Don’t overlook these trays from Goodwill. Here are 10 brilliant ways to reuse them

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:

• Mail
• 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

Coffee lovers, this one’s for you!

A sturdy tray can keep all your morning essentials together.

Use it for:

Coffee mugs
Sugar
Creamer
Coffee pods
Spoons
Napkins
Place everything on the tray beside your coffee maker.

When guests arrive, you can simply carry the whole setup to the table.

Make It Extra Cute
Add a small chalkboard-style sign, a little jar for sugar packets, or a decorative mug.

You could even paint the tray with a color that coordinates with your kitchen.

The smell of fresh coffee, a pretty little tray, and a quiet morning?

Yes, please!

4. Turn It Into a Bedside Organizer
Here’s a simple solution for the collection of things that somehow ends up beside the bed.

A tray can corral all those nighttime essentials in one place.

Try using one for:

Glasses
Books
Hand lotion
Remote controls
Phone chargers
A small alarm clock
Reading glasses
A tray with handles is especially handy because you can move everything at once when it’s time to clean.

And if you have a larger bedside table, a pretty tray can make the entire surface look more organized.

5. Make a Decorative Centerpiece
You don’t even need to modify the tray for this one.

A beautiful thrifted tray can become the foundation for a seasonal centerpiece.

Try a Seasonal Display
For fall, add:

Small pumpkins
Pinecones
Candles
Faux leaves
For Christmas, try:

Evergreen branches
Ornaments
Candles
Pinecones
For spring:

Small potted flowers
Decorative eggs
Fresh greenery
For summer:

Lemons
Flowers
Small glass jars
Coastal-inspired decorations
The tray keeps everything together while giving the arrangement a finished look.

6. Create a Remote-Control Station
If your living room has a mysterious pile of remotes, you’re definitely not alone.

Instead of letting them disappear between couch cushions, give them a home.

A small tray placed on the coffee table can hold all your remotes in one spot.

You can leave it completely natural or personalize it with paint, stain, or decorative paper.

Add Small Dividers
If you’re feeling crafty, add small wooden dividers inside the tray.

Now each remote has its own little space.

No more “Which remote turns on the television?” followed by five minutes of button pressing!

7. Turn a Tray Into a Jewelry Organizer
This idea works especially well with shallow trays.

Add small hooks, drawer pulls, or little compartments to create a jewelry station.

You can use it for:

Necklaces
Bracelets
Watches
Earrings
Rings
A decorative tray can even become part of your bedroom décor instead of something you want to hide away.

For a vintage look, try a soft cream paint with lightly distressed edges.

For something more modern, go with black, white, or a rich dark green.

8. Make a Craft Supply Organizer
If you’re a crafter, you already know how quickly tiny supplies can take over.

A tray can help contain the chaos.

Use small jars, cups, bowls, or containers inside the tray to organize:

Buttons
Ribbon
Thread
Paintbrushes
Scissors
Beads
Embroidery supplies
Small tools
The best part?

You can pick up the entire tray and move your supplies wherever you’re working.

That’s exactly the kind of simple organization I love.

9. Turn It Into a Serving Tray
Of course, sometimes the best way to reuse a tray is to let it remain a tray!

But give it a makeover first.

Sand a wooden tray, apply paint or stain, and replace old handles if necessary.

You can create a serving tray for:

Breakfast in bed
Afternoon tea
Snacks
Drinks
Desserts
Holiday gatherings
A Simple Makeover Makes a Huge Difference
Even something as basic as changing the hardware can completely transform a thrift-store tray.

Try:

Brass handles
Matte black handles
Vintage-style pulls
Rope handles
Suddenly, that Goodwill find looks like something from a home décor shop.

10. Create a Pretty Plant Display
Here’s one for my fellow plant lovers!

A sturdy tray can make a wonderful base for a collection of small plants.

Place several little pots on the tray and arrange them by height.

Add a decorative object or two, and you’ve got a mini indoor garden.

Protect the Surface
This is especially important with wooden trays.

Use waterproof saucers underneath your plants and avoid letting standing water sit directly on the tray.

You want the plants to make the tray prettier—not slowly destroy it!

How to Give an Old Tray a Quick Makeover
Found a tray that’s structurally great but visually questionable?

Don’t walk away yet!

A makeover may be all it needs.

Step 1: Clean It Thoroughly
Start with warm soapy water when appropriate for the material.

For wooden pieces, avoid soaking them. Wipe them down and allow them to dry completely.

Step 2: Repair Loose Parts
Check the handles, screws, joints, and bottom.

Tighten or repair anything loose before decorating.

