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  • Writer's pictureEllie

TV TRAY MAKEOVER for $20

Create end tables, night stands or corner tables with tv trays.




As a self-professed "frugal" designer, I often look around to see what can be repurposed and renovated with little monetary investment. If you also speak the language of the proverbial "deal", then perhaps you've inherited or overlooked what tv trays can become...And if you've a set of four, there's a LOT that can be done.

“Never overlook items that are made of wood. They can turn into your best interior design pieces”

For step by step instructions please see below:


0. 0 - Original


TV trays were in an original honey orange stain with a varnish sealer.


1.0 - Hard Sand


Use a belt sander (or palm sander with coarse sand paper) remove varnish and stain on top of tray. Do not need to sand the legs.



2.0 - Paint



Paint legs with Folk-Art Home Decor Chalk Paint in Grotto (available at Walmart for $12.59).


Two coats was necessary to cover the dark stain of the tv trays.


3.0 - Stain


Stain the tv tray top with Minimax Wood Finish - Classic Grey (236ml) (Home Depot for $8.97) or American Walnut.


Stain the tv tray legs over the chalk paint unless you want to keep the turquoise colour on the legs.


4.0 - Light Sand


Sand entire surfaces (top, sides, legs) using 220 very fine sandpaper on a palm sander or by hand.


5.0 - Stage


End tables in a living room, night stands in a bedroom, hallway table, etc. The possibilities are endless.



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