Transform A Thrifted Baking Pan Into A Cute And Functional Kitchen Decor Piece

Baking pans are a staple item in any kitchen, but as soon as they begin to show signs of wear and tear, plenty of homeowners choose to throw them out or donate them. As a result, you'll probably encounter these items every now and then when you're shopping at your local thrift store. Alternatively, you might find one at the back of your cabinet when you're decluttering your kitchen. Instead of throwing it away, you might be able to upcycle it into a neat decorative tray for your countertop, thanks to a smart design idea that paints the surface and adds small legs. This project doesn't require any special tools and can be easily customized to match the aesthetic of your space. It's definitely one of the most creative ways to repurpose old or unwanted items in your kitchen.

To make a decorative tray for your kitchen countertop, you can resurface your old baking pan with some primer, white and black paints, and a bit of matte sealer. For the tray's legs, you can use decorative finials or knobs with flat or evenly-rounded tops. Alternatively, you could use a handful of painted Woodpeckers Snowman Peg Dolls. In order to keep the legs in place, you'll also want to pick up an epoxy adhesive, which is generally considered the best glue for bonding metal to wood. Your new tray could be a great place to showcase your favorite decor pieces, but it could also be a practical organizer for small items, such as utensils.

To get started, clean your pan as thoroughly as possible. If there are signs of rust, use a few sheets of coarse-grit sandpaper to remove the corrosion. Next, apply a layer of primer to every inch of your pan's surface. Since you're going to be painting over metal, you should avoid latex primers and opt for a rust-resistant primer instead. Rust-Oleum Clean Metal Primer Spray, for example, should work well for this project. Once you're done priming, coat the pan with a layer of black spray paint. Wait for it to dry, and then lightly brush on a layer of white chalk paint over everything. Chalky Chicks White Furniture and Craft Paint is a great choice for this step.

If you'd like your tray to fit a more modern kitchen design style, you could swap out the mix of white and black paint for a matte blue or gray color instead. You could easily stencil a pattern onto the inside surface of your pan as well, although this step is definitely optional. To finish the surface, apply a layer of matte sealer for acrylic paint. Once this is dry, use a medium-grit sandpaper on the bottom corners of your pan where the tray's legs will go. Paint or stain the legs however you see fit, and then glue them down with an epoxy adhesive. Finally, touch up the paint around the legs as needed, and decorate your project.

There are plenty of unique and exciting ways to decorate your upcycled baking tray. You might like to start with a collection of faux flowers in a patterned vase or perhaps a couple of candles. A ceramic pot for kitchen utensils, a small lantern, or a stack of coasters could easily belong here as well. With a teapot, a couple of neatly-stacked mugs, and a few ornate-looking tins for sugar and spoons, you could use your tray to create a gorgeous tea station. If you're going to keep your tray off to the side of your kitchen instead, then a couple of ornate bookends might turn this unique decor piece into the perfect place to store cookbooks. A pair of Umikk Tree of Life Bookends, for example, will add a natural, chic touch to your space.

Looking for a more practical addition to your countertop that will aid with cooking? You can use your decorative tray to keep your vinegar bottle, salt and pepper shakers, and olive oils organized. Alternatively, it might even be a nice place to keep cookies or other packaged snacks. If you're going for a more modern or minimalist aesthetic in your kitchen, make sure to leave a bit of open space on your tray so that the decor items you put there can stand out within the heart of your home.