Personally, I’m a huge fan of TV trays, especially all the amazing vintage ones that are still out and about. Although, I’m also a fan of gathering around a dinner table and eating with the family; sometimes it’s just fun and relaxing to sit in front of the tube watching your favorite show with a tray full of tacos, pizza or a big bowl of spaghetti. But TV trays aren’t just good for dinnertime and evening soap operas, they’re also super versatile in other parts of your home.

Remember, it is are a tray after all and just because it’s not a table top tray doesn’t mean it can’t be used in some of the same ways. In the living room or kitchen, or up on the wall … Take a peek at all these 5 different ways to use those 50’s inspired TV trays.

1. Turn it into a mini-desk.

You don’t actually have to do anything special to make this happen. Instead of using the tray as a place setting, use it as a little home office. When you’re tired of sitting in the (usually super uncomfortable) office chair ….. grab a seat on your cozy couch and pop out the TV tray to get some writing or laptop work accomplished.{found on designsponge}.

2. A super cute and inexpensive side table.

With a little paint or the right table top accessories, a plain and inexpensive TV tray can work as a super cute side table for your living room or bedroom! Add a bit of flair with some ribbon or a fancy decal, top the tray with some fancy frames or a lamp and you’ve got something chic and creative for your space!

3. Up-cycle it into a mini-bar!

Super chic for small get-togethers, grab your old TV trays and up-cycle them into a mini bar! Add a basket to the base and stock it up! Also great for just water or sodas too!{found on site}.

4. Take off their legs and create a magnet board!

Use older TV trays, chop off their legs and create some awesome magnet boards! They’re perfect for a craft room, office or kitchen area to hang your reminders and often forgotten phone numbers.

5. Make a mini ironing board!

Another cute little nick-knack for the house, turn your TV tray into an mini ironing board. Easy to store and easy to cover with a little piece of fabric, small ironing boards are lighter and perfect for a quicky job!