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 we get to the ideas, let’s talk about why these humble trays are such fantastic thrift-store finds.
They’re usually inexpensive.
They’re already assembled.
They’re easy to clean and customize.
And most importantly, they’re incredibly versatile.
A tray doesn’t have to stay a tray!
That’s the fun part.
With a little creativity, it can become wall décor, a storage organizer, a serving station, a bathroom accessory, or even a decorative centerpiece.
What to Look For at Goodwill
When you’re hunting for trays, don’t worry too much about the color or finish.
Instead, look at:
- The overall shape
- The size
- The sturdiness
- The handles
- The condition of the material
- Whether the surface is relatively flat
- Whether it can be cleaned or refinished
A scratched wooden tray might look sad sitting on a thrift-store shelf.
But give me five minutes with some sandpaper and paint, and suddenly I’m interested!
10 Brilliant Ways to Reuse Thrift Store Trays
Here comes the fun part.
These projects range from practically effortless to slightly more creative, so there’s something here whether you’re a serious DIYer or someone who just wants to make an inexpensive thrift-store find useful again.
1. Turn a Tray Into a Decorative Wall Organizer
This might be one of my favorite ideas because it combines decoration and storage.
A shallow wooden tray can make an excellent wall organizer.
How to Do It
Clean the tray thoroughly, then decide what you’d like it to hold.
Add hooks, small knobs, clips, or little baskets to the surface.
Depending on the size, you could use it for:
- Keys
- Sunglasses
- Dog leashes
- Small accessories
- Notes and reminders
- Craft supplies
Mount it near your entryway and you’ve got a convenient little drop zone.
And honestly, anything that gives keys a permanent home is a win in my book!
2. Make a Pretty Bathroom Organizer
Don’t limit trays to the kitchen.
A thrifted tray can become a beautiful bathroom organizer for items that tend to wander around the counter.
Use it to hold:
- Hand soap
- Lotion
- Perfume bottles
- Towels
- Hairbrushes
- Candles
- Small decorative items
A wooden tray painted white, cream, sage green, or soft blue can give a bathroom an instant farmhouse or cottage-style touch.
Add a small plant or rolled hand towels, and suddenly something that cost a few dollars looks surprisingly expensive.
3. Create a Coffee Station Tray
