Does making your house into a home seem daunting at times? Or maybe you would love to update, but think you can’t afford it? You CAN. Especially if you have a thrift store near by. Does it mean you will have it all in a day. No. However, it does mean that there is oodles of possibilities just waiting for you to find them. Check out how I took this thrifted tray and gave a makeover like noneother. {{three snaps and a Z formation – yes, I’m nutty like that}}
So, I have to ask…would you have bought this in the current condition? It’s pretty stinkin’ ugly, that’s for sure. However, notice that the frame is solid wood, the glass, though disgustingly dirty, is free of chips and damage. Also, it even still has both handles. Folks, we have a winner for a makeover.
DIY TIME
First up, I remove the felt backing.
Then, removing the bent the nails out of the way that were holding the tray pieces in place.
It took out the awful cardboard pieces and then the glass and set aside. Now, for the fun part…Paint! My choice for this project is one of my favorite spray paints, Heirloom White by RustOleum. After giving the frame a good cleaning, it’s time to have some fun.
PAINT TIME
When handling a small project like this, I always use my small spray shelter. It saves me from telling my husband his saw has blue paint all over it because a smurf exploded. ahem.
After a couple of coats of paint, I decided to take this thrifted tray to a new level…literally. Since I have an endless stash of leftover knobs and pulls, I decided to take these wooden knobs from my Ikea Hack and add them to the bottom of my tray. Likewise, they get the same color of white as the tray.
I decided to pitch that cardboard inlay of the tray that was behind the glass and replace it with some hardboard. You seriously need to get a 4′ x 8′ sheet of that stuff to just have on hand. I use it all the time for my chalkboards, etc. See my other projects HERE.
NEXT STEPS
On top of the hardboard, I decided to go with one of these wallpaper samples. Yes, I am going to be hanging wallpaper in my near future. This stuff is not only gorgeous, but easy to use and remove. You can see how I’ve used in these past posts.
The glass was in great shape, but disgusting. I just cleaned it up with rubbing alcohol to remove the sticky substances and stains. Then put it all back together.
THE REVEAL
Take a looky…
Doesn’t that look better? And I daresay you wouldn’t know it was the same tray.
I used a white flocked wallpaper with a metallic background. It is so beautiful!! And you gotta love succulents, right? (psst…you can find this tray in my online shop too)
The tray works perfectly as a centerpiece, but also for everyday use. You could use it on a dresser or vanity, or even serving up a special breakfast treat.
Fun to see it in my bedroom. Seems like just the other day we got that finished. And…most everything in here is second-hand. I actually just knocked my wreath down and it fell apart, so I put it back together with some dried roses I had on hand. Budget fixes are awesome!
Boy, could I use a nap and some tea with my grain-free muffins (recipe HERE).
Finally, my goal in this blog is to teach, encourage, and inspire you to make your house your home. I can attest that our budget is non-existent and we still are able to make our home to our liking. It can be done!
In addition, pin and share this thrifted tray makeover to inspire others. That’s what it’s all about.
Likewise, you can get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Up next is Trash to Treasure Transformation time. You’re in for a treat – this cabinet…in much need of love. See the after over here.
Also, more projects like my thrifted tray makeover:
WOW, what a wonderful transformation, looks great and given new life to an old and out-dated object, love the wall paper by the way…
Your blog is such fun to visit, sorry I don’t comment as often as I could but I do follow you all thwe time…x
Hugs to you Janette! Thank you for doing the time to do so too. I used to be the same then became a blogger and learned how wonderful it is to hear from those you are writing to.
Bee-uu-tee-ful! What a transformation the feet made. Just love the way it looks on your bed. BTW, how did you hang the mirrors? I have the original pieces from my mom’s bedroom set, and I’d like to hang them, but they have no backing. How did you hang yours?
Thanks for sharing your ideas and transformations.
Thanks so much, Becky! They are frameless mirror hangers you can find at your home improvement store. I believe we got ours at Menards. These were mirrors out of an antique vanity I refinished that the owner didn’t want. Score for me!
So odd…I was racking my brain on what to do with a piece I am working on that is very similar to this! Now where’s my stash of wallpaper?!?!
It took me a bit too and then I stumbled on my samples and did a head smack. Ha!
Beautiful tray transformation, Larissa! With the pretty lace wallpaper, wouldn’t it make a lovely bridal shower gift? Just say’n.
Ooh…great idea! 😉
Love it! I have one or two of those ugly trays and was waiting for you to finally rehab one. Thank you!
Score!! I think the trays were okay originally, but mine was gross. 😛 hahaha…
Oh wow, Larissa, I love this transformation!! And YES I would have bough that lol…I might have even fought you for it if we were thrifting together ha ha ha! You made it gorgeous! XOXO
We would have to wear football pads to shop! 😀 hahahaha!!
So pretty, I love how you staged it too!
Thanks, Kaycee! It’s fun to play.
Larissa, when I went to try for some free samples, the system still charges me $15. Did you have to pay shipping ? I’m pretty thrifty (aka “cheap”) so I’m not willing to pay $15 for a few squares of paper. But they do have some lovely patterns ! And for some reason my new computer does not like opening your emails. It just keeps churning and I get the “not responding” message. It didn’t do that on my old computer, and it only does this on your emails, no other blogs. Can’t figure it out.
Not sure why, did you ask them? I don’t blame you for not wanting to pay that much to ship. I will look into the email issue. Thanks for the heads-up!
ooof! You were up early ! So, I gather that you didn’t pay any shipping for the free samples, right ? I’ll try again, or call and ask.
Yes, always early. hahaha. I got them for being a blogger, but was told they were free. They are based in Canada and that may be why there is a fee. Just send them a note to see. Thanks!
LOVE!!! The feet and pretty wallpaper make it look so elegant! No wonder it’s already sold!!! 😂 Hope your “baby” is feeling better and you can get some sleep soon!! 🥰
You’re the sweetest, Rebecca. My kiddos is feeling better and back to work. Gotta love adulting! 😀
I absolutely love this little tray – and the feet – oh my, brilliant!
Lisa, I do believe you just made my day. Thank you! I hope you can tell I had fun with this.
You did a wonderful job of refurbishing this one Larissa. The wall paper is soft and dreamy. I have to admit I don’t buy trays just to use for table scapes or vignettes, but yours is very pretty and staged perfectly. Glad your little one is feeling better- wooden bead garlands are fun to make., and a great way to involve the kiddos.
Thanks! I accidentally sent the link to this old post but am so glad you like it! 😀