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Antique Frame Turns A Folding Tray Table Stand Into A Unique Table

Unique Table Made From A Folding Tray Table Stand

Hey Guys! When I saw the folding tray table stand at Goodwill last week I knew just what I would do with it. It needed a topper to turn it into a table. I wasn’t sure if I had anything to make a table top with but I’m always on the hunt so it would just be a matter of time.

how to add a table top to a folding tray table

Imagine my surprise when I already had the perfect topper in the workshop. I really love the finished table. It has a fresh clean vibe and it was super easy to make.

Today is the day of the month everyone looks forward to……..Thrift Store Decor day. My thrifty friends have some really fun projects to share and the tour links are at the end of the table tutorial.

folding tray table found at Goodwill

Project Table

The folding tray table stand was $5.99. Not a steal but an okay deal. I liked the natural wood finish and planned to stick with that. No painting.

vintage frame becomes a topper for a folding tray stand

Remember this antique frame with a wood back from my favorite junk shop? I don’t remember how much I paid for it but probably not over $5, more like $2 or $3. Notice how perfectly it sits on the stand frame. Just the right size. I didn’t think finding a table topper would be this easy. I must be living right. No cutting anything down or adding anything in.

Antique Frame Turns A Folding Tray Table Stand Into A Unique Table

How pretty is that table. I can’t tell you how much I love the trendy natural wood and white look.

painting a diy project

Time To Paint

I painted the antique frame before attaching it to the stand. All those details are so pretty. I originally really wanted to distress the piece but I changed my mind. It looked so good painted. The paint is Beyond Paint in Off-White. White is really stark and I seldom use it. The off-white has a softer look but still looks white.

using a Ryobi brad nailer to attach a table top

I left the straps on the frame so that it retained the proper balance until I attached the top. I used my handy dandy Ryobi brad nailer to nail the antique frame to the stand.

removing straps from folding tray table

I turned the table upside down and cut the straps after only putting one nail in each of the four sides. I was able to pull the straps off but it was a tight squeeze between the top and the stand. Then I finished nailing the top to the bottom.

touching up paint where nail heads are located

I knew I would need to touch up the top where the nails went in but that was easier than painting the top after it was attached to the stand.

Turn A Folding Tray Table Stand Into A Unique Table

Finished Tray Table

The table is lightweight and can be moved easily. Perfect for serving drinks and snacks to visitors. I can also see it as an end table in a sunroom.

Antique Frame Top Turns A Folding Tray Table Stand Into A Unique Table

I forgot to mention that I cleaned up the legs of the stand and waxed them with a clear wax.

how to add a top to a folding tray table

I like using candy as props. Makes putting the props away much more enjoyable.

how to make a table from a folding tray table stand

Folding Tray Table Stand Makeover

So how do you like the table? What about the top? Where would you use a similar table?

List of Supplies (Amazon Affiliate Links) for this project:
Beyond Paint Off-White
Howard’s Wax Neutral
FolkArt Chalk Brush (my favorite paint brush)
Ryobi Airstrike Brad Nailer

You can make a similar project. You don’t need any special tools. A hammer and nails work as well as an electric nailer, just a bit slower and more elbow grease.

Time to see what we have on the tour today. Just click the links below the “before makeover” photo collage.

Thrift store decor before photo collage February 2019

Vinyl Record Bowl My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

DIY Earring Holder House of Hawthornes

Lazy Susan Thrift Store Makeover Refresh Restyle

Vintage Farmhouse Decor with Architectural Salvage Sadie Seasongoods

Folding Tray Table Stand Table Petticoat Junktion (you are here)

DIY Aged Terracotta Pot Domestically Speaking

Decoupage Basket | Hydrangea Napkins My Repurposed Life

Vintage Tray Makeover Our Southern Home

As always thanks for being here and have a great day, Kathy

Author: Kathy Owen
Kathy Owen is the founder of the home decor blog Petticoat Junktion where she shares tutorials on painting furniture and upcycling thrifty finds into unique home décor. Her DIY projects have been featured on the Home Depot Blog, Plaid Crafts, Behr Designer Series, and in numerous magazines. Kathy’s newest website is HappyHomeDIY.com

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15 Comments

  1. Quick question, Do you have a preferred brand of table saws? Is there one that is the best? I want to make sure to get one that is as safe as possible to operate. I feel like safety is pretty important. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

  2. Kathy, this is a great project. I never thought of making a luggage rack into a table. It turned out really cute, & I agree with Pam that those flowers in that urn are absolutely gorgeous! The perfect combo!!

  3. That is the cutest little table now! Are those real flowers, because if not I need me to find some of those? They just shout SPRING to me! Anyhow, back to the table – super cute!

  4. Inspired, Kathy! I also love those little zinc Mason jar lids used as a candle holder. That’s inspired, too!

  5. That looks fab! I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a luggage rack table like that in a thrift…but I like Kristin’s idea, too. 😉 Pinned!

  6. This is such a great idea, using a large frame on top! Hmmmmm. I might must walk out of the hotel with a luggage rack next time 🙂

  7. Great project. I find those tray tables every summer at garage sales. Could I get the specifics on that nailer in the picture please? Thank you.