12 DIY Farmhouse Tray Ideas That Will Blow Your Mind (And They’re All Budget-Friendly!)

Farmhouse style decor has taken the world by storm, and there’s no better way to bring this rustic charm into your home than with DIY farmhouse trays!

These versatile pieces can elevate any space, from your kitchen to your living room, and the best part is they’re super budget-friendly!

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want to spruce up your everyday decor, these DIY farmhouse tray ideas are sure to inspire you.

Get ready to unleash your creativity and transform simple materials into stunning statement pieces for your home.

Contents

• 1. Rustic Wooden Crate Tray
• 2. Vintage Silver Tray Revamp
• 3. Chalkboard Tray for Menu Display
• 4. Farmhouse Style Galvanized Tray
• 5. Repurposed Picture Frame Tray
• 6. Seasonal Decor Tray
• 7. Garden-Inspired Tray
• 8. Upcycled Glass Jar Tray
• 9. Monogrammed Tray
• 10. Bohemian Style Tray
• 11. Minimalist Tray Design
• 12. Holiday-Themed Tray

1. Rustic Wooden Crate Tray

Transform a simple wooden crate into a stunning rustic tray that adds a touch of farmhouse charm to any space.

Start by sanding down a small wooden crate to ensure it’s smooth to the touch. You can leave it natural for a classic look or paint it in a soft, muted color like distressed white or pale blue for that vintage feel.

To make it even more stylish, add handles on the sides using metal or rope. This tray is perfect for displaying potted plants in your kitchen or serving drinks during a get-together.

– Tip: Use stencils to add a quote or design to the bottom of the crate for a personalized touch.

– Unique Insight: Crates can often be found inexpensively at thrift stores or online marketplace apps.

– Suggestion: Pair your crate tray with seasonal items like pinecones in the fall or fresh flowers in the spring!

For a stunning visual, think about a close-up shot of the crate tray filled with vibrant flowers and greenery, sitting on a rustic wooden table illuminated by soft, natural light.

Consider using wooden crate kits, handles, and stencils from Amazon to accomplish this project.

2. Vintage Silver Tray Revamp

Breathe new life into an old silver tray with a simple DIY makeover!

Start by polishing the silver to bring back its shine, then consider adding a rustic touch by painting the edges with chalk paint. You can also create a beautiful centerpiece by layering it with a soft linen cloth and placing candles or small potted plants on top.

This vintage tray not only serves as a stunning decor piece but also makes for an elegant serving tray during gatherings.

– Tip: Use a soft cloth and silver polish for the best results.

– Unique Insight: Check for silver trays at garage sales or thrift shops where you can find unique pieces for little money.

– Suggestion: Add seasonal decorations, like pinecones in the winter or seashells in the summer, to keep it fresh and inviting!

Visualize a beautifully polished silver tray, adorned with rustic elements like a linen cloth and flickering candles, placed on a soft, textured table runner with a hint of greenery in the background.

3. Chalkboard Tray for Menu Display

Create a charming chalkboard tray that serves a dual purpose—decor and menu display!

Start with a simple wooden tray and paint the bottom with chalkboard paint. This allows you to write your menu, quotes, or even reminders in a fun, rustic way. Use it on your dining table to showcase the night’s dinner or in your kitchen for grocery lists and notes.

– Tip: Pair it with colorful chalk markers for a pop of color and easy readability.

– Unique Insight: This tray can also be a great tool for kids to learn their spelling or practice writing!

– Suggestion: Add a small vase with fresh flowers or herbs to make the tray look inviting.

Imagine a wooden tray with a chalkboard bottom, beautifully written menu items, and a small vase of sunflowers, all set on a rustic kitchen table with natural light streaming in.

4. Farmhouse Style Galvanized Tray

A galvanized tray adds an industrial edge to your farmhouse decor!

Start with a plain galvanized tray, which you can find at craft stores or online. To enhance its rustic charm, consider adding a line of twine around the edges or using a stencil to paint a farmhouse quote on the surface. This tray is perfect for displaying candles, seasonal decorations, or even snacks during gatherings.

– Tip: Use various heights of candles to create visual interest and dimension.

– Unique Insight: Galvanized trays are weather-resistant, making them a great choice for outdoor gatherings.

– Suggestion: Pair this tray with natural elements like wood slices or fresh herbs for a beautiful, cohesive look.

Picture a galvanized tray filled with candles of varying heights, twine wrapped around the edges, and surrounded by vibrant greenery, all set on a rustic outdoor table with twinkling lights in the background.

5. Repurposed Picture Frame Tray

Give an old picture frame a new life as a stylish tray!

Select a sturdy wooden frame and remove the glass. You can then add a decorative bottom using scrapbook paper, paint, or fabric that matches your decor. This unique tray can be used for serving or as a decorative piece on your coffee table.

– Tip: Ensure the frame is deep enough to hold items securely.

– Unique Insight: This project is a great way to showcase your favorite patterns or colors!

– Suggestion: Add some coasters or a small plant to the tray for an extra touch.

Imagine a repurposed wooden picture frame tray, filled with coasters and a small potted plant, elegantly displayed on a rustic coffee table with natural light filtering through nearby windows.

