Coffee Table Tray Decor in Coastal Colors

When I first spotted this tray at a thrift store, I thought, “Who would donate such a wonderful wooden tray?”. Picking it up, however, proved me wrong- turns out, it wasn’t solid wood at all, but rather something man-made. Which meant it was destined for upcycling, so I decided to create some coffee table tray decor that was perfect for summer.

I’m still not sure what its composition is- a pressed wood/polymer combo, perhaps? Ultimately, it didn’t matter- I was already seeing it painted in my head.

Plus, I already knew which paint(s) I’d use- the same set of chalk paint that I used on my coastal coasters!

So, I had the thrifted item and an upcycling plan. Now all I had to do was put it into action!

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Painting a Round Coffee Table Tray

First, I cleaned up (and dried) my tray before gathering the chalk paints that I had in coastal colors. I had purchased this set and then added a couple of additional colors: this pale blue and this sage green.

Next, I started by painting the outside lip in a basic cream. I also used a pointy paint brush to add cream paint to the narrow spaces in between the tray slats.

Even though I planned on distressing everything, I didn’t want harsh dark lines in between the colorful slats. I figured that cream lines would look so much better- and almost go unseen, if that makes sense.

Then, I began to paint the individual slats in coastal colors.

I did my best to keep a clean line between the ends of the slats and the cream-painted lip/edge. Using angular paint brushes made a HUGE difference in this process.

Finally, once everything was painted (two thin coats all the way around), the coffee table tray looked like this.

Finishing Touches on the Coffee Table Tray Decor

The next step was sanding it down- I had used chalk paint, after all, which requires sanding. I used fine grit sandpaper because that was all I could find, but it took a LONG time to get the kind of distressed look that I was going for.

It doesn’t usually take that long to sand- so I’m not sure if it was the mysterious composition of the tray material or if I’m just out of shape!

After sanding down all the painted surfaces until everything was smooth, I wiped it down multiple times to remove all the chalk dust. I even used the narrow tube attachment on my stick vacuum to remove the dust between the slats!

Finally, it was time to buff on some clear wax!

Lastly, I decided to accent my coffee table tray decor with some jute rope! Initially, I planned on gluing it to the top of the lip. But, as it sat inside the tray, I realized I preferred it around the bottom edge.

Adding it to the inside lip of the tray would also cover up any paint blemishes from the slats. I had been extra careful while painting, but I actually didn’t need to be as precise after all!

So, I whipped one end of the rope (like I did for this pirate sign project), hot glued it around the inside of the tray, and whipped the other end before also gluing it down.

And that was it! My coastal tray was all done and ready to be used in our thrifted living room.

Coffee Table Tray Decor in Coastal Colors

Since the tray already had little felt tabs on the underside, I didn’t have to worry about adding them. But I would have, had they not already been there.

Doesn’t it look great, though? Very coastal, very breezy, and a super easy makeover on a thrifted round tray.

I hope you enjoyed this repurposing idea for coffee table tray decor! Especially since none of us will ever know what that tray is actually made of- Plastic? Wood? Both??

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And guess what today is? It’s Thrift Store Decor Day and my friends have been upcycling all sorts of things, too!

1. DIY Color Block Vase – Domestically Speaking

2. Three Legged Table Makeover – My Repurposed Life

3. How to Antique an Urn – Petticoat Junktion

4. DIY Aged Vase Using Coffee and Baking Soda – My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

5. Coastal-Inspired Coffee Table Tray Decor – Sadie Seasongoods

6. Upcycled Vintage Nesting Tables – Shop at Blu

7. DIY Faux Enamelware Basin – House of Hawthornes

8. DIY Boho Painted Furniture Idea – Reinvented Delaware

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If you enjoyed this coastal-inspired upcycled project, then you may also be interested in in these decorative sailboats that I created, as well!

Craft on!

S

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