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Thrifted Tray Makeover ~ Budget DIY Project

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}}

Thrifted Tray Before Makeover | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Removing Tray Back for Makeover Purposes | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Then, removing the bent the nails out of the way that were holding the tray pieces in place.

Bending Tray Nails | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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.

RustOleum Heirloom White for Thrifted Tray Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Small Spray Shelter by HomeRight for Home Decor Projects by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Repurposed Furniture Knobs for Tray Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Walls Republic Wallpaper Samples | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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…

Farmhouse Tray Vignette for Table Centerpiece by Prodgial Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Doesn’t that look better? And I daresay you wouldn’t know it was the same tray.

DIY Thrifted Tray Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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)

Shop Prodigal Pieces Furniture, Vintage Finds, Handmade Goods, & Supplies for your home | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Succulents on Thrifted Tray by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Dining Table Tray for Centerpiece ~ Farmhouse Dining | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Thrifted Tray in Farmhouse Style Bedroom | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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!

Dried Hydrangea and Rose Wreath in Farmhouse Bedroom by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Farmhouse Bedroom with Repurposed Home Decor by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Boy, could I use a nap and some tea with my grain-free muffins (recipe HERE).

Grain Free Muffin Recipe by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Make your house your home on a budget. Check out this thrifted tray makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Enamel Cabinet Before Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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Also, more projects like my thrifted tray makeover:

Two Thrifted Planters Get Faux Zinc Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.comDon't throw out your old glass! Turn it into a Coordinating Collection ~ Perfect for Weddings, Parties and more! | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Comments

  1. Janette Deans says

    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

    • Larissa says

      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.

  2. Becky says

    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.

    • Larissa says

      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!

  3. Paula Garakani says

    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?!?!

    • Larissa says

      It took me a bit too and then I stumbled on my samples and did a head smack. Ha!

  4. Rosa says

    Love it! I have one or two of those ugly trays and was waiting for you to finally rehab one. Thank you!

    • Larissa says

      Score!! I think the trays were okay originally, but mine was gross. 😛 hahaha…

  5. Christy says

    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

    • Larissa says

      We would have to wear football pads to shop! 😀 hahahaha!!

  6. Kaycee F says

    So pretty, I love how you staged it too!

  7. Patty Soriano says

    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.

    • Larissa says

      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!

      • Patty Soriano says

        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.

        • Larissa says

          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!

  8. Rebecca - NC says

    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!! 🥰

    • Larissa says

      You’re the sweetest, Rebecca. My kiddos is feeling better and back to work. Gotta love adulting! 😀

  9. Lisa Creavey says

    I absolutely love this little tray – and the feet – oh my, brilliant!

    • Larissa says

      Lisa, I do believe you just made my day. Thank you! I hope you can tell I had fun with this.

  10. Niki says

    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.

    • Larissa says

      Thanks! I accidentally sent the link to this old post but am so glad you like it! 😀

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2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

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I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

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