Turn A Simple IKEA Picture Frame Into A Super Chic Boho Tray: Perfect For Your Coffee Table

A picture is worth a thousand words, but what about a picture frame? Most people will use a picture frame for its namesake purpose — to hold photos or prints of memories frozen in time; snapshots of special places and loved ones. Others think beyond a frame's original purpose, finding ways to reinvent an average picture frame. No matter how you plan to use frames in your home, IKEA is one of the best places to get a good deal on picture frames. So if you went overboard during your last IKEA run and stocked up on affordable yet sturdy frames, don't keep them in a box to collect dust until you have photos to put into them. Instead, try this clever DIY that will turn a simple IKEA picture frame into a beautiful decorative tray with a hint of boho-chic that's perfect for your bedroom, ottoman, or coffee table.

For this DIY, you'll want to have the RÖDALM frame in hand. A 4x6-inch frame starts at $4.99 — that's perfect for a photo, but for your super chic tray, you'll want a bigger-sized frame, which will cost a little more. Ideally, for a coffee table tray, you'll want to go for a larger size — typically around 18 inches wide will suffice. This width is good for holding plenty of items without overwhelming your table. The RÖDALM frame comes in a variety of sizes, including a 12x16-inch or 16x20-inch, and in two colors: black or white. Choose the option that fits your space the best. You'll also need handles (like the KLINGSTORP handle set), rattan webbing, screws, a drill, and a hot glue gun. 

For this project, you'll position a textured piece under the glass of the frame to create a boho look on your customized tray. Remove the frame stand from the back by simply pulling it off carefully to protect the integrity of the frame backing. Remove the wall brackets from the backing, so you're left with a smooth surface. The frame backing becomes your canvas for creating your boho design, which will show through on the tray.

You can work with the frame backing as it is, paint it, or hot glue felt or fabric onto it. After applying your background, glue rattan webbing to the side of the frame backing that will show through the glass. Place the backing into the frame, ensuring the webbing is displayed just as a regular picture would. Add your KLINGSTORP handles (or a set of handles that better suits your home) to the short sides of the frame using a drill and screws. Use your customized boho tray to hold a cup of tea, a book, or other accent pieces — decorating with a tray is one of the ways to add decor to a coffee table without it looking cluttered.

If you want to customize your tray to make it even more of a bohemian decor piece, try adding other embellishments in addition to the tartan webbing. Place colorful fabric scraps, fabric with fringe, or strands from the FESTUGEN bouquet to the frame backing. If the shadow-box effect isn't for you, you can also hand-paint various patterns and florals in metallic or natural-toned colors or use stencils to make your coffee table tray as boho-chic and unique as you want it to be.