How to Make Your Own Bathroom Vanity Tray in 6 Easy Steps

A DIY bathroom vanity tray is a fun and practical project that makes your bathroom feel more personal. It’s also a thoughtful gift for family and friends, especially for a housewarming. Read on to discover how to make a custom bathroom vanity tray.

1. Gather your materials

• A piece of scrapwood. It should be large enough to hold all your bathroom essentials without taking up too much space on your vanity. I used a leftover scrap from the industrial bakers rack.
• Two metallic handles or wood knobs. They’re functional and add a touch of sophistication to your vanity tray. Choose ones that match your bathroom fixtures and overall decor. If using wood knobs, you can paint and simply hot glue them to the scrap wood.
• Wood paint for the vanity tray. It should suit your bathroom decor.
• Paintbrush.
• Stencil. I used a monogram.
• Acrylic paint for the stencil. It should contrast the wood paint.
• Hammer or screwdriver.
• Sandpaper.
• Painter’s tape.
• Wood glue if you’re using wood knobs.
• Rag for making a distressed look (optional).

2. Prepare the scrapwood

Get ready to paint the scrapwood by thoroughly cleaning it to remove any dust or grime. Then lightly sand the scrapwood to create a smooth surface for painting.

3. Paint the vanity tray

Apply a coat of paint on the scrapwood using even strokes. Wait for the paint to completely dry before adding a new coat. Otherwise, you can create a distressed look by using a rag to lightly wipe the coat of paint before it dries out completely.

4. Add the stencil design

Once the painted wood is completely dry, it’s time to add the stencil. Place the stencil on the wood and use painter’s tape to keep it steady. Next, use acrylic paint to fill it in. When you finish, gently remove the stencil and allow the design to dry.

5. Add handles to the vanity tray

To install metallic handles, mark their position on the wood and use a hammer or screwdriver to secure them in place using the nails or screws they came with. If using wood handles, attach them to the vanity tray using wood glue and apply pressure for 5-10 seconds.

6. Make final touches

After installing the handles, examine your vanity tray for any imperfections. For example, touch up any areas where the paint or stencil design may need improvement, then allow your vanity tray to dry fully before using it.

Your newly created bathroom vanity tray is now ready for use. It can hold items like cosmetics, perfumes, or other bathroom essentials, providing a neat and organized look. Remember to clean it regularly to keep it beautiful and durable. If you’re making several vanity trays for yourself or gifts, consider different styles so each tray will be unique.