Here's a lovely DIY upcycled tiered cake stand that I made out of coordinating plates, bowls and coffee cups from the thrift store!
Looking to add a touch of charm to your dessert table or next party? If you're wondering how to make a three tier cake stand, this easy and affordable DIY project is just what you need! Using coordinating plates, bowls, and coffee cups from your local thrift store, you can create a beautiful and functional centerpiece that's perfect for entertaining.
Whether you're planning a tea party, bridal shower, or just want a stylish way to display desserts, learning how to make a 3 tier cake stand with vintage plates is a fun way to upcycle dishes and show off your creativity.
Why You'll Love This Project
This is a fantastic, budget-friendly method for anyone curious about how to make a 3 tier cake stand with vintage plates. It's a creative way to recycle old dishes and add personality to your gatherings. Plus, it makes a thoughtful handmade gift!
Materials Needed
- Coordinating coffee cups, plates, and bowls (you can use as many or as few as you'd like)
- E6000 adhesive glue or a strong ceramic-safe glue
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Pencil or marker (for centering)
- Optional: sandpaper or rubbing alcohol to prep surfaces
To create a 3 tier cake stand with vintage plates, try to find plates in three different sizes-small, medium, and large-for the best tiered effect.
Instructions: How to Make a 3 Tier Cake Stand
- Choose Your Pieces: Lay out your plates and cups to decide which ones will be used for each tier. Typically, start with the largest plate at the bottom, followed by a cup, then a medium plate, another cup, and finally the smallest plate on top.
- Prep the Surfaces: Clean the bottom and top of each plate and cup with rubbing alcohol or lightly sand to help the glue adhere better.
- Measure and Mark: Use a ruler to find the center of each plate and mark it with a pencil. This will help ensure that each layer is balanced and symmetrical.
- Glue Pieces Together: Starting with the bottom plate, apply a small amount of adhesive to the rim of the coffee cup and press it firmly onto the center of the plate. Repeat this step for each additional layer.
- Let It Dry: Allow the glue to dry for at least 24 hours before using the stand. This ensures that all pieces are securely bonded.
Styling Tips
- Use matching or coordinating colors and patterns for a cohesive look.
- Mix and match vintage china for a whimsical, eclectic vibe.
- Add felt or rubber pads to the base if you want to protect delicate surfaces.
FAQ: How to Make a Three Tier Cake Stand
Q: What types of plates work best for a 3 tier cake stand?
A: Lightweight ceramic or melamine plates in graduated sizes work best. Vintage plates with a flat base help provide stability.
Q: Can I use plastic or disposable plates instead?
A: While possible, disposable plates may not provide the same stability or longevity. Ceramic or glass is recommended for durability.
Q: How much weight can the cake stand hold?
A: This depends on the adhesive and materials used, but it's best suited for lightweight desserts like cupcakes, cookies, or finger sandwiches.
Q: Can I wash the cake stand after use?
A: Hand washing is recommended. Avoid soaking or using the dishwasher to preserve the adhesive bond.
Q: What's the best glue to use for making a 3 tier cake stand?
A: A strong industrial adhesive like E6000 works best for bonding ceramic and glass pieces.
Here are a couple other modifications/design ideas using other types of china and serving ware that I have on hand.
We don't gorilla glue everything, because we want to keep the pieces separate to create different combinations each time. But for each event, we will hot glue a few of the pieces together because the hot glued pieces can be torn apart for easier storage. It's up to you to decide if you want something permanent or temporary- one of the beauties of DIY.
Learning how to make a tier cake stand opens up so many creative possibilities-you're really only limited by your imagination. It's a fun, budget-friendly way to turn everyday items into something beautiful and functional. In the end, you'll have a unique piece that stands out as a party centerpiece and sparks plenty of conversation.
Have you done any upcycled project from things you found at the thrift store? What do you think about this DIY craft idea? Tell me in the comments!
This post originally published on Hip Mama's Place on May 22, 2018. Updated: February 16, 2021.
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Catalina says
Oh my goodness! This is genius! We will have a lot of fun when creating these awesome cake stands. Love that it can be different every time!
Swathi says
This up cycled cake stand looks beautiful I like your DIY idea. I am going to try. I have one cake stand which is broken into top and bottom. That I can use for this project.
Lisa Favre says
I am a cupcake fiend and this stand would be perfect for our family! I love how easy it is to make.
Brianne says
This is such a genius idea! It really turned out so beautiful!
Joline says
I love this! It's so dainty and adorable. I always wonder how I'll serve cupcakes, this is going to be it.
