This is a great idea for those without a lot of storage options for seasonal decor. Because this budget-friendly coffee table tray can be used year-round by simply switching what's displayed under the glass for each new season. I'm sharing how to breathe new life into a thrift store Umbra photo tray upcycled for Valentine's Day with farmhouse style.

Budget-Friendly Seasonal Coffee Table Tray Makeover

I see these photo trays often at thrift stores for under $5. They are perfect for a seasonal tray because the back is designed to open easily to display photographs. Making it easy to switch out what is displayed under the glass.

When you live in a small home with limited storage like I do, having home decor that can be used year-round or requires very little storage is key. Case in point, my seasonal pillows can fit inside a small drawer! I use the same pillow forms year-round and just switch out the pillow covers, like these Christmas Ornament Pillows.

By painting the tray a neutral white it will work for every season. By distressing the paint just a little gives it a lovely farmhouse-style charm.

Seasonal Ideas For What To Display Under The Tray Glass

The possibilities are endless for what can be displayed under the glass of your upcycled coffee table tray. Anything from scrapbook paper, wrapping paper, wallpaper, napkins, doilies, or fabric like I did for Valentine's Day.

The fabric I displayed under the glass is leftover from the Fleece Valentine Heart Pillow that you can see on the sofa in the photo above.

This is what the Umbra photo tray from the thrift store looked like before the makeover.

Whenever I see these trays at the thrift store I always pick them up because with a little elbow grease they make beautiful gifts. Everyone can use a tray, right? Here's one that I upcycled a few years ago with scrapbook paper and turned it into a lovely Coffee Tray With Rustic Charm.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to upcycle the tray, almost all of the DIY projects shared here at Interior Frugalista have step-by-step tutorials so why not get your budget DIY on and subscribe. You can also follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

This post contains affiliate links so you can see what products I used or recommend for this project. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

How To Upcycle A Photo Tray With Farmhouse Style

This post contains affiliate links so you can see what products I used or recommend for this project. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Step 1 - Prep The Glossy Finish For Paint

There are a few things that need to be done first before we paint the tray. Remove the backing and set aside. Remove the photo mat and discard or save it to use for a future DIY project.

Remove the glass and set it aside. Sometimes the glass cannot be removed because it's glued so I recommend running a piece of painter's tape along the top edge of the glass for easy clean up after it's painted.

For a lasting finish, I suggest you rough up the glossy finish lightly with 150 grit sandpaper to give the paint some bite. Because the tannins in the dark wood are guaranteed to bleed through the white paint, you'll need to prime the tray first with a stain-blocking primer.

Another sand-free option for priming glossy wood is this primer for glossy finishes.

Step 2 - Paint The Photo Tray

Now the tray is ready to be painted with neutral white water-based paint. I used Fusion Mineral Paint in the color Raw Silk. If you notice pink spots coming through the paint then you'll need to add another coat of primer over the spots and repaint.

Once the last coat of chalk paint is dry, distress the paint finish lightly along the edges with 220 grit sandpaper for farmhouse charm like pictured below. Protect the paint with clear wax or white wax, like I did, buffed with a lint-free rag.

Step 3 - Set Seasonal Materials Under The Tray Glass

Now we're ready to replace the photo paper that came with the tray with pretty seasonal fabric, scrapbook paper, or whatever you choose to display for the seasons.

For my heart fleece fabric, all I did is wrap it around a piece of cardboard cut to size and secure it on the back with tape. Easy peasy!

Step 4 - Assemble The Tray

Clean the glass inside and out and make sure the glass is completely dry before inserting your pretty fabric or paper. Set the original tray backing in place and you're ready to use your new tray!

For more DIY heart day inspiration visit my Valentine's Day Ideas page and here for more Upcycled Tray Makeovers inspiration.

Thanks for stopping by the Interior Frugalista today! I hope you were inspired by this seasonal tray makeover. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comment section below or the Contact Me tab at the top to drop me an email. I love hearing from you!

If you enjoyed this upcycled tray idea, I'd be so thankful if you shared it with a friend and pinned it to your Seasonal Home Decor or Upcycled Tray Ideas board on Pinterest.

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