There Was a Time When My Bathtub Felt… Empty
I still remember the first evening I decided I deserved a proper bath instead of my usual five-minute shower. I had a favorite candle, a good book, and a mug of tea balanced rather awkwardly on the bathroom floor. It only took about ten minutes before I realized I had made a mistake. Reaching down for my tea while trying not to splash water everywhere wasn’t exactly the relaxing experience I had imagined.
That’s what started my little obsession with bathtub trays.
I looked online, found some beautiful ones, and then glanced at the price tags. Some were honestly gorgeous—but spending that much on what was essentially a piece of wood didn’t feel right for me. So I started experimenting with leftover boards, old handles, a bit of paint, and whatever I already had in the garage.
A few projects worked beautifully. A couple…well, let’s just say they’re now firewood.
If you’ve been thinking about making your own bathtub tray, you’re in luck. Most of these ideas are surprisingly beginner-friendly, don’t require expensive tools, and can easily become a weekend project. Better yet, you can customize every little detail to fit your bathroom instead of settling for something mass-produced.
1. The Classic Wooden Spa Tray
This is the project I recommend to almost everyone.
All you really need is a solid pine or cedar board cut to size. Sand it thoroughly, stain it if you like darker wood tones, and seal it against moisture.
Mine has become one of those pieces that quietly makes the whole bathroom feel more expensive than it really is.
Why I love it
- Simple enough for beginners
- Timeless design
- Works with almost every decorating style
2. Rustic Farmhouse Tray
If your home leans toward cozy farmhouse decor, this style fits perfectly.
I distressed the edges with sandpaper before staining the wood in a warm walnut finish. Adding matte black handles instantly gave it that handmade look without trying too hard.
The tiny imperfections actually make it look better.
3. White Painted Minimalist Tray
Not everyone loves exposed wood.
One weekend I painted a tray crisp white, sealed it with waterproof polyurethane, and paired it with simple silver handles.
The result felt clean, fresh, and surprisingly modern.
It especially brightens smaller bathrooms.
4. Live Edge Wood Tray
This might be my favorite conversation piece.
A live edge board keeps the natural shape of the tree, giving every tray its own personality.
You don’t need much decoration because the wood becomes the artwork itself.
If you enjoy natural materials, it’s hard to beat this look.
5. Reclaimed Wood Bathtub Tray
I always enjoy projects that give old materials a second life.
An old fence board or reclaimed shelf can become a beautiful bathtub tray after a good cleaning and plenty of sanding.
Every scratch tells a story, and somehow that makes the finished piece feel warmer than brand-new lumber.
6. Tray with Built-In Book Holder
I discovered this idea after nearly dropping a paperback into the bath.
Adding a small angled support lets your book or tablet stand upright while keeping your hands free.
It’s a tiny detail that completely changes the experience if you enjoy reading while soaking.
7. Candle Lover’s Tray
Sometimes less is more.
I drilled shallow circular recesses into the wood so candles stay in place instead of sliding around.
It feels safer, looks intentional, and creates that cozy spa atmosphere without much extra effort.
8. Bathtub Tray with Wine Glass Slot
I’ll admit it—I copied this idea after seeing one in a boutique home store.
A carefully cut slot allows the base of a wine glass to slide in while the bowl rests safely above the tray.
It sounds fancy, but it’s actually one of the easier features to add if you’re comfortable using a jigsaw.
9. Bamboo-Inspired Tray
Real bamboo boards are naturally moisture-resistant, which makes them a practical choice for bathrooms.
I appreciate how lightweight they feel compared to heavier hardwoods.
The soft golden color also brings a calm, spa-like atmosphere into the room.
10. Floating Shelf Style Tray
Instead of adding decorative handles, leave the design completely flat.
The clean lines remind me of modern floating shelves.
It’s incredibly simple, but somehow it always looks elegant.
Sometimes the quietest designs stand out the most.
11. Tray with Storage Compartments
After using my first tray for a while, I realized everything tended to roll together.
Adding small wooden dividers solved that problem.
Now I have separate spaces for:
- Soap
- Bath salts
- Face masks
- Essential oils
- A small candle
It makes everything feel organized without adding clutter.
12. Marble Look Tray
Real marble is beautiful but definitely not budget-friendly.
Instead, I painted a wooden tray white and used gray veining with a small artist’s brush before sealing everything.
From a distance, it genuinely resembles stone.
Visitors are always surprised when they realize it’s wood.
13. Industrial Pipe Handle Tray
This project has a little more personality.
Small black pipe handles instantly give the tray an industrial loft feel.
I paired mine with dark walnut stain, and it looked right at home beside black bathroom fixtures.
14. Personalized Engraved Tray
One rainy Saturday I borrowed a wood-burning tool from a neighbor.
I added a simple quote near one edge of the tray.
Nothing elaborate—just something calming that makes me smile every time I notice it.
You could also engrave:
- Initials
- Family name
- A favorite phrase
- Simple botanical designs
Those personal touches are often what make handmade projects feel truly special.
15. Extendable Bathtub Tray
If multiple people in your home use different tubs—or if you simply enjoy clever woodworking—an adjustable tray is worth considering.
Sliding side extensions allow the tray to fit several bathtub sizes.
It’s definitely the most advanced project on this list, but it’s also incredibly satisfying once everything slides smoothly into place.
I probably spent the longest building this one, but it’s also the tray I use most often.
Small Details That Make a Big Difference
After making several different trays, I noticed it wasn’t always the overall design that impressed me most.
It was the little finishing touches.
Some ideas I’ve come to appreciate include:
- Soft felt pads underneath to prevent scratches.
- Rounded corners for a more comfortable feel.
- Waterproof matte finishes instead of glossy ones.
- Brass or matte black hardware for a polished look.
- Non-slip rubber strips underneath for extra stability.
None of these upgrades cost very much, but together they make the tray feel professionally made.
Don’t Forget About Maintenance
Bathrooms are naturally humid spaces, and wood appreciates a little care.
Every few months, I wipe my tray clean, let it dry completely, and inspect the finish for signs of wear.
If the protective coating starts looking dull, I simply apply another thin coat of sealant.
That small bit of maintenance has helped some of my earliest trays last for years.
Why I Keep Coming Back to DIY Projects
I’ve bought plenty of home decor over the years, but there’s something different about making a piece yourself.
Every little mark reminds me of an afternoon spent in the garage, sanding wood while music played in the background. Some cuts weren’t perfectly straight. A few stain colors looked different than I expected. Honestly, those tiny imperfections are part of the charm.
A handmade bathtub tray isn’t just another bathroom accessory.
It becomes part of the room’s story.
And every time I light a candle, set down a cup of tea, and finally settle into a warm bath, I’m reminded that sometimes the simplest weekend projects end up being the ones I enjoy the most.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been waiting for the “perfect” time to start a DIY project, this might be it. Most of these bathtub tray ideas don’t require a workshop full of expensive equipment or years of woodworking experience. A few basic tools, a piece of wood, some patience, and a free weekend are often enough.
Whether you prefer a rustic farmhouse look, clean modern lines, or something completely personalized, there’s a project here that can fit your style and your budget.
The best part, at least for me, isn’t saving money—although that’s certainly nice. It’s creating something that feels personal. Every tray I’ve made has ended up slightly different, and I wouldn’t change that. Those little imperfections, the custom details, even the lessons learned from the projects that didn’t turn out exactly as planned, all make the finished piece feel like it truly belongs in my home.
So pick your favorite idea, gather your supplies, and don’t worry about making it flawless. Chances are, by the end of the weekend, you’ll have a beautiful bathtub tray that makes every bath feel just a little more relaxing.