How to Argyle-up a Ho Hum TV Tray!

6 Materials
$45
2 Hours
Easy

You might say I have a slight addiction to collecting TV trays.


Not only are they super productive pieces which I use all the time, they are also easy revamps!I also love a great argyle pattern... so with that in mind, this thrift store found sleepy little TV tray didn't stand a chance...


While this finished project may appear complicated, it's far from it... in fact, thanks to a stencil, it couldn't be easier to get this look!


Now that's a complication I can handle... and here's how I did it!

Whenever I rummage through a thrift store, my eyes dart towards solid wood TV trays that are sturdy.


This picture shows how the TV trays are typically found. Usually with a coating of varnish, with a blonde wood-tone underneath.


Let's wake it up!

This particular tray started off the same way, however I painted the legs black, then ran an orbital sander across the top to remove the existing finish.


So much better already... but let's get into the real fun next!

I desired to stencil the top of the tray in a rustic argyle pattern. It sounds complicated, but it isn't if you have the right stencil on hand!


Argyle is a 2-part stencil. There's a sheet of diamonds, and then a sheet of thin lines so you can truly achieve a true argyle effect with paint!


It comes in small and large, in which large was used for this TV tray makeover.


The Argyle stencil (Large) is from Funky Junk's Old Sign Stencils HERE

Every other diamond was stenciled in black, then the remaining were stenciled in white.

This was the result. It's cute already!

Once the 2nd stencil sheet of thin lines was stenciled on top in a light grey, the top truly resembled a full-out argyle effect!


But there was one more step I desired to take, since I desired the top to look more rustic than new.

Once the paint had dried, the entire top was stained, allowed to sit for a moment, then the stain was wiped back off.


I used Fusion Mineral Paint's Stain and Finishing Oil which is a floor-quality stain that tones and top coats your projects for the ultimate protection!


It also doesn't have a very strong smell like most stains, so you can safely stain indoors and use the piece the next day. However, added ventilation is still suggested.


Ready to see it all finished?!

And the end result is a wonderful, rustic finish, perfect to chime in with my own personal style!


Isn't it the coolest?!

This little argyle-styled TV tray spends a LOT of time in the TV room, but I also love to bring it into this spare bedroom when guests stop by.


The wonderful thing about Argyle is the fact that you can use your own chosen colours and finishes to suit your own home!


What would you put Argyle on? And what colours would you use?


Be sure to visit the original blog post HERE so you can view a short video of the process!


Want to see more? Visit THIS post which showcases many TV tray makeovers HERE!

Resources for this project:
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Donna at Funky Junk Interiors
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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3 of 8 questions
  • Carol Calhoun Carol Calhoun on Nov 16, 2020

    Gorgeous!!!!!!

  • Terry Terry on Jan 06, 2021

    Is there a way to tighten up wobbles tv tables?

  • Lis31999600 Lis31999600 on Nov 11, 2023

    I’m not experienced in staining things. What do you mean by wiping back the stain? Also, I live in an apartment with no yard. Can I do this indoors with windows open?

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2 of 66 comments
  • Jenny Jenny on Jan 06, 2024

    How clever! You’d pay good money for this table in a high end shop. I love it. Thanks for sharing 😊

  • Mar96786232 Mar96786232 on Jan 15, 2024

    Omg!!! Thats beautiful. I am going to try that with my tables. Thanks for the ideal

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