Sofa Arm Tray Useful and Fun DIY

ByChas

Do you need a sofa arm tray? I found these clip-on couch/sofa arm trays at the thrift store for $1.50 each. I grabbed a couple and had fun upcycling them in a couple of different ways.

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Here's one of the original trays I found at the thrift store. The rest of the materials for this project I already had on hand.

Here’s one of the original trays I found at the thrift store. The rest of the materials for this project I already had on hand.

Sofa Arm Tray Useful and Fun DIY Video

I lightly sanded the surface of both trays and wiped them clean with denatured alcohol to get them ready for painting.

I lightly sanded the surface of both trays and wiped them clean with denatured alcohol to get them ready for painting.

For the first try I lightly painted on a couple coats of Folk Art Home Decor Chalk Paint in the color glacier and let that dry completely.

For the first try I lightly painted on a couple coats of Folk Art Home Decor Chalk Paint in the color glacier and let that dry completely.

I wanted to try hand blending paint, so I added Folk Art Home Decor Chalk Paint in the colors - seaside & lilac. I dabbed on some of the paint and smeared it with my hands. You can see this better in the video with this post.

I wanted to try hand blending paint, so I added Folk Art Home Decor Chalk Paint in the colors – seaside & lilac. I dabbed on some of the paint and smeared it with my hands. You can see this better in the video with this post.

Once that had dried I added a Plaid stencil and held it in place with Plaid stencil tape. I dabbed on Folk Art Home Decor Chalk Paint in the color white with my stencil brush and dabbed it onto the stencil. You can see the stenciling technique on the video provided with this post.

Once that had dried I added a Plaid stencil and held it in place with Plaid stencil tape. I dabbed on Folk Art Home Decor Chalk Paint in the color white with my stencil brush and dabbed it onto the stencil. You can see the stenciling technique on the video provided with this post.

For my second tray, I painted the tray with a couple coats of White Waverly Chalk Paint and let that dry.

For my second tray, I painted the tray with a couple coats of White Waverly Chalk Paint and let that dry.

I then hand blended Waverly Chalk Paint in the colors crimson and ocean. I dabbed on some of the paint and smeared it with my hands. You can see this better in the video with this post.

I then hand blended Waverly Chalk Paint in the colors crimson and ocean. I dabbed on some of the paint and smeared it with my hands. You can see this better in the video with this post.

Once that dried, I used Folk Art Home Decor Chalk Paint in the color white and pounced my Plaid stencil brush onto the stencil. You can see the stenciling technique on the video provided with this post.

Once that dried, I used Folk Art Home Decor Chalk Paint in the color white and pounced my Plaid stencil brush onto the stencil. You can see the stenciling technique on the video provided with this post.

Once the trays were dry, I coated them with Folk Art Home Decor Varnish to protect it. I love how these 2 arm tables turned out.

Once the trays were dry, I coated them with Folk Art Home Decor Varnish to protect it. I love how these 2 arm tables turned out.

They fit the couches perfectly and they're getting tons of use.

They fit the couches perfectly and they’re getting tons of use.

I found these clip on couch/sofa arm trays at the thrift store for $1.50 each. I grabbed a couple and had fun upcycling them in a couple different ways.

Find out “What Exactly Does It Mean To Repurpose Or Upcycle“, save money, and create the most amazing things.

Sofa Arm Tray DIY video

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I found these clip on couch/sofa arm trays at the thrift store for $1.50 each. I grabbed a couple and had fun upcycling them in a couple different ways.

Why should I have a sofa arm tray or Couch Arm Table?

  • A sofa arm table is a space saver if you don’t have room for a side table or end table in your living room
  • It can hold your laptop
  • It’s great for holding snacks like cookies
  • It can hold your beverages like a glass of wine, coffee, tea
  • For your convenience, it fist right on the arm of a sofa
  • It keeps items within arm’s reach, especially if that coffee table is a little far away

A sofa arm tray table is a durable flat surface that is a great product to fit right on the arm of your sofa and is a great addition to your home.

