Today’s super simple project is a vintage vanity mirror tray makeover. These little mirror trays are common in thrift stores. Sometimes they’re VERY dusty but they clean up easy and if any of the gold is missing they’re lots of fun to paint. Check out how I painted this little tray.
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Supplies Needed for Vintage Vanity Mirror Tray Makeover
- vintage mirror tray from the thrift store – The more detailed filigree the better! (You can also find these on Etsy and eBay.)
- chalk type white paint – I used DecoArt Chalky Finish Paint in Everlasting.
- paintbrush – These are my favorite paint brushes.
- rag or old washcloth
See, only four things. I told you it was going to be super simple!
My Thrift Store Find
Here’s what my tray looked like when I found it at the thrift store. This one is the smallest tray I’ve ever found. Usually, they’re about 15″-20″ but this one is closer to 10″. I only paid $1.00 for it. Bargains like that are fun to paint because I don’t feel guilty if I don’t like how they turn out since I only spent a dollar on it! And I used paint that I already had… leftover from other thrift store makeovers.
How to Paint a Thrift Store Mirror Tray
To paint a vintage mirror tray, start by cleaning it well. A lot of dust can get trapped in all that filigree!
Then remove the mirror. There are usually 4 clips on the back that can just be bent open to remove the mirror and the cardboard and felt backing.
Paint on one layer of chalky finish paint, let dry completely, then come back with a damp rag and remove a little of the paint on the highlighted areas. Remove as much or as little as you want. If you take off too much you can always go back and add more paint.
Finished Thrift Store Makeover
These trays are perfect for rounding up little items on your dresser or bathroom counter. Here I added a cupcake stand from our trip to Magnolia Market, a vintage frog, a hand-lettered card, a tiny photo of my oldest daughter, and my coffee necklace.
I love the touch of gold peeking out! Scroll down to find links to the jewelry cabinet makeovers that you see in the background.
More Thrift Store Makeovers
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like these:
- Turquoise and White Jewelry Cabinet Makeover (one seen in the background)
- Turquoise & White Jewelry Cabinet with Rounded Sides (second one seen in the background)
- Mirror Vanity Tray Made with Frame
- How to Turn a Dresser into a Bathroom Vanity
Thanks for reading about my thrift store vanity mirror tray makeover! I hope you can find one at your local thrift store to paint. Leave a comment and let me know if you do. Thanks! (Originally published on January 11, 2017.)
‘Til the next project,
Ann @ Duct Tape and Denim
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Florence @ VintageSouthernPicks says
I love the little vignette you have created with the finished tray! I have done many of these trays, and I do like the painted version oh so much better.
Vickie Kuykendall says
I enjoyed the video shopping at thrift stores but would like better without the music. I found it distracting and could not hear you as well
ducttapeanddenim says
Thanks for the feedback! I’m still learning video so I hope future ones will be much better!
Lindabug says
Have 2 waiting just for this! Going to go with black with a little gold showing because after a failure in our brass [not in style when replacing] light fixtures in the bathroom we were forced to go to dark color. Originally the house had these 2 big round bulbs in an awkward placement over a double sink-mirror. We had to measure very carefully to manage to put 2 multiple bulb fixtures up to cover the holes. Subsequently we changed out the rest of the fixtures to the darker color with a little touch of gold/copper, & I can just picture my trays back again with a new finish & fresh look!
ducttapeanddenim says
ooooooo… Now I want to paint one black. I’d love to see yours when you’re done!
Trudy Hibler says
I have a horrid green mirror I’ve been wanting to redo, but after reading this I think I want to turn it into a tray. I can glue legs onto the botto!m, paint it a pretty bronze or gold color then chalk paint over it with perhaps some dark wax here and there. Thank you for the inspiration
ducttapeanddenim says
That could be gorgeous! I’d love to see it when you’re done.
Angie Current says
I just found one like I had as a girl to do this with on eBay… Thank you for the share and the fun ideas. You inspire me! 🙂
Kathy A says
I can’t wait to go thrifting and then to a store with chalk paint. This tray is so much prettier now!