Turn A Thrifted Wood Tray Into A Decor Masterpiece

Finding unique ways to frame art, ephemera, or cherished photographs can be a challenge, with many more deluxe frames from retailers costing upwards of $20 each. The best frames not only showcase what's inside, but add texture and character to your walls. Instagram account TheSorryGirls has a brilliant idea for using inexpensive wooden trays as frames that add a beautiful touch to whatever you are framing. By using these budget-friendly elements as frames, you can achieve elevated and expensive looking décor without paying a fortune for deluxe wooden frames or professional framing services.

This hack is a great way to repurpose old trays, which can usually be found lining the aisles of your favorite thrift store or maybe even in your own home. Many smaller and shallower trays come as accessories to décor and bath items like candles and gift sets, meaning they can easily be found secondhand for a couple bucks. You can also find shallow wooden containers at places like Dollar Tree, IKEA, and Michaels for a bargain. Or get packs of six Unfinished Wood Trays from Amazon. Use these frames alone or grouped to create varied and interesting gallery walls.

To turn your tray into a gorgeous frame, all you need is liquid cement, spray mount, or double-sided tape to secure the contents of your frame in the center of the tray, Allow an equal amount of space around the material via careful measuring or use the tray as a place to make a collage with multiple items. You can even include three-dimensional elements that you can rest on the bottom edge or affix from behind. To hang, add some hardware on the backside of the tray like these D-Ring Picture Hangers or Small Sawtooth Picture Hangers from Amazon. You could also use adhesive or hook and eye strips to attach the tray to the wall. If you want to create a more floating look, add some additional foam or cardboard behind the framed material.

There are many customization options for this DIY, including painting or refinishing the trays to fit your décor. Trays that already have some texture in the bottom, like cork or leather, can look stunning, but you can also add materials to the bottom of the tray, including peel-and-stick paper, fabric, scrapbook paper, or textured materials like caning or woven bamboo. If you do not have any wooden trays, you can also make them from scratch using scrap wood and wood glue.