Use the chalk to personalize for the event.
Lastly, take a piece of chalk and season the rest of the tray. To season the tray - lay a piece of chalk on it's side and rub the whole tv tray both vertically and horizontally. After this is done, wipe off with an eraser or paper towel.
Metal Multi Use Tray Upcycle (11) on display

Check out some of my other trays!

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Chas, the creative force behind Chas' Crazy Creations, is a renowned DIY expert, innovator, and passionate crafter with over 30 years of experience in repurposing, upcycling, and home improvement. Combining a successful career in dance program management with extensive expertise in digital marketing, website development, and consulting, Chas brings a unique blend of artistic vision and practical know-how to the DIY and crafting world.

At Chas' Crazy Creations, visitors find a treasure trove of crafting and home project resources, including detailed tutorials, creative inspiration, and practical tips. Chas specializes in making creativity accessible to all, offering projects ranging from budget-friendly upcycling ideas to seasonal and holiday-themed crafts. The website caters to crafters of all skill levels, featuring easy-to-follow instructions and projects utilizing everyday materials.

Beyond DIY, Chas is a sought-after motivational speaker and business consultant. Leveraging deep experience in digital marketing, SEO, social media management, and brand building, Chas helps businesses grow and thrive in the digital landscape. As an advocate for hands-on creativity and sustainable living, Chas' mission is to inspire and empower others through engaging, innovative content that bridges the gap between traditional crafting and modern digital strategies.

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20 Comments

  1. They’re both really pretty!! I wish I could find some of these at my local thrift store. I’m always laying books on the arm of the couch and accidentally knocking them off. ?

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much Michelle, and keep your eye out – you’ll never know what you can find at a Thrift Store 🙂

      Reply

  2. Totally awesome! I have never seen trays like these. And your upcycling of them turned them from something meh, to fantastic. Love it! Thank you for linking up to Creative Compulsions!

    Michelle
    mybijoulifeonline.com

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much Michelle, we’re really putting them to good use and enjoying them.

      Reply

  3. These trays are perfect for the family room. Love your up-cycle designs.
    Happy New Year,
    Kippi

    Reply

    1. Thank you Kippi and thanks for the kind words.

      Reply

    1. Thank you so much Sarah, we’re enjoying them and putting them to great use.

      Reply

  5. Hi, Chas. Thank you for sharing this on Traffic Jam Weekend! It has been chosen as a fave feature for this week’s party going live on Thursday at 5:00 pm CST.

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much Kimberly, I’m thrilled everyone is enjoying the post. See you at the next party.

      Reply

  6. What great items to find for $1.50 and make over! I love how they attach to the chair.

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much Kristie, we have been enjoying them and putting them to great use.

      Reply
  7. Marilyn Lesniak says:

    Thank you for sharing at #OverTheMoon. Pinned and shared. Have a lovely week. I hope to see you at next week’s party too!

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much Marilyn – you’re the best

      Reply

  8. I’m so glad to hear that I’m not the only one who uses her fingers! I always find I have better control of the result that way. These look great, Chas, I need to look for some in my travels!
    Thank you for sharing at Party In Your PJ’s!

    Reply

    1. Thank you Ann, and – you’re right – sometimes our hands jut need to get dirty 🙂

      Reply

  9. These are such a great upcycle! Love their fun new farmhouse look.

    Thank you so much for sharing your awesome upcycle with us over at Waste Not Wednesday!

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much Sam, we have been putting them to great use

      Reply

  10. I have not seen one of these ever, and you found them so cheap, I love the little bumblebee stencil makeover.

    Thank you for joining the Waste not Wednesday party, and your post is one of the features.

    Reply

    1. Thank you Leanna, and thank you so much for the feature. I appreciate all the support.

      Reply

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