Goodwill thrift stores are absolute goldmines for second-hand items, and decorative or serving trays are among the most versatile (and frequently overlooked) finds on the shelves. Whether they are made of wood, brass, woven wicker, melamine, or silver-plate, a discarded tray can easily be transformed into a stylish and functional piece for your home.
Here are 10 brilliant, creative ways to upcycle and reuse trays from Goodwill:
1. The Coffee Table Catch-All (Styling Tray)
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How to do it: Use a medium-to-large flat tray to anchor items on your coffee table, ottoman, or entryway console. Group smaller items together—like a candle, a small stack of books, a small vase, and a decorative bowl—to instantly eliminate visual clutter and make the surface look curated rather than messy.
2. A Mobile Beverage or Coffee Bar Station
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How to do it: Turn a sturdy wooden or mirrored tray into a dedicated coffee, tea, or cocktail station. Place it on a counter, bar cart, or sideboard and arrange your mugs, coffee syrups, glasses, a small pitcher, or liquor bottles on top. It keeps everything contained and looks effortlessly chic.
3. A Wall-Mounted Decorative Display
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How to do it: If you find a tray with a unique shape, ornate handles, or a beautiful vintage pattern, hang it on the wall like a piece of art or a decorative plate. You can use heavy-duty plate hangers or command strips designed for hanging frames. Trays with raised edges add wonderful texture and dimension to a gallery wall.
4. Bathroom Vanity Organizer
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How to do it: Bathrooms can quickly look cluttered with everyday products. Place a small or medium tray on your countertop or vanity to hold perfume bottles, hand soap, lotion, cotton ball jars, and daily skincare items. It keeps counters tidy and makes wiping down the surfaces much easier.
5. A DIY Customized Ottoman Table
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How to do it: If you have an upholstered fabric or leather ottoman that doesn’t provide a stable surface for drinks or books, place a large, sturdy tray right in the center. Instantly, your soft ottoman doubles as a functional coffee table surface without losing its cozy feel.
6. Indoor Herb Garden or Plant Stage
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How to do it: Line a shallow tray with waterproof material (or use a metal/melamine tray) and group several small potted herbs, succulents, or houseplants on top. The tray will catch excess water drainage when you water them, protecting your windowsills or tabletops while creating a gorgeous green tablescape.
7. Bedside Catch-All for Nightly Essentials
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How to do it: Use a small vintage tray on your nightstand to hold your phone, glasses, jewelry, hand cream, and a book before you go to sleep. It prevents loose items from cluttering the nightstand surface and keeps everything right where you can find it in the morning.
8. Customized Painted Serving Tray (Upcycling)
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How to do it: Give a dated, scratched, or mismatched wooden or plastic tray a complete makeover. Sand it down, apply a coat of vibrant spray paint or chalk paint, or use a peel-and-stick contact paper on the flat base for a modern geometric or floral pattern. Finish with new hardware handles if the old ones look worn out.
9. Desk and Office Supply Organizer
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How to do it: Bring a shallow tray to your home office or desk space. Use it to corral loose notepads, pens, staplers, scissors, and mail. Keeping your daily tools pooled together on a tray frees up desk workspace and keeps clutter under control.
10. Seasonal Holiday Vignette Display
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How to do it: Use a tray as the base for changing holiday decor throughout the year. In autumn, fill it with mini pumpkins, pinecones, and a cinnamon candle. In winter, arrange bottle-brush trees, fairy lights, and ornaments. In spring, style it with pastel eggs or fresh florals. Having a designated base makes swapping out seasonal decor quick and easy.
