Don't ignore these trays from Goodwill. Here are 10 nifty ideas to reuse them

TV tables, or folding trays, are a fun tool to use when you're hosting a big family dinner and you need extra places to feed everyone. You can also use them to hold your breakfast while you curl up on the couch to read the paper (on those rare mornings you have time!).

Unfortunately, a set of these little tables can set you back $50 to $200. So we've scoured the internet and found a few cute ways you can transform a cheap set of these tables (think thrift-store finds) into charming home decor you'll love to use and display.

Give those drab folding tables a fun, modern update with some spray paint and a stencil. This is a fun option because you can use any colored paints to match your current decor. You'll need to seal the project with wax to make it waterproof. Check out the full project from Home Made Lovely.

If you want to completely transform the table to create a cool nightstand, you'll love what they did to this table. A coat of dark blue paint, a few hooks and some rope turned this bland table into an eye-catching piece perfect for a guest room. Check out the full tutorial here.

This project turned a boring set of brown tables into modern, country pieces that are truly unique. You'll need to sand down the surface of these tables before repainting and decorating. Don't be afraid to personalize these with your favorite quotes. Get the full tutorial here.

Save your walls and create a table your kids can actually draw on! Paint a drawing surface on the top using chalkboard paint. If you want to add a little decorative touch, create a border with upholstery tacks. How cute is the idea below from Beneath My Heart.

5. Create a makeshift ironing board

If you're living in a small space, you can turn a TV table into a cute ironing board that stores away easily. You'll need some batting, a staple gun and cute fabric. These would also be really fun housewarming gifts (or going-to-college gifts). Check out the full tutorial here.

If you're looking for something sleek and upscale, try painting an old TV tray a dark stain and adding a monogram to match your surname. This classy overhaul makes even cheap tables look super fancy. Get the full tutorial from Down to Earth Style.

7. Make a portable Lego table

Parents with aching feet rejoice! Keep those Legos off the floor and on a table with this cute upcycle idea. Use a TV tray table, paint and a Lego mat to create a cool building space for the Lego lovers in your family. Check out the full list of instructions from Craft Your Happiness.

Turn an old end table into a pretty butler table or minibar. You'll save a lot of money with a little DIY magic. You'll need an old table and a tray or wicker basket. A few coats of paint and a dash of creativity results in this stunning piece. Check out a few different ways to make this project work from In My Own Style.

9. Cover them with scrapbook paper

Take your TV trays up a notch by covering them in pretty strips of paper. The fun part of this project is that you can use scrap paper you have left from other crafts. Pick a medium-weight paper (if it's too thick, it can curl and bubble). Attach your design to the table with Mod Podge.

Add some extra sparkle by using this genius trick. This dipped Chevron look makes the old tray look more upscale and expensive in a really inexpensive way. Get the full tutorial here.