How To Decorate A Tray With Wallpaper. See how to use leftover wallpaper to decorate a tray that is both decorative and functional. This is an easy craft project of transforming a plain wooden tray, by creatively recycling those extra wallpaper scraps.
Handcrafted Society
This month the Handcrafted Society is focusing on reimagined wallpaper. Keep scrolling to see how we are repurposing those leftover wallpaper scraps and extra pieces into creative and useful home accents.
How To Decorate A Tray With Wallpaper
Have you ever decorated with peel and stick wallpaper in drawers or cabinets? I have, and with very good results. You can click over to my post here, to view our bathroom cabinets with a whimsical blue and white toile pattern. The leftover wallpaper I’m using on my tray project is also peel and stick. I have to admit I’m in love with the pretty symmetrical pattern of botanicals, birds and soft colors. Plus I can use the tray in almost any room of my home.
In this post I will share with you, how to update a plain wooden tray with paint and a small section of wallpaper. This is a simple project that you can easily finish in an afternoon.
Supplies
- wood tray
- craft paint and paint brush
- peel and stick wallpaper
- scissors or razor craft knife
- 2 square or round dowels 1/8″ x 36″
- 1/2 round wood balls or beads 1″
- all purpose white glue
- gold metallic paint (optional)
- clear antiquing wax (optional)
Instructions
Paint your wood tray in a color that coordinates with your wallpaper, and surrounding decor. My color choices were between light blue and olive green, however as you can see, the winner is Little Whale by Fusion Mineral Paint.
When your paint is dry, measure the interior of your tray, so you can precisely cut your wallpaper to fit inside. You may want to create a template or pattern out of wrapping paper or a paper sack depending on the size of your tray. That way, if you have a limited amount of wallpaper you won’t waste any.
I’m using peel and stick wallpaper, so I did not need to apply glue. I just measured, cut, removed the backing, and put the wallpaper into place.
Final Details
My wallpaper installation was off a tiny bit on one side which makes me wonder, am I not capable of cutting a straight line? Lucky me, I was already planning on adding a square dowel trim around the inside perimeter of the tray.
The dowel is easy to cut with a razor knife, then you can glue each section into place with all purpose white glue.
The dowel trim sections add just the right finishing touch. I left the square dowel in the natural finish to bring out similar neutral colors in the botanicals of my wallpaper.
For a high end look, you can create feet for your tray with 1/2 round wood balls or beads. These are the same beads leftover from my bobbin frame project that you can read about here. You can paint them or leave them in their natural wood color, and glue into place.
Just for fun I cut out a bird from another piece of the wallpaper, adding it to the bottom of the tray. I’m sharing this to give you another option incase you want to create a collage with your wallpaper scraps.
My last step is applying some clear antiquing wax to the sides of the tray. Not only will the wax help protect the paint finish, but will also give the paint a pretty soft luster.
Displaying Your Wallpaper Tray
I’m having a hard time deciding on which view I like best on my kitchen counter, so maybe you can help me out. Should I use the wallpaper tray as a decorative accent or as a tray to organize kitchen items?
I’m leaning a bit towards using it to corral kitchen items. When I make my morning coffee, that happy pattern is patiently waiting to say, good morning. I love it!
More Wallpaper Reimagined Projects
My friends Donna of An Organized Season, and Diane of South House Designs have tray projects too. Great minds think alike, I always say! 😉 Be sure to check out both of these adorable projects. You’ll want to see their unique tutorials and features, such as Donna’s scalloped trim and Diane’s clever removable tray liner.
Missy of Sonata Home Design is sharing her step by step process of turning a plastic bowl into a high end decorative home accent.
Wendy of WM Design House shares her skills of transforming a lampshade with wallpaper. Talk about getting the designer look!
Be sure to follow Thistle Key Lane on Pinterest, where the boards are up to date with seasonal inspiration you can use right now!
Thank you for popping in today! I hope you will enjoy visiting my friends, and exploring all the creative ways of using those leftover scraps of wallpaper.
Cheers!
©2026 How To Decorate A Tray With Wallpaper post first appeared on Thistle Key Lane.
Michelle, I love that wallpaper you used for your tray. It turned out lovely. I may one for my craft room with left over paper from the room. I love the dowel trim and the little feet. I may add the trim to mine. A great idea! I am commenting from Ireland, my friend.
I hope you are having a fabulous trip Tammy! Thanks so much for taking the time to pop in! Hugs!
Oh Michelle, the delightful details really make this tray special. As if the wallpaper itself and that beautiful color weren’t enough, I actually sighed when I saw the bird on the underside!!! And the square dowels and gold ball feet really elevate your tray. I always learn something new from you!!!
Thanks so much Diane for your encouraging comments! I almost didn’t include a photo of the back, thinking who would want to see it! But then again, what do I know LOL!
Michelle, your tray looks lovely styled both ways in your kitchen, I can’t decide which one I like best! I adore the extra touches like the feet, interior trim and that sweet bird on the back! It’s so beautiful!
Thanks so much Donna! This was such a fun project for me!
This is so pretty, Michelle! Such a beautiful tray that can be used in so many different ways. I love the addition of the feet and the cute little bird on the bottom. Great details! Pinned!
Thank you Missy! I think I’m getting the wallpaper bug! Maybe I caught it from your inspiring projects!
First, you are amazing, so creative, and always going above and beyond. Like the little details on your tray – I love them all! Thank you for sharing your talents on Farmhouse Friday. I’m featuring it tomorrow. pinned
BTW, my friends and I finally got around to creating the most beautiful candles with the stickers I got from Amazon LAST YEAR! That is my kinda craft. 🙂
Wow thanks for the feature! Very unexpected but very much appreciated! I’m so excited about your candles, and hope you will post about them. You go girl!!