Hi everyone! I recently acquired a set of table trays (picture attached), but I feel like they could be made much more attractive or even have a different purpose. I'm not opposed to taking them apart, painting them, etc.

Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions for what to do with these?

Thanks!

Stencil designs on them. Decopauge them. Paint them a color.

Can't think of any repurpose. I'ms sure someone will be able to come up with some ideas for you.

btw have a set like that. Have been meaning to poly them.

Paint them black for a more updated look if it suits your decor. I have seen people using them as side tables or night stands. Other possible uses are...

Utilized on a patio or deck as needed, but don't subject them to inclement weather.

Used as a mini bar when needed, but do not overload.

Use as a plant stand.

I have those also. My grand sons use them for tables for their laptop or for studying in front of the TV. I have seen them painted black and used for end tables...lamps on them plus knick knacks. I have seen them used as plant stands. I have seem them used seasonally covered with a red cloth and a small Christmas tree on them. I have used them at my computer desk as an additional work space. Etc.

Forgot to mention that the stand holding the tray tables could be used as a small quilt rack in your bedroom or baby's room or even a small throw to add color to the rooms.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: May,

A friend of mine used them for putting up his bose speakers. I would probably use them for adding a small potted plant.

Quilters cover them with batting and staple fabric over the top and use them for a portable ironing surface.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Annon,

We have those exact tables for Den snack tables and for holding books near where I am reading.

If used for food and snacking:
I would coat the top of the table with one or two layers of polyurethane so they will last through washing and dishes scraped across the top, keeps them looking new longer.

They can also be used as a good place to serve tea, I have a large tray that I can just place on top of the table for when serving guests tea in the Den.

A wood trim can be added around the top edge and handles to make it easier to move around, sort of like a tray with legs.

Here is a different style of one of those TV snack tables on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ...de=as2&tag=bumobu-20

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mary Ruth,

do you use them a all for eating?...

right now have 2 at my "place" in the lr..one for food and drink, and currently doing christmas cards...at one point had 2 sets..with 4 couples and 9 grands, we never had room at a table...have one holding my printer, too...dh has one for the bedroom (now holding humidifier)

This message has been edited. Last edited by: sjf,

Not yet - I just got them last week, so they are on my patio right now. Originally I thought they weren't really my 'style' but I wanted to keep them in case I could find another cool way to use them or maybe just make them go with my decor a little better (which is darker wood throughout).

to re-purpose them you could remove the tops and use them to make a shelving unit on the wall. You could use the legs to add architectural detail to the sides and fronts of the table tops.

You could make an open fronted box by using the table tops for three sides and adding two other pieces of wood. We have such a small unit in our blue room that we use for a mini book case and the top holds dictionaries and sometimes atlases and phone books (this unit is on wheels.)

You could construct the same thing and place it anywhere in the house (standing, wall hung or on a shelf) for storage. Something like this is handy to keep stacks of things (like sweaters) corralled on a closet shelf.

quote:

Originally posted by Annon:
Quilters cover them with batting and staple fabric over the top and use them for a portable ironing surface.

I love that idea...I rarely need to iron anything but when I do, something that would be perfect!