There’s something I absolutely love about wandering through Goodwill and other thrift stores.
You never quite know what you’re going to find.
One day it’s a vintage casserole dish. The next, it’s a beautiful picture frame hiding behind a stack of dusty ones. And then there are those simple little trays that don’t look like much at first glance.
You know the ones I mean.
They might be wooden, metal, plastic, woven, or even covered in a pattern that feels a little too dated for your kitchen.
But please—don’t overlook them!
Those inexpensive thrift-store trays can become some of the most useful pieces in your home with very little effort. A quick cleaning, a coat of paint, a little imagination, and suddenly that forgotten tray has a completely new purpose.
I’ve rounded up 10 brilliant ways to reuse thrifted trays, and some of these ideas are so easy you’ll probably start looking at every tray at Goodwill differently!
And if you love simple DIY projects, clever upcycling ideas, and budget-friendly ways to make your home more useful and beautiful, be sure to subscribe by email so you don't miss the next one.
Why Thrift Store Trays Are Worth Buying
Before you walk right past that $3 tray, take a second look.
A tray is essentially a ready-made platform with raised edges, handles, or compartments. Those features make it surprisingly useful for organizing, decorating, and even creating completely new household pieces.
And unlike starting a DIY project from scratch, the hardest part has already been done for you.
You're starting with a finished object.
That means less cutting, less measuring, and usually much less money.
What Should You Look For?
When you're thrift shopping, don't worry too much about the original purpose of the tray.
Instead, look at its shape, size, material, and condition.
A scratched wooden tray could become a beautiful decorative piece.
A metal cafeteria-style tray might become wall art.
A shallow plastic tray could make a fantastic drawer organizer.
And a sturdy tray with handles? Oh, the possibilities!
1. Turn a Tray Into a Decorative Ottoman Top
