Don’t Overlook These Trays from Goodwill — 10 Brilliant Ways to Reuse Them
If you’ve ever wandered through the aisles of Goodwill, you know the experience can feel like a treasure hunt. Between racks of clothing, shelves of books, and bins of miscellaneous household items, it’s easy to overlook some of the simplest finds. One item that often goes unnoticed? Old trays.
At first glance, trays might seem like outdated or unnecessary pieces—something your grandparents used for serving tea or breakfast in bed. But with a little creativity, these humble items can be transformed into stylish, functional, and even stunning home décor.
Whether they’re wooden, metal, plastic, or glass, trays from thrift stores are affordable, versatile, and perfect for DIY projects. Instead of passing them by, here are ten brilliant ways to give these trays a second life.
1. Turn a Tray into a Stylish Coffee Table Centerpiece
A tray can instantly elevate your coffee table from cluttered to curated. Use it as a base to organize items like candles, books, coasters, and small decorative accents.
Choose a tray that complements your living room style—rustic wood for a farmhouse look, mirrored glass for something modern, or painted metal for a vintage vibe. You can even repaint or refinish a thrifted tray to match your décor.
This simple transformation not only looks great but also makes cleaning easier—just lift the tray instead of moving multiple items individually.
2. Create a Decorative Wall Display
Who says trays have to stay horizontal? Mounting a tray on the wall can turn it into a unique piece of art.
Look for trays with interesting patterns, textures, or shapes. A large, ornate tray can act as a statement piece above a couch or bed, while smaller trays can be grouped together in a gallery-style arrangement.
You can also personalize the tray by adding wallpaper, fabric, or paint before hanging it.
3. Build a Functional Serving Station
Bring trays back to their original purpose—but with a modern twist. Use them to create a portable serving station for snacks, drinks, or even breakfast.
This is especially useful when hosting guests. A tray allows you to carry multiple items at once and keeps everything neatly arranged. You can also dedicate a tray to a specific purpose, such as a coffee station or tea setup.
