How to Make a Bed Tray


I found this little table at the thrift store,
pretty ugly but $2 and it had potential.

Bed Tray DIY

I am adding affiliate links to similar products you can purchase at no extra charge to create this look. Click on the bold text to open the link.

I started out by painting it with chalky paint in an off white. 

bed tray painting and diy

It went on really smooth and dried almost instantly.
I felt like I was painting with heavy cream.
So far, so good...

white distressed bed tray

When it was dry I traced on a design using carbon paper
and an image from the Graphic Fairy.

bed tray with wreath and initial

Next I tried something new, I used a black paint stick to 
fill in the design instead of a brush and paint. It is important to choose oil based so the paint dries hard for the next step. 

It worked great!

distressed bed tray diy

Next I sanded and distressed the whole piece.

It sanded beautifully and came out as smooth as glass!

graphics fairy image on a bed tray

The oil paint stick distressed beautifully too.

I applied a coat of clear wax to seal the piece when I was finished. 

distressing chalky paint

 I added a handle on each side.

white distressed bed tray DIY

And now I have myself a very awesome bed tray.


White distressed diy bed tray on the bed

I hope you enjoyed this project and you'll take a look at my Amazon Shop for craft supplies I recommend. Also while you're here please sign up for the Homeroad emails on my sidebar so I can send my latest DIY post straight to you. 







Homeroad
Homeroad

I am Susan, the author and creator at Homeroad. I am a wife, mother of 4 daughters, and a grandmother of 5 and counting. I am a retired teacher, a DIY blogger and an artist at heart. .

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Comments

  1. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsJuly 25, 2011 at 6:54 AM

    Isn't it great, Susan? You sound like me when I did my post on using it for the first time! : ) I love the graphic you put together for the top. I recently bought a paint pen/marker{?} that I thought I might try for ease of use. It sounds like you really liked the paint stick.

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  2. EmilyJuly 25, 2011 at 8:16 AM

    Hi Susan! This is a really sweet project! I've heard a lot about thsi chalk paint and would love to try it out :-)

    I came to your post via Brag Monday. Check my blog out when you have a spare moment :-)

    Thanks for sharing!

    Emily
    emilysummers-designer.blogspot.com/

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  3. Comeca JonesJuly 25, 2011 at 8:33 AM

    Very nice looks great with the pillows!

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  4. Laurel@ChippingwithCharmJuly 25, 2011 at 8:48 AM

    Lucky you...looks great :) Laurel

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  5. Darby HawleyJuly 25, 2011 at 8:54 AM

    This looks fabulous!!! I want to make one too!

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  6. The Barn DoorJuly 25, 2011 at 9:19 AM

    Wow that is awesome!! Love it!

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  7. UnknownJuly 25, 2011 at 12:50 PM

    This is adorable-love the laurel leaves from the graphic fairy-I'm a follower and now I want some chalk paint too!!

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  8. TammyJuly 25, 2011 at 1:34 PM

    Congratulations! and it looks great!

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  9. Honey at 2805July 25, 2011 at 2:04 PM

    This looks beautiful, Susan! And I love your nautical mantel.

    I am now following you too. The "Follow" thingy was out again last night for a while.

    I'm happy you joined in on the Overstock Giveaway. I have just been informed of an update to $100 is I have 500 entries.

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  10. KeiJuly 25, 2011 at 6:46 PM

    Such a lovely makeover, that makes a fantastic bed tray! Chalk paint sounds amazing to work with.

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  11. www.thewhitefarmhouse2.blogspot.comJuly 25, 2011 at 8:39 PM

    Awesome makeover! I have been dying to try this paint too and you just sealed the deal! I definitely got to now! Congrats on your win! Lucky girl!

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  12. MindyJuly 25, 2011 at 10:27 PM

    Shut up! You lucky duck! I've been wanting to see what all the hype is about as well, but there's no way I'm paying that kinda money for it.

    So what's the deal with the wax? What is it's purpose in life?

