This simple TV tray table upcycle diy project has got to be one of my favorites. I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the way it turned out.
It’s SO FREAK’N CUTE!!!
Plus it’s a super easy and cheap diy project.
Gotta love that!
You can upcycle just about any old or antique tv table tray. It’s a great diy project that gives new life to a tired-looking piece.
*The best thing about TV tray tables, is that you can fold them up and store them away in a small space. Then take them out when you need a flat surface for serving or eating.
Supplies for Simple TV Tray Table Upcycle DIY
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- Antique / old TV tray table
- Spray paint
- Wall decals
- Newspaper or drop cloth, ruler, and craft knife
How to Upcycle a TV Tray Table
Step 1: Prep your TV tray table for upcycling
If you have an old TV tray table like mine, you’re probably gonna need to clean it up.
First, wipe it down with warm soapy water to get off all the dirt and grime.
Then if it’s rusted metal, mix baking soda and water or vinegar to make a paste. Rub it over the rust and let sit for about an hour. Then use a brush to clean it off.
You want to ensure your TV tray is completely clean so the paint will adhere.
If possible, remove the base from the top. This will make it easier to paint.
Step 2: Spray paint your TV tray table
After you’re confident the TV table is ready for painting, lay down newspapers or a drop cloth outside. Or, if being outside isn’t an option, then in a well-ventilated room.
Place paint stir sticks, or other wood pieces between your newspaper and tray table, for the table to lay on. This will prevent the paper from sticking to your tv tray as you spray paint it.
Follow the directions on your spray paint, applying multiple thin coats of paint.
Flip over the tv tray table, do the other side and make sure you spray paint all visible areas of your table.
Let your diy upcycle tv tray table dry completely before moving to step 3.
Step 3: Update the tray section
Once your diy tv tray is painted, it’s time to update the tray section.
I used peel and stick removable wall decals from Dollar Tree. The color and design matched perfectly with the decor in my room. You can use any removable decals or wallpaper that match your style.
Since the wall decals weren’t the perfect dimensions to easily lay them on my tray, I started with the middle of the tray.
I found the middle of the tray by drawing lines from opposing corners. This gave me the exact middle of the tray. I then drew a straight horizontal and vertical line from that center point.
These lines then guided me to where I needed to center the middle decal.
Once I had the middle decal laid down, I smoothed it down with a straight edge. This also removed any air bubbles.
After the middle decal was in place, I added decals on either side and trimmed them to the edge of the tray.
The final decals were the corners. I needed to trim both sides using a craft knife and then smooth them down with a straight edge.
Step 4: Putting your simple TV tray table upcycle diy project to use
Yay! You’ve upcycled your old TV tray table.
I bet it looks great and is an amazing transformation.
What do you plan to use it for?
Here are a few ideas for how to use an upcycled TV tray table:
- as a mini cocktail station (like my pic)
- put it next to your couch as a side table
- eat dinner in front of the TV (Original, huh! Haha.)
- place it next to your front door as an entry table for keys and mail
Shop the diy supplies:
What a pretty idea for updating these old tv trays! Dang, now I’m regretting getting rid of my old set.
Thank you! When you see someone getting rid of their old set, maybe you’ll snatch it up, lol!
Hi Nicole! This is such a great project! Spray paint and a stencil – yay for easy DIYs! I’m excited to tell you this post will be featured in this week’s Tuesday Turn About Link Party! I hope to see you at the party this week! Pinned 😊
Cindy ~ I’m SO honored to be featured on your Link Party! Thank you!!