In today’s DIY and eco-conscious world, upcycling isn’t just a trend—it’s a creative lifestyle. If you’re a thrift shopper or someone who loves repurposing, there’s one item you might be walking past without a second thought: trays.
Whether it’s vintage TV dinner trays, wooden serving platters, or retro metal pieces, Goodwill and other second-hand stores are full of these overlooked gems just waiting for a second life.
Let’s talk about why these trays deserve a spot in your cart—and your home—and explore 10 brilliant ways to upcycle them.
🖼️ The Unexpected Charm of Vintage Trays
Those sturdy plastic trays with retro flower patterns? Or the metal ones with ornate handles and just the right amount of tarnish?
They’re not just nostalgic—they’re built to last.
Many trays, especially older ones, are made of durable materials like wood, aluminum, and melamine. Their flat surfaces, frames, and often decorative edges make them ideal for upcycling into both functional and decorative pieces.
💡 Why Goodwill Is the Place to Hunt
- ✅ Constantly changing inventory
- ✅ Low prices for high-potential items
- ✅ Hidden vintage gems
- ✅ Sustainable shopping (less waste!)
- ✅ Supports community employment and education programs
Goodwill is a treasure trove for creatives. With a bit of imagination, you can turn a $1 tray into something you'd pay $40+ for in a boutique or Etsy shop.
🛠️ 10 Creative Ways to Reuse Old Trays
Here are 10 practical and beautiful ways to upcycle those Goodwill trays:
1. 🎨 Turn Them into Chic Wall Art
Paint over the surface, decoupage with vintage maps or sheet music, or add a quote in vinyl letters. Mount it with Command strips or a sawtooth hook, and voila—instant wall decor.
2. 🕯️ Create a Tabletop Vignette Base
Use a tray as a base to group candles, vases, and books on your coffee table or nightstand. It instantly elevates your home styling and keeps things looking organized.
3. 🧁 Repurpose as a Dessert Stand
Stack trays of different sizes with a candlestick or sturdy glass between them (hot glue works wonders) to create a unique tiered stand for cupcakes, fruit, or even jewelry.
4. 🌿 Use It as a Mini Herb Garden Tray
Line a metal or plastic tray with pebbles and small pots of herbs for a beautiful kitchen windowsill display. Bonus: easy to clean and keeps mess contained.
5. 🎨 Kids' Art Station Organizer
Keep crayons, markers, paints, and paper on a tray so kids can move it around the house without creating a trail of chaos.
6. 💍 Turn It Into a Jewelry Organizer
Add small bowls, hooks, or velvet lining to transform a tray into a catch-all for rings, earrings, and necklaces. Bonus points if it’s vintage metal—it’ll look extra luxe!
7. 🧼 Bathroom Counter Catch-All
Corral perfumes, lotions, and daily skincare in one elegant space. A tray adds structure and makes even cluttered counters look intentional.
8. 🖥️ DIY Laptop Lap Desk
Cushion the bottom with a pillow or old cushion, and you’ve got a stable, portable surface for your laptop, breakfast in bed, or writing.
9. 🪴 Wall-Mounted Shelf Backdrop
Mount a tray flat against the wall and attach a small shelf on top—suddenly you’ve got a framed shelf perfect for small plants, books, or curios.
10. 🖼️ Memory Board or Photo Display
Spray with chalkboard paint, cork, or magnetic paint to turn the tray into a photo/memo board. Clip Polaroids, add magnets, or write notes—it’s functional and stylish.
♻️ Sustainable Living, One Tray at a Time
Repurposing trays isn’t just fun—it’s part of a larger movement toward reducing waste and extending the life of everyday objects.
By shopping secondhand and upcycling, you’re:
- Reducing landfill waste
- Saving money
- Supporting your local community
- Creating something uniquely yours
✨ Final Thoughts
The next time you’re strolling through Goodwill, skip past the brand-name mugs and slightly terrifying porcelain dolls… and head straight for the tray section.
You might just find the perfect canvas for your next DIY masterpiece.
Upcycled Tray Projects
Method
- 1. Turn Them into Chic Wall Art: Paint or decoupage the tray, mount it, and enjoy your new decor.
- 2. Create a Tabletop Vignette Base: Use the tray to group candles and vases for a stylish display.
- 3. Repurpose as a Dessert Stand: Stack trays of varying sizes to make a unique dessert display.
- 4. Use It as a Mini Herb Garden Tray: Line a tray with pebbles and fill it with small pots of herbs.
- 5. Kids' Art Station Organizer: Keep art supplies in a tray for easy transport and organization.
- 6. Turn It Into a Jewelry Organizer: Add small bowls and hooks to organize your jewelry.
- 7. Bathroom Counter Catch-All: Use a tray to organize lotions and perfumes neatly.
- 8. DIY Laptop Lap Desk: Cushion the tray for a portable work surface.
- 9. Wall-Mounted Shelf Backdrop: Attach a shelf to a mounted tray for a unique display.
- 10. Memory Board or Photo Display: Transform the tray with chalkboard or magnetic paint for notes and photos.
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