6. Seasonal Decor Tray

Create a seasonal decor tray that changes with the times of the year!

Start with a simple wooden or metal tray and decorate it according to the season. For fall, add mini pumpkins and pinecones; in winter, use evergreen sprigs and ornaments; for spring, opt for flowers and pastel colors; and during summer, include seashells and beach-themed items.

– Tip: Use removable adhesive putty to secure items without damaging them.

– Unique Insight: This tray can be a fun project to involve the kids in decorating for each season!

– Suggestion: Incorporate different textures with fabric, wood, and metals for added interest.

Visualize a beautiful seasonal tray filled with colorful mini pumpkins, pinecones, and soft fall leaves, all set on a rustic wooden table with warm, inviting lighting.

7. Garden-Inspired Tray

Bring the beauty of your garden indoors with a garden-inspired tray!

Start with a simple wooden tray and fill it with small potted herbs or succulents. You can paint the tray in a soft pastel color or leave it natural for a more rustic look. This tray not only adds a fresh touch to your decor but is also functional for cooking or garnishing.

– Tip: Use herbs that are easy to grow indoors, like basil or thyme.

– Unique Insight: This can be a delightful gift for friends who enjoy cooking!

– Suggestion: Add a small watering can or gardening tools to the tray for an extra theme touch.

Picture a charming wooden tray filled with small potted herbs, set against a backdrop of a sunny kitchen window, with soft sunlight highlighting the greenery.

8. Upcycled Glass Jar Tray

Turn old glass jars into a unique tray that can double as storage!

Use a large wooden tray as the base and arrange several glass jars of various sizes on it. You can fill these jars with items like cotton balls, snacks, or seasonal decorations. This setup not only looks adorable but also keeps your space organized.

– Tip: Choose jars with unique shapes for added visual interest.

– Unique Insight: This is a fantastic way to recycle items you already have at home!

– Suggestion: Label the jars with chalkboard tags for easy identification.

Imagine a large wooden tray showcasing an assortment of colorful glass jars filled with snacks and decorative items, all set on a rustic table with soft, warm lighting.

9. Monogrammed Tray

Personalize your farmhouse tray with a monogram for a unique touch!

Choose a wooden or metal tray and use stencils or a vinyl cutter to add your initials or family name. This tray can be used for serving or as a decorative piece in your living room or entryway.

– Tip: Use contrasting paint colors to make the monogram stand out.

– Unique Insight: Consider making a set of trays for gifts, each with the recipient’s initials!

– Suggestion: Pair it with a matching set of coasters for a cohesive look.

Visualize a beautifully monogrammed tray set on a stylish coffee table, surrounded by matching coasters, with soft natural light highlighting the personalized details.

10. Bohemian Style Tray

Embrace a bohemian vibe with a colorful and eclectic tray design!

Start with a basic wooden tray and paint it in vibrant colors or patterns. You can add decorative elements like feathers, beads, or shells to enhance the boho feel.

This tray can be used to serve drinks or hold decorative items in your living room.

– Tip: Mix and match colors and patterns for a truly unique look.

– Unique Insight: This style can be a fun way to showcase your personality!

– Suggestion: Pair it with bohemian textiles, like a colorful throw or patterned pillows, to complete the look.

Picture a vibrantly painted tray filled with eclectic items like feathers and beads, set on a cozy couch with colorful pillows and throws in the background.

11. Minimalist Tray Design

Sometimes, less is more! Create a minimalist tray that emphasizes simplicity and elegance.

Select a sleek wooden or metal tray and keep the decor minimal—think a single candle or a small potted plant. This style works beautifully in modern farmhouse settings where clean lines and neutral colors are key.

– Tip: Choose a color palette that complements your existing decor for a seamless look.

– Unique Insight: Minimalism allows you to showcase high-quality materials without overwhelming the space.

– Suggestion: Use contrasting textures, like smooth wood and rough stone, for added interest.

Visualize a sleek wooden tray with a single elegant candle and a small potted plant, set against a backdrop of soft neutrals and clean lines, invoking a sense of calm and tranquility.

12. Holiday-Themed Tray

Bring some festive cheer to your home with a holiday-themed tray!

Select a sturdy tray and decorate it with items that represent the holiday season—think ornaments for Christmas, pumpkins for Halloween, or flowers for Easter. This can be a fun way to celebrate the seasons and add a touch of festive spirit to your decor.

– Tip: Use removable decorations to change the theme easily.

– Unique Insight: This can become a cherished family tradition to decorate the tray each season!

– Suggestion: Incorporate lights or candles for an extra festive touch.

Imagine a holiday-themed tray filled with colorful ornaments, twinkling lights, and festive decorations, all set on a beautifully decorated table, creating a cheerful holiday atmosphere.

Conclusion

These 12 DIY farmhouse tray ideas are not just budget-friendly; they also allow you to express your creativity and style!

Whether you choose to go rustic, modern, or seasonal, there’s a tray idea here for everyone.

Get started on your DIY journey and watch how simple materials can transform your space into a charming farmhouse haven!