Creative Coffee Table Trays

by Lynn Lilly

$15

20 Minutes

Easy

Do you have a bunch of old frames laying around or do you want to just spice up your coffee table or bar? Either way this frame turned coffee table tray is a simple and inexpensive do it yourself project you will enjoy for years to come.

creative coffee table trays, painted furniture

Materials:

Frame

Ceramcoat Paint

Mod Podge Gloss

Foam Brush

Kitchen Hardware Handles (I got mine at Lowes for $1.95 each)

Cardboard

Scrapbook Paper

E6000 Glue or Super Glue

Directions:

1. Remove the back and glass from the frame. If it has a stand on it, throw it away and trace a new back out of the piece of cardboard.

2. Using your Ceramcoat paint and foam brush paint a coat of paint on the front and sides of the frame. Wait about 15 minutes in between applying coats.

3. Once your paint has dried apply two coats of Mod Podge Gloss, waiting 5 minutes between gloss.

4. Replace glass and add decorative scrapbook paper and secure back.

5. Next attach the handles with E6000 glue. Let handles dry for 30 minutes.

Display and add decorative pieces like vases and coffee table books.

Check out all the different designs we used! You can get creative with frame styles and handles!

Enjoyed the project?

You can do it! Saved to your projects

Frequently asked questions

Have a question about this project?

Ask a Question

2 questions

Amethystaa on Aug 13, 2017

Pretty, but doesn't the glass need to be replaced with thicker glass or plexiglass, or perhaps nothing? I know how fragile and thin picture frame glass is; perhaps too fragile to turn frames into trays? I'd worry it would break too easily, especially if you put your glass or keys down on it a bit too hard.

2
Wilma Turcotte on Aug 13, 2017

I didn't understand about the modpodge. Is it instead of putting a sealer on the painted part? How strong are the handles? Can you use them to lift the tray or just for looks? If one uses screws they have to be recessed and extra work if you even have the tool to do it.

1

Comments

Join the conversation

2 of 5 comments

Joanie on Jan 11, 2018

These trays are not only pretty, but so USEFUL!! When I was in Ceramics a few years back......I made only things that I used or for gifts. A cookie jar, a cheese shaker, soap dishes......useful things. NOTHING that collected dust!!

5 Reply
Donna Kitchen on Aug 26, 2019

Just happen to have all parts in-house now. Going to try this this afternoon but, I am concerned about the safety of the glass. Will post either pic or ick later.

Thanks for the idea. If it works out, they’d be the perfect family/individual gifts.

5 Reply