Convert an old TV food tray into the best laundry DIY ever

For many of us, our laundry room can end up feeling cluttered or cramped. With large machines, the bottles of soaps and soaks, appliances and clothes to launder, even a large room can feel small. An easy way to free up floor space in your laundry room is a compact ironing board that is easy to store and petite when in use. You can quickly turn a wooden TV tray into a space-saving option for an ironing board.

The fabric on top of the cushion and the wood stain can be tailored to match your aesthetic. When sanding the TV tray, make sure to work in a well-ventilated area and utilize safety gear. If you have a college-bound graduate or grown children leaving the nest, this is the perfect gift. It is small enough to fit in a first apartment or dorm and will still help them to look their best.

- Wooden TV tray
- Varathane Premium Fast-Dry Wood Stain, “Golden Mahogany”
- Medium paintbrush
- Fabric, 1/2 to 1 yard
- Poly Foam Chair Pad, at least 2-inches thick
- Staple gun
- Scissors

1. Using a large paintbrush, apply Varathane Premium Fast-Dry Wood Stain in “Golden Mahogany” on your wooden TV tray. Make sure to stain the underside and the legs as well.

2. Lay out your fabric with the right side down. You will want a couple of inches excess fabric on all sides as an allowance, so be sure to purchase more than you need.

3. Place your square Poly Foam Chair Pad on your fabric, keeping the corners lined up with at least 3-inches of allowance.

4. On top of the Poly Foam Chair Pad, place your stained and dry TV stand, lining up corners and edges.

5. Once you match the tray and the Poly Foam Chair Pad so the edges are flush, fold the edge of your fabric over the edge of the tray, keeping the foam in place. Pull the fabric tight, and use your staple gun to staple the fabric in place.

6. Follow along the edge of the tray, continuing to pull the fabric tightly over the foam pad and tray edge.

Tip: when going around the corners, fold the fabric for a clean look when the tray is turned right side up.

7. Once you have stapled the fabric completely around the edge, trim the excess just above the staples.

8. Place your small-space ironing board near your laundry supplies for easy access on laundry day. Fold it up and store alongside your laundry basket or washing machine for quick and compact stowaway.