    The tray turned out super cute. Love the stencil you picked. I've never heard of a paint stick. I'll have to remember that. Are they used mainly for stenciling?

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  13. The Pennington PointJuly 25, 2011 at 11:12 PM

    I love the tray! I tried the Annie Sloan paint at Gina's last weekend and LOVED it! I am so glad you liked it too. I'm going to order some for myself ASAP. Lisa~

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  14. Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️July 26, 2011 at 9:38 AM

    So great for you to win. Your bed tray looks fantastic!
    I need to buy some Annie Sloan paint.

    Dee

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  15. ReeseJuly 26, 2011 at 12:43 PM

    Beautiful, I love it! You are going to get a lot of use out of your newest creation! Yet another gem of inspiration I will be stealing from you!

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  16. Cassie BustamanteJuly 26, 2011 at 3:33 PM

    that looks awesome, susan! that was the perfect design for it!

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  17. Our Hopeful HomeJuly 26, 2011 at 3:52 PM

    I love it! What's a paint stick?

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  18. SJ @ Homemaker On A DimeJuly 26, 2011 at 5:47 PM

    I'm so honored that you chose to join the Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop. Thank you for adding this special masterpiece to rock my party :)

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  19. Heaven's WalkJuly 26, 2011 at 10:05 PM

    Sweeeeeet, Susan! Congrats on winning that magical paint! I just purchased some and can hardly wait to try it out. Your tray turned out so beautiful! Nice job!!! :)

    xoxo laurie

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  20. Karen ValentineJuly 27, 2011 at 2:39 AM

    Hi Susan! Congrats on your win! The bed tray turned out fabulously! Did you find the paint as wonderful as everyone is saying?? I've been using the Caromal colors by Country Living and I like it very much, but I'm always looking for other paint choices.
    Have a great week!!
    xo,
    Karen

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  21. Tammy @ Type AJuly 27, 2011 at 12:08 PM

    i LOVE it! i want to try the paint too, but i'm saving my pennies! lol what kinda of paint stick did you use, really great idea. thanks for partying with me! i just love your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  22. AnonymousJuly 27, 2011 at 4:00 PM

    Wow!! I love i! I'd say that was the best $2 spent ever!! Congrats on winning the paint! How awesome! I really really like your pillows too! Did you paint them??

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  23. Amber and BradJuly 27, 2011 at 6:09 PM

    So glad you are enjoying the paint!

    Great little project - looks fabulous for only $2!

    Would love to have you stop by and share at my weekly Chalk Paint Link Party.

    www.ShadesofAmberInc.blogspot.com

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  24. PamelaJuly 27, 2011 at 7:26 PM

    Congratulations...you put your win to good use. I'd like one sitting on my bed!

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  25. Ann from On Sutton PlaceJuly 27, 2011 at 7:47 PM

    Saw your link at Thrifty 101. This is awesome...and I'm glad to hear you liked the wax. I have used Minwax but I think I need to order some Annie wax. Love your pillow too!

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  26. Sherry HicksJuly 27, 2011 at 8:40 PM

    Congratulations on the win! How thrilling, and i have to say I love love love you bed tray. I need to try graphics fairy but have not transfered images before, I am wondering what method you use to transfer the image to your furniture? Looks lovely! My problem I am sure would be wanting all the colors........and did one coat take care of this?

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  27. Miss CharJuly 27, 2011 at 9:01 PM

    Congrats on your win Susan and your first projects looks fabulous. Thanks for sharing.

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  28. JennJuly 27, 2011 at 11:03 PM

    Oh, I love this too! I just purchased some chalk paint over the internet and can't wait to get it! Love your blog and following along now!
    Jenn :)

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  29. Designed by ChanceJuly 27, 2011 at 11:49 PM

    Oh you have the chalk paint!!!I'm waiting for good fortune (ie: some money) to get my own.

