Don’t Overlook These Trays From Goodwill — Here Are 10 Brilliant Ways to Reuse Them

If you’ve ever browsed the aisles of Goodwill or any thrift store, you’ve probably seen stacks of old metal, plastic, or wooden trays. Most people pass them by without a second thought—but these humble finds are hidden treasures. With a little creativity, thrifted trays can be transformed into stylish, practical, and eco-friendly pieces for your home.

Before you overlook them again, here are 10 brilliant, budget-friendly ways to reuse thrift-store trays.

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1. DIY Coffee Table Organizer

Give your living room an instant style upgrade. Use a tray to group items like candles, remotes, coasters, or small décor pieces. It creates a neat, intentional look—and makes cleaning easier.

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2. Entryway Drop Zone

Place a tray on your entryway table to catch keys, sunglasses, mail, or spare change. It keeps clutter contained in one compact space.

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3. Chic Jewelry Display

A metal or mirrored tray can become a charming jewelry station. Add small bowls or ring holders for a boutique-style organization setup.

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4. Decorative Wall Art

Old wooden or metal trays can be painted, stenciled, or embellished and turned into unique wall art. Build a gallery wall of mixed-size trays for a rustic or eclectic vibe.

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5. Plant Stand or Pot Drip Tray

Use a sturdy tray to hold a group of small potted plants. It protects surfaces from water and soil while creating a beautiful mini indoor garden.

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6. Breakfast-in-Bed Upgrade

Give an old serving tray a makeover with paint or contact paper and turn it into a stylish breakfast-in-bed tray. It also works great for working on the sofa.

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7. Craft Supply Organizer

Perfect for corralling glue, scissors, markers, and paints. For extra storage, add small jars or bins inside the tray to keep everything sorted.

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8. DIY Chalkboard Serving Tray

Paint the bottom of a wooden tray with chalkboard paint to create a fun message board or cheese-labeling serving tray for gatherings. Write menus, greetings, or snack names right on the surface.

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9. Vanity Tray for Bathroom Essentials

Use a tray to organize lotions, perfumes, makeup brushes, and skincare. It instantly elevates your bathroom counter and keeps everything tidy.

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10. Kids’ Activity or Sensory Tray

Fill a plastic tray with sand, beads, toy cars, or sensory materials to create a contained play area. Easy to move, easy to clean, and mess stays in one spot.

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Tips for Choosing the Best Trays at Goodwill

When treasure-hunting, look for:

• Sturdy materials (wood, metal, bamboo, wicker)

• Flat bottoms for stability

• Interesting shapes like oval, scalloped, or vintage designs

• Pieces that can be painted or refinished

• Trays with handles if you plan to use them for serving

A little cleaning—or a quick coat of spray paint—can bring old trays back to life in minutes.