This DIY Is Such An Easy Way to Elevate Thrifted Plates
At a well-stocked thrift store, some of the hardest items for me to resist are always the little vintage dishes. Sure, saucers are cute, but I don't need any more of them in my kitchen - and how many more can I really shove on my desk and dresser?
So when I came across a creator's easy DIY for elevating thrifted plates, I was immediately intrigued. Read on for the details!
Related: Candle Girlies Will Love This Unexpected DIY Project Using Thrifted Crystal
A DIYer Is Turning Her Secondhand Plates Into Chic Home Decor
In a few recent social media videos, a DIY creator named Jolene (@desert_rose_marke on TikTok and @desert_rose_market on Instagram) showed how she upcycles thrifted plates (as well as bowls, planters and more) into pedestals! This DIY is super easy, and you only need a few items.
For your pedestal's base, you can use any item you have at home or find in the thrift store - just make sure it's wide enough and strong enough that it can support the weight of your dish. Some options Jolene has used include:
- An empty spool
- A candlestick holder
- A vintage alabaster lighter (after removing all the inner parts)
By taking a dish up another level, Jolene elevates it (pun intended) into something that not only looks more elegant, but also has additional function. Once your dish is securely attached to a strong base, you can use it in a number of ways, as seen in Jolene's videos, such as:
- A serving dish (for food or for home decor)
- A bookend
- A key bowl
@desert_rose_marke I hear this all the time… "I don't need a candlestick. I don't even use candles." Neither do I. But I'll still grab one every time because they're one of the most versatile things to thrift. Lamp. Pedestal. Tiny vase. Never underestimate a single candlestick. #vintagehome#thriftedhome#thrifting
Everywhere - Fleetwood Mac
How to Upcycle Thrifted Plates Into Pedestals
Here's what you'll need to recreate this DIY:
- A small plate/saucer (or a bowl or planter)
- A base, such as a candlestick holder
- Hot glue gun or super glue
- Marker
And here's how to do it:
- Clean your dish and base, and let dry.
- Lightly mark the center of the bottom of your dish with a marker.
- Use hot glue to attach your base to your mark in the center of your dish, and let dry.
@desert_rose_marke Two thrifted stone pieces. One accidental pedestal. This started out as an alabaster lighter and a random thrifted stone piece. Now it's one of my favorite little shelf details. Thrifting taught me the slow way: it's not about what it is, it's about what it could be. Would you have kept it as a lighter? #thrift#vintage#vintagestyle
In the Morning - Sly, Slick & Wicked
Commenters Loved This DIY for Vintage Dishes
"This is great. Very pretty and gives the plate another use," a commenter wrote on one of Jolene's Instagram videos. "Plus it's just hot glue which will just perk off if you ever want to change it back. No permanent damage. Love it."
"Ooh such a cute addition on a bookshelf!" another commenter added. "Nailed it girlfriend. off to check my thrift stash for supplies!" someone else wrote.
@desert_rose_marke Riser → plant stand → lamp One thrifted candlestick, three uses. #thrifteddecor#vintagestyle#cozyhome
Sleigh Jivin' - Dominic Glover & Gary Crockett & Jason Glover
Related: DIYer Upcycles Altoids Tin Into Gorgeous Celestial Jewelry Box
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This story was originally published May 14, 2026 at 6:45 AM.