Absolutely! Those simple trays from Goodwill can be transformed in surprisingly creative and functional ways. Here are 10 brilliant ways to reuse them:
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Serving Trays – Give them a quick coat of paint or decoupage to match your style, and they make stylish serving trays for drinks, snacks, or breakfast in bed.
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Desk Organizer – Use them to corral office supplies, pens, notebooks, or even as a small “workstation” for your laptop or tablet.
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Jewelry or Makeup Organizer – Add small jars or dividers to keep earrings, rings, makeup, and brushes neatly arranged.
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Wall Art Display – Hang them on the wall as shadow boxes. You can paint or wallpaper the bottom and use them to display small collectibles, photos, or plants.
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Planter Base – Trays are perfect for catching water under indoor plants, or you can even turn them into shallow succulent planters.
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Coffee Table Display – Stack candles, books, and decorative items on a tray to create a curated centerpiece on your coffee table.
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DIY Chalkboard or Message Tray – Paint the bottom with chalkboard paint and use it as a family message center, menu board, or to-do list holder.
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Bathroom Organizer – Keep toiletries, perfumes, or bath accessories organized on your bathroom counter.
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Craft Station – Perfect for corraling paints, beads, or sewing supplies while working on a project. Easy to carry around too!
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Kid’s Activity Tray – Great for containing messy play like playdough, water beads, or painting projects. The edges help keep everything from spilling.
✨ Bonus tip: A little sanding, spray paint, or decorative paper can completely transform an old tray into a chic statement piece.
If you want, I can also suggest 5 really unusual, unexpected ways to repurpose trays that most people would never think of—they’re quite clever! Do you want me to do that?
