Skip to Content

DIY Craft Table from a TV Tray

Don’t throw out that used TV tray – turn it into a DIY craft table using fabric and Mod Podge! Just cover the top with your favorite pattern: so easy.

DIY Small Craft Table from a TV Tray

One of my favorite things to do with Mod Podge is refinish furniture with fabric – so I’m pleased to share this guest post from Jessica at Mom 4 Real with you.

Her project? She turned an old TV tray into a small DIY craft table using some pretty fabric, which is a great idea if you are limited on space (like I was in Mod Podge Command Central). I’ll let Jessica tell you about the revamp yourself.

PS – don’t forget to read our post how to Mod Podge fabric to wood furniture for a ton of tips!


Hello! I’m Jessica from Mom 4 Real, here to share my DIY craft table from a TV tray tutorial. I use this as a Mod Podge table in my craft area because I was getting decoupage medium all over my desk. And who wants that?

We had an entire set of these, so I am making one to use as a laptop desk in my living room, and one for each of my kids to use for either a craft table or for tv watching with snacks.

TV Tray to DIY Craft Table

Gather These Supplies

  • Old TV tray table – I frequently see these at the thrift store
  • Fabric – enough to cover the table
  • Hard Coat Mod Podge
  • Paint brush (can use a foam brush)
  • Scissors
  • Brayer (optional)
Black TV tray table

Start with a tray table – sand it if necessary. Depending on how transparent your fabric is, you might want to add a few coats of white paint on the top (especially if the tabletop is dark). If your fabric is transparent, the color of the table will show through.

Coat of Mod Podge applied to the top of the TV tray
Close up of applying Mod podge to a table with a foam brush

Paint a light coat of Mod Podge on the top of the tray table, making sure to coat thoroughly.

Smoothed fabric over the tray table top

Smooth fabric over the top, making sure that there is plenty left on each side to fold over the edges.

Using a brayer on top of fabric to smooth it out

Smooth out using rubber roller or fingers. Keep smoothing until all the bubbles are removed. If any Mod Podge squeezes out the sides, wipe away with a brush.

Hand showing the cut edge of the fabric to fold under

Cut a slit in the fabric at each corner for folding and tucking under the tray, smoothing any wrinkles or bubbles out along the way.

Craft tray table shown drying with fabric on top

Apply Mod Podge on the edges of the tray and underneath the tray. Smooth fabric over edges and tuck underneath. Allow the fabric to dry, then apply a thin coat of Mod Podge over the entire fabric area.

Allow for that coat to dry, then apply one more coat of Mod Podge. The finish should be nice and smooth!

DIY Small Craft Table from a TV Tray
Don't throw out that used TV tray - turn it into a DIY craft table using fabric and Mod Podge! Just cover the top with your favorite pattern: so easy!

Thank you Jessica, for your lovely TV tray turned DIY craft table tutorial. Please visit her at Mom 4 Real for more craft and DIY goodness! I’d also love for you to check out these other project ideas:

Anonymous

Saturday 14th of July 2012

I did the two topcoats of mod podge and sprayed an acrylic sealer with two coats and it doesn't feel smooth. Any suggestions?

Amy Anderson

Sunday 15th of July 2012

Hi Anonymous! Depending on the fabric you use, it might not feel smooth. You are applying a glue to fabric and then letting it dry, which is going to change how it feels. That is just inherent with applying fabric to something with a decoupage medium.

Rachel {BubblyNatureCreations.com}

Wednesday 11th of April 2012

I love this idea!!! I need one of these!!!

Amy Anderson

Wednesday 21st of March 2012

Suzanne, I would use the fabric Mod Podge and an acrylic sealer if you want your surface to be very durable. Fabric Mod Podge is virtually waterproof (very close).

Suzanne

Wednesday 21st of March 2012

So was the Fabric Mod Podge used? Or regular MP?

Nama Halacy's Comfy Cottage

Tuesday 20th of March 2012

That is so perfect!! Multitasking made possible, watch the Big Bang Theory and craft at the same time, Heavenly!! Thank you for sharing!!