Baking pans are essential items in any kitchen, but they often get discarded or donated once they show wear. You’ll likely find these at thrift stores or tucked away in your cabinets. Instead of tossing them, consider repurposing them into charming decorative trays for your countertop. This creative idea involves painting the surface and adding small legs, requiring no special tools. The project can be customized to fit your kitchen’s aesthetic, offering a unique way to upcycle old or unwanted kitchen items.
To create a decorative tray, start by resurfacing your old baking pan with primer, white and black paints, and matte sealer. For the tray’s legs, decorative finials or knobs with flat tops work well, or you could use painted Woodpeckers Snowman Peg Dolls. Secure the legs with epoxy adhesive, ideal for bonding metal to wood. The tray can display decor pieces or organize small items like utensils, adding both style and function to your kitchen.
How to make a decorative tray with an old baking pan
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Vintage baking pan, now home decor. #vintage #repurpose #upcycle #salvage #thrift #handmade
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Begin by thoroughly cleaning your pan. Use coarse-grit sandpaper to remove any rust. Apply a rust-resistant primer, such as Rust-Oleum Clean Metal Primer Spray, to the entire surface. After priming, coat the pan with black spray paint. Once dry, lightly brush on white chalk paint, like Chalky Chicks White Furniture and Craft Paint. For a modern look, consider using matte blue or gray instead. Optionally, stencil a pattern inside the pan. Finish with a layer of matte sealer for acrylic paint. Use medium-grit sandpaper on the bottom corners for the legs, paint or stain them, and attach with epoxy adhesive. Touch up the paint, and your tray is ready for decoration.
How to style your new decorative kitchen tray
There are many creative ways to decorate your upcycled baking tray. Consider starting with faux flowers in a patterned vase or candles. A ceramic pot for utensils, a small lantern, or coasters fit well too. Create a tea station with a teapot, stacked mugs, and tins for sugar and spoons. If you place the tray to the side, ornate bookends can store cookbooks, adding a chic touch. The Umikk Tree of Life Bookends, for example, offer a natural, stylish accent.
For a practical countertop addition, organize vinegar, salt and pepper shakers, and olive oils on the tray. It can also hold cookies or snacks. In a modern or minimalist kitchen, leave some open space on the tray to highlight the decor items, enhancing the heart of your home.
