5 Fun Uses for TV Trays

I came up with 5 fun uses for TV trays because a few months ago I upcycled an old tray table. I had an idea, but I wanted more ideas than just using it for eating in front of the TV.

Ya know the best thing about TV trays? They’re portable!

Like, super-easy portable.

Just fold, carry and put down.

Not like a heavy or bulky side table that’s a pain in the patooty to move.

Plus you can hide them when you’re not using them. Perfect for living in small spaces.

Which makes me wonder ~ why aren’t we using TV trays more?

Here are the unique ideas for using TV tray tables that I came up with…

5 Fun Uses for TV Trays

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1. Makeshift Bar Cart

Are you throwing a party? Wanna special place for your guests to mix their drinks? Not next to the food.

Are you lacking when it comes to counter space?

Use your TV tray table.

Set it up anywhere. Maybe next to your dining table, in the kitchen, or in a different area of your house?

It’s perfect, especially if you don’t have a dedicated bar in your home. That way your countertops or island can be dedicated to the food dishes.

Just set out the selected liquors, tools, and glasses. Voila! You have a diy bar.

2. Side Table

A TV tray makes for a great side table.

They’re about the same height and width. So it’s perfect for putting next to your couch or bed.

Add a lamp, your books, and anything else you want handy while watching TV or lying in bed.

3. Crafting Surface

I LOVE this fun use for a TV tray ~ use it as a crafting surface.

It’s perfect for those smaller craft projects that you can’t finish in one sitting. Just leave your craft on the TV tray table and go back and finish it later.

Or if you want to change rooms to work on your project, bring it with you. Ya know – maybe craft in front of the TV or move to a room with better lighting.

No need to put the project away.

Use TV trays because they allow you to use your kitchen table to eat dinner, not craft on. Haha!

4. Portable Desktop

The problem with having a home office is that you’re in a dedicated room. A space that always has the same view.

Don’t get me wrong.

Home offices and working from home are wonderful. But sometimes you just feel cooped up and wanna set up your laptop somewhere else.

The kitchen table isn’t a good option. That’s where you eat. So it’s a temporary option.

Instead, grab your TV tray and put it anywhere in your house ~ so you can look out a window or at something that inspires you.

Set up your laptop and anything else you need to work on your TV tray table. Then move it whenever and wherever you want. Even move it outside.

It’s portable!

You can’t do that with the desk in your home office, can you? Lol!

5. Plant Stand

Having indoor plants is good for you. I understand there are health benefits to it.

However, potted plants usually end up on your countertops, taking up valuable space that’s needed for appliances or cooking. Or you put them on the floor.

Why not use a TV tray table as a plant stand?

You’ll be able to fit multiple small plants on one tray, Or a larger plant with a few tchotchkes around it. Plus a TV tray will elevate your plants, so you can enjoy them without looking at the floor.

If you have an apartment balcony, put your TV tray table outside and have plants on the ground and on the TV tray. A great way to have plants at varying heights.

Did you realize there were so many fun uses for TV trays?

I bet you’re gonna think of them differently now. Or maybe you’re gonna run out and get one, or two?

*If you have an old TV tray table that needs some work ~ check out my diy TV tray upcycle project.