Step 3: Sand Wooden Trays
If the finish is rough or peeling, lightly sand the surface.

Remove dust before painting or staining.

Step 4: Paint or Stain
Choose a finish that matches how you plan to use the tray.

Acrylic or furniture paint can work for many decorative projects, while appropriate wood finishes can enhance a wooden tray.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
This is where you can have fun!

Consider:

New handles
Stencils
Decorative paper
Decoupage
Labels
Vinyl designs
Distressed edges
And don’t feel like you have to make it perfect.

Sometimes the little imperfections are exactly what make a thrifted piece charming.

Things to Check Before Buying a Thrifted Tray
Not every tray at Goodwill is worth rescuing.

Before putting one in your cart, take a closer look.

Check for Damage
Avoid trays with:

Severe warping
Broken structural pieces
Deep cracks
Mold
Strong persistent odors
Serious rust
Flaking finishes that you can’t safely address
A few scratches?

No problem!

A completely broken tray?

Probably not worth the trouble unless you’re buying it specifically for parts.

Think About the Intended Use
A tray used for food should be appropriate for food contact after cleaning and refinishing.

If you’re uncertain about an old painted or coated tray, it’s better to use it for décor or organization rather than serving food directly.

That’s one little detail that’s easy to overlook when you’re excited about a bargain.

More Clever Ways to Customize Your Tray
Once you start looking at trays as blank canvases, the ideas really do start multiplying.

You could turn one into:

A candle display
A breakfast tray
A perfume station
A sewing organizer
A desk organizer
A snack station
A seasonal décor board
A pet treat station
A gardening supply tray
A baking ingredient station
See what I mean?

One little thrift-store tray can have a surprisingly long second life.

Frequently Asked Questions
Are Goodwill trays worth buying?
They can be excellent inexpensive DIY pieces because they’re often sturdy, versatile, and easy to customize. Look for good structural condition rather than focusing only on the existing finish.

How do I clean a thrift-store wooden tray?
Wipe it with a suitable mild cleaner and avoid saturating the wood. Let it dry completely before sanding, painting, or using it.

Can I paint a wooden thrift-store tray?
Yes. Light sanding, cleaning, and using a suitable primer and paint can give an old wooden tray an entirely new appearance.

Can I use an old thrift-store tray for food?
That depends on its material, condition, previous use, and finish. If you aren’t confident that the surface is appropriate for food contact, use the tray for décor or organization instead.

What kind of tray is best for DIY projects?
Wooden trays are especially versatile because they can often be sanded, painted, stained, drilled, and customized. Metal and plastic trays can also work for many projects.

Can I use a tray as wall décor?
Absolutely. A decorative tray can become a wall organizer, display piece, or backdrop for hooks and small storage compartments. Make sure any wall mounting hardware is appropriate for the tray’s weight and the wall surface.

General Information
Project type: Thrift-store upcycling and home organization
Best thrift-store find: A sturdy tray with a solid structure
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on the makeover
Estimated cost: Often inexpensive, especially when using a thrifted tray
Best materials: Wood, metal, sturdy plastic, or woven trays in good condition
Customization options: Paint, stain, hardware, stencils, decoupage, labels, hooks, and dividers

Final Thoughts
The next time you’re wandering through Goodwill and spot a lonely old tray sitting on a shelf, don’t walk past it!

Look beyond the scratches.

Look beyond the outdated color.

Look beyond whatever it was originally designed to do.

Because that little tray might become the perfect coffee station, bathroom organizer, jewelry holder, plant display, craft organizer, or serving tray with just a little imagination.

And that’s one of my favorite things about thrift shopping.

You’re not just buying something.

You’re finding a starting point.

So grab that inexpensive tray, bring it home, give it a good clean, and let your creativity take over. Anything but boring!!

If you try one of these ideas, I’d love to hear what you did with your thrifted tray. Leave a review or share a photo of your finished project on Pinterest so others can get inspired too!

And if you love clever ways to turn inexpensive finds into useful treasures, subscribe by email. There are plenty more budget-friendly ideas coming!

More Thrift-Store Upcycling Ideas to Try
If you’re already in the mood for a Goodwill treasure hunt, don’t stop with trays!

Look for other inexpensive pieces that can be transformed into something useful, including:

Old eyeglass cases turned into clever organizers
Vintage kitchen containers turned into storage
Picture frames transformed into practical displays
Wooden boxes turned into decorative storage
Old jars turned into countertop organizers
Sometimes the best DIY projects start with something someone else no longer wanted.

And that is exactly what makes them so much fun!