Jenn@Engineermommy says
This tiered cake stand is so creative! I think it really makes a statement when hosting a party.
Ashley says
I love this idea! I did something similar for my daughter's birthday party with plates and cups I got at the thrift store
ricci says
Now this cake stand is super cute!! I love how you upcycled it and made it out of things you already had!!
Pam says
This is super cute. It would be perfect for a tea party or a garden party.
Amber Myers says
I love how this turned out. What a great idea. I might have to make one of these.
Tasheena says
This is such a clever idea, and it turned out amazing! I can't wait to try making this.
Catalina says
OMG! This is a fantastic idea! I never thought about this. But it's so cute. It's so perfect for the holidays and it's so easy to make!
Terri Beavers says
I love handmade and unique items so much. I am always going to thrift stores everywhere I go to get stuff to turn into beautiful creations.
Terri Steffes says
This is an amazing upcycle! I have some things lying around the house that could probably be turned into something usable! Thanks for the inspiration!
candy says
This a wonderful way to up cycle and DIY. Everyone has or can get cheap but great looking bowls and plates.
Tomi C says
I've upcycled a time or two. This is a cute idea and would be absolutely adorable for one of my brunches
Lian says
This upcycle idea is so amazing! This is a fabulous and whimsical idea to create. I love how you figured out which bowls and cups to stack. I also loved the colours you used. They are so much fun.
Alli Smith says
I have a thing for cake stands and the one you made is so unique and beautiful. This would be perfect for a tea party.
Jenny B says
such a creative idea! I love how it turned out. so beautiful and unique.
mommy b says
This is a great idea! Very creative! I always want to make my own DIY tiered cake/cupcake stand for quite sometime now, but I still haven't gathered any materials yet. lol!
Kelly Kimmell says
What a clever idea. Love this cute cake stand.
Catalina says
OMG! I love this cake stand! It is so awesome! And also so easy to make!
Heather says
I mean... this is pretty impressive and genius actually. Why didn't I think of this?
Sara Welch says
This is a really cute and simple design. Keep the kids away from it though! Lol
Shannon Gurnee says
That is such a creative idea! I love the way it turned out. Way to go on upcycling!
BONNIE GOWEN says
How creative and super cool! I think I'll try making this for my daughters graduation party.
Ruth I. says
Oh fab! This is so creative! I love this idea and I will recreate this!
Krystel | Travel on a Budget says
That's really crafty. Love how you made the cake stand. I did purchase a nightstand from a thrift store, took it home to sand and re-stained it
Jennifer says
I think this is beautiful! I’ve made bird seed holders from tea cups I’ve bought at the thrift store before. Now I want to make a tiered cupcake holder!
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
This is such a cute idea! I will definitely try this! SO creative!
Rose Ann Sales says
Such a clever idea in making a cake stand. I never tried this way before and I can't wait to do this on my father's birthday!
Rachel says
I have a friend that has done this for years. It is great for parties when you want to display a lot of food.
Claudia Krusch says
I love this idea. I've never done something like that, but can't wait to try it as a summer project!
Dawn Lopez says
This looks super cute! It would be perfect for a party or a wedding.
Cathi Crismon says
love Love Love your tiered cake stand.
I love the shabby chic feel and It reminds me of Alice in Wonderland!
Mama to 6 Blessings says
What a cute idea! My daughter has been wanting a tea party, this would make a great centerpiece to the tea party table!
Sherry says
I haven't upcycled anything from a thrift store before but I think it is a great idea. I love how your tiered cake stand turned out.
Amy Desrosiers says
This is such a whimsical, and super cute project!! Perfect for a tea party or spring get together.
Liz Mays says
This is really impressive. I'd love to do something like this for parties and special occasions.
Heather says
Oh my gosh I love this! This is such a cute idea with the mugs. I haven't seen anything like this before.
Jeni Hawkins says
That is SO creative! I absolutely love how you used the tea cups, too. That's beautiful the way it turned out and such a unique piece!
Allison Cooper says
This is so beautiful! Gosh you are so creative!I love the extra character with the tea cups in between - time for some high tea!
Connie says
I absolutely love this idea. I've done the single layer cake stand from a plate and a candlestick or vase, but this is centerpiece worthy.
Mama Ash {Erica} says
I haven't done any upcycling. I do have a little table that I keep meaning to do and I really should do it before school is out. I love what you've done! So cute!
GiGi Eats says
How creative and adorable is this! Now I really want some delicious looking cupcakes too! LOL!