann54578206 Ann54578206 on May 23, 2022

    Might try tomorrow. Might even decoupage it. I do a lot of work like that.

    Thankyou

  • Stacey Crump Stacey Crump on Nov 10, 2023

    I have been buying tiles so I can make and sell can you give me the run down on how do the napkin on tile, cause I keep messing up and that's why I went with scrapbook paper

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