Thrift A Simple Utensil Tray To Make The Sweetest Trinket Decor

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Our homes can easily be taken over by trinkets. One little souvenir can quickly turn into a shelf overflowing with knickknacks if we're not careful. One shelf can then turn into two, and before you know it, your display resembles the cluttered shelves of a thrift store. Don't panic, though — there are ways to showcase trinkets without cluttering your home, including one that involves hanging up a utensil tray that you've turned into a customized trinket shelf. 

When Instagram creator @yours.truly_home was on a quest to find a trinket tray, she discovered that "utensil trays are just trinket trays waiting for a little tweak." Turns out that she isn't the only one who is finding greater potential for these trays. We've seen this kitchen essential repurposed into a simple entryway organizer and as a makeup organizer. With their built-in dividers and small compartments, these trays keep small items naturally organized, whether you're using them for silverware, makeup, keys, or more.

Depending on the size of your trinket collection, one utensil tray may suffice. If you need more real estate, connect two trays or create additional compartments using plywood. Leave the trays their original color or paint them to match the aesthetic of your home or trinkets. Use a multi-surface product like FolkArt's Artisan Multi-Surface Acrylic Craft Paint, and lightly sand down the tray first if original surface is glossy or the paint isn't easily adhering.

Once the paint has dried, keep things plain if you are minimalistic. Or, you can embellish the sides of the tray with, well, trinkets. Is your shelf made to display memorabilia from a beach vacation or an international trip? Add themed knickknacks on top or along the edges. The compartments also are perfect spots for leftover wallpaper that you've used elsewhere.

@nadia_lorna

I love it so much! Please don't come for my tool use 😅 #trinket #diy #fyp #trinketbox #diyproject

♬ original sound – nadia

One option for hanging up the shelf is to use adhesive strips, making the shelf easily removable if needed. You can also screw in sawtooth hangers, like EesTeck's Metal Sawtooth Picture Hangers, for a more permanent solution. In @yours.truly_home's video, two planks of plywood are glued on top of the trays to form a roof for additional visual appeal, similar to trinket houses that are often used to store collectibles. Not only is this an adorable customization option, it also creates a quick way to hang the display. Also, to protect your wall from potential scratches, line the back of the utensil tray (the part that rubs against the wall) with the soft side of Velcro.

Now for the fun part: displaying the trinkets. Although the shelf is likely sturdy, consider securing the trinkets to the shelf with adhesives, like D-NYX Double-Sided Adhesive Dots, that are suitable on a variety of surfaces. That way, if anyone jostles the display, your collectibles remain safe.