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  30. allison@mainstcuisineJuly 28, 2011 at 10:06 AM

    Hi Susan - found your link over at thrifty 101. Your finished bed tray looks amazing! And, I love the monogram. {Allison}

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  31. Allison {A Glimpse Inside}July 28, 2011 at 1:02 PM

    It looks fantastic! Love the monogram. I haven't tried that paint before but I've seen it popping up all over lately.
    Thanks for linking this up as well!

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  32. cherished blissJuly 28, 2011 at 1:30 PM

    Wow I have been dying to try that paint too! I'm ganna have to give in and buy it! I hope you will share this at my party! : )

    http://www.cherishedbliss.com/2011/07/craft-and-tell-no-15.html

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  33. Candace @ Candace CreationsJuly 28, 2011 at 6:03 PM

    Wow I love it!

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  34. TracyJuly 28, 2011 at 8:27 PM

    Beautiful!
    I'm so happy I found your blog through Kara's linky party today. :) I love it!
    I'd like to invite you to share your creations sometime at my weekly linking party as well. I am really trying to grow my party to include lots of creative projects just like this one. Thanks for the consideration and here is the direct link if you'd like to check it out :). ~ Tracy
    T.G.I.F. Linky Party

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  35. EricaJuly 29, 2011 at 4:23 AM

    Looks great! Congratulations!

    1 Year Old Birthday Party Ideas

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  36. Leslie {Goodbye, house. Hello, home!}July 29, 2011 at 10:17 AM

    Yum!
    I Pinterested this post---couldn't help myself!
    I was with Lisa at Pennington Point when she tried the chalk paint on a desk (she even let me paint a drawer! :) It is awesome stuff!
    Have a blessed day making your home!
    ~me

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  37. Blissful & DomesticJuly 29, 2011 at 10:54 AM

    I've never tried this paint before, but now I want to. I love the war everything turned out. Too cute;) thanks so much for linking up to blissful and domestic. See you next week!

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  38. Adrianne SurianJuly 29, 2011 at 3:39 PM

    This is just gorgeous - really professional results!! I feel like I want to make one for my birthday... think it will get me breakfast in bed?? ;)

    Happy to be your newest follower ~ Adrianne
    happyhourprojects.blogspot.com

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  39. Yes! YolandaJuly 29, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    I'm your newest follower! I found you on "Boost my Blog Friday" (Last week's since this wk hasn't posted yet). I just started blogging myself but have a great start! Stop by if you get a chance:
    http://yesyolanda.blogspot.com/
    I looovvee the tray makeover!! Looks so high-end & the picture looks like something from a fancy bed & breakfast! Great job!!!

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  40. Julie @ The Doodling BugJuly 29, 2011 at 9:52 PM

    This project is fabulous!!

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  41. ibshellJuly 30, 2011 at 10:32 AM

    LOVE IT! So beautiful and now I'm sold on trying chalk paint and wax ;)

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  42. SommerJuly 31, 2011 at 11:22 AM

    Oooh Oooh so pretty! I too am still waiting on trying the paint. Just can't seem to cough up that much money. I'm cheap what can I say. LOL. Please come by and show this off at my VIP party today =) http://designergarden.blogspot.com/2011/07/vip-party-21.html

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  43. CamilleJuly 31, 2011 at 2:15 PM

    That came out SO great! I have been trying out my Annie Sloan paint for 2 weeks now! I am painting everything in sight!! Ha ha! Teachers gotta love School vacation! I get so much done!

    I am new at waxing, myself so I wasn't sure what I was doing (at all). I'm glad you said you liked it. I think I need a bit more practice!! But you're right. I want the dark wax now, too!!

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  44. Sheri MillerFebruary 18, 2012 at 12:16 AM

    Where did you get the paint stick? What brand is it?

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  45. lap deskFebruary 21, 2012 at 11:58 PM

    I love what you did to that old tray. It looks modern and new now. I like the idea of putting a print on it. This project is indeed a fantastic one.

    ReplyDelete

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Have a nice day.
Susan