Those old metal or wooden serving trays (the kind that often end up in the back of Goodwill shelves) are incredibly versatile. People often pass them by because they seem dated or have a weird pattern, but with a little creativity, they can become some of the most useful items in your home.
Here are 10 brilliant ways to repurpose those trays.
1. Magnetic Spice Rack / Organizer
This is a genius use for an old metal tray.
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How: Clean the tray thoroughly. Spray paint it with magnetic paint (available at craft stores) or regular paint that matches your kitchen. Mount it on the wall (or simply lean it).
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Use: Attach small magnetic spice tins or magnetic containers to the tray. It keeps your spices visible, organized, and frees up cabinet space. It also works great in a craft room for holding paperclips, brads, and small tools.
2. Coffee Station Tidy
If you have a cluttered coffee corner, a tray is the perfect solution.
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How: Place a medium-sized tray (wood or metal) on your counter.
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Use: Corral your coffee machine, sugar bowl, creamer, favorite mugs, and stirring spoons all in one place. It contains the mess and makes the area look intentionally styled.
3. A Rolling Under-Bed Storage Drawer
This is a game-changer for small spaces.
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How: Find a sturdy, shallow tray with a lip. Clean it well. If it’s metal, you can leave it as is; if it’s wood, you might want to line it with fabric or contact paper.
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Use: Attach small, self-adhesive furniture glides or small casters to the bottom. Slide it under your bed to store extra linens, off-season shoes, or wrapping paper. It slides out easily, unlike flimsy cardboard boxes.
4. A Mobile Bar Cart (for a Party)
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How: Grab a large, sturdy tray.
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Use: Load it up with bottles, glasses, a small ice bucket, and a cocktail shaker. When guests arrive, you can easily carry the entire bar from the kitchen to the living room in one trip. It’s a portable drink station.
5. Vertical Magazine or Tablet Holder
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How: Find two or three trays with tall edges. Clean and paint them to match your decor.
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Use: Lean them vertically against a wall in the living room or office. The lip at the bottom will hold magazines, cookbooks, or tablets upright, acting like a stylish bookend or display stand.
6. Catch-All Charging Station
Tame the “cord chaos” on your nightstand or desk.
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How: Place a tray (metal or ceramic works best) on your nightstand.
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Use: Set your phone, smartwatch, and earbuds on it to charge. Run the cords out through a notch in the back, or drill a small hole in the back of a wooden tray. It keeps everything contained and prevents devices from sliding off the table.
7. DIY Magnetic Memo Board
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How: Take a metal tray (cookie sheets work great for this too). Spray paint it with chalkboard paint or leave it raw for a rustic look.
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Use: Mount it on the wall in your entryway or kitchen. Use small magnets to hold keys, shopping lists, reminders, kids’ artwork, or photos. It’s a functional and changeable piece of wall art.
8. Craft Supply Caddy
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How: Use a tray with a handle (like an old picnic-style tray) or just a simple one.
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Use: Load it with the supplies for your current project—yarn and needles for knitters, paints and brushes for artists, or stamps and ink for card makers. You can easily carry your project from room to room and store it away neatly when you’re done.
9. A Stylish Plant Pot Base
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How: Find a large tray with a raised edge.
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Use: Group several potted plants together on the tray. This protects your floor or table from water marks and dirt. The tray acts as a “plant coaster,” making it easy to rotate the plants for sunlight or move them all at once to clean.
10. Bathroom “Spa” Caddy
Turn your bathroom into a relaxing retreat.
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How: Place a small to medium tray on the back of the toilet or the edge of the bathtub.
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Use: On the back of the toilet, it can hold extra toilet paper rolls, a small plant, and a pretty soap dispenser. For the bathtub, use it to hold a book, a candle, a glass of wine, and your bath salts for a luxurious soak.
The Key to Success: A quick sanding, a coat of spray paint, or a piece of decorative contact paper can transform a dated thrift store tray into a modern, stylish piece for any of these projects. Happy hunting