How We're Turning Mahjong Tiles Into Home Decor
If you've seen the posts about people justifying their next mahjong tile purchase and thought "that's me," this one's for you. And if your partner has ever said "but you can only play with one set at a time" — clearly they've never thought about needing tiles that match their outfit, or their mood. It's the same logic as the guy who needs a new driver for a few extra feet off the tee box. We don't make the rules.
Sydney and I can justify pretty much any tile purchase as "for the business," so we've got more than our fair share. Some are for classes, some for open play, some haven't even made it out of the box yet. Part of it is that they're just so pretty — the designs, the colors, the layered patterns — it doesn't feel right letting them sit in a closet where no one can see them.
When Mahjong Becomes Decor
If you're like us, you start looking at your house differently — every empty shelf becomes a potential mahjong display. Fair warning: this comes with varying degrees of ridicule from your partner. For me, it meant clearing out my office entirely to turn it into a mixed-use space that could support the Mockingbird & Magnolia business. We've got friends who went down this road before us — one turned an entire room into the most adorable mahjong parlor.
Our Favorite Finds for Displaying & Storing Tiles
If you want to start incorporating your tiles into your home as decor, here's what we're using and loving right now:
108oz Threshold Clear Glass Storage Jar @ Target: $8.00
11in Better Homes & Gardens Ivory Woven Ceramic Bowl @ Walmart: $20
11in Threshold Rattan Scalloped Rim Centerpiece Bowl @ Target: $25
Lucite Mahjong Storage Box @ Peace Love Mahjong: $75
Beige Mahjong Coffee Table Book Tile Storage @ The Pink Pineapple: $85
Only a couple of these are actually made for mahjong, proof that you've got options at nearly any price point, mahjong-specific or not.
Once you start seeing everyday decor as potential tile storage, you won't be able to stop. When my husband spotted the Better Homes & Gardens bowl full of tiles on the table, his response was an immediate "Absolutely not." Thankfully, I had a logical rebuttal ready: "It's prettier than the striped clamshell clutch that's been sitting there waiting for my next solitaire mahjong session." I haven't gone quite as far as a full parlor — yet — but I am slowly, quietly testing how long it takes him to notice new "decor”.
Do you have a favorite mahjong display idea?
Tell us in the comments on this post over on Instagram or Facebook, and you could win some of our new Mockingbird & Magnolia branded mahjong accessories.
