Don’t Waste Leftover Tile: Turn It Into An Adorable Bedside Tray

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A Hunker report describes a DIY bedside tray made by attaching two metal drawer pulls to a large hexagonal tile. The project is estimated to cost about $20 using the listed materials, though prices can vary; the report also recommends checking rough tile edges and adding felt pads to protect furniture.

Hunker has reported on a DIY bedside tray made by attaching two metal drawer pulls to a large tile, offering a way to reuse leftover renovation material as a small organizer. The project is credited to DIYer Christina Dennis and is estimated in the report to cost about $20 for the listed supplies, though actual prices may differ.

The tray uses a tile as its base and cabinet pulls as handles. Dennis’s version uses a large hexagonal tile with one pull fixed on each of two opposite sides. The report says other tile shapes can work, provided the surface is large enough for everyday bedside items such as a phone or eye mask.

Hunker describes using E6000 adhesive to bond the pulls to the tile. Its assembly instructions say to apply adhesive to each side of a pull, press it into place, and allow the bond to set according to the product directions before using the tray. The source cites a small tube of adhesive at $4.48 and cabinet pulls starting at about $5 each; it estimates the overall project at around $20. Those are reported prices, not a guaranteed current checkout total.

The report recommends measuring the tile edges before buying pulls, which should be slightly shorter than the sides where they will be attached. If the tile has rough edges or an uneven underside, it suggests smoothing ceramic edges with progressively finer sandpaper and adding self-adhesive felt pads underneath to help prevent scratches. These are optional finishing steps, but the tile’s weight, sharp edges and secure attachment should be checked before the tray is placed on furniture.

A Small Reuse Project for Bedrooms

The idea gives homeowners a potential use for a spare tile that might otherwise remain unused after a renovation. A tray can also group small objects on a nightstand, making them easier to gather and move together when cleaning or clearing the surface.

Hunker connects bedside clutter with research published in the journal Sleep, saying clutter may interfere with a good night’s rest. That is a reported association, not evidence that this particular tray improves sleep. The practical benefit described by the project is more limited: it creates a defined place for a few items and can encourage people to keep only selected belongings on the nightstand.

The project may appeal to people seeking a small organizer without buying a finished tray, but its value depends on what materials are already available and on local prices. Someone who has to purchase the tile, pulls and adhesive may pay more or less than the report’s estimate.

How the Tile Tray Is Assembled

The source presents the tray as a simple craft project, rather than a formally tested furniture product. Its suggested base is a large floor tile, with porcelain and marble given as possible options. Hunker says substantial versions may be available for under $4 each at some home-improvement stores or tile warehouses, but the supplied report does not establish that price as universal or current.

Two pulls attached to opposite edges serve as handles. The report also describes placing a pull along each side to form a border, though that approach requires more hardware and raises the cost. For either arrangement, the pulls need to fit the tile and sit securely. Users should follow the adhesive maker’s instructions for surface preparation, ventilation, curing time and handling; the source does not provide a curing schedule or load rating.

“Large hexagonal floor tiles work especially well because they provide a modern look without taking up the entire surface of your table.”

— Hunker

Costs and Durability Are Unspecified

The supplied report does not state when its quoted store prices were checked, and it does not provide a dated, itemized receipt. The about $20 estimate should not be treated as a current or fixed cost; tile, pull and adhesive prices vary by store and location.

It is also unclear how much weight the finished tray can safely hold, how long the adhesive needs to cure for this particular assembly, or how the design performs with different tile finishes and pull shapes. The source does not report controlled testing or long-term use. Before carrying items, users should follow the adhesive label, check that the pulls are firmly bonded, and avoid using a tray with chipped or sharp edges.

Check Fit Before Assembly

Anyone considering the project can start by measuring an available tile and choosing pulls that fit its edges, then compare the cost of adhesive and hardware with the materials already on hand. After assembly, follow the adhesive instructions and allow the specified curing time before putting items on the tray. Inspect the edges and underside, adding felt pads if needed to protect the nightstand.

Hunker’s report does not announce a product launch, follow-up test or broader rollout. The next step is left to individual makers: adapt the tray to their materials and check its stability before regular use.

Key Questions

What materials does the bedside tray use?

The version described by Hunker uses a large tile, two metal cabinet pulls and E6000 adhesive. Felt pads and sandpaper are optional finishing supplies for protecting furniture and smoothing rough edges.

How much does the project cost?

Hunker estimates about $20 for the listed supplies, citing adhesive at $4.48 and pulls starting around $5 each. The report does not give a dated price check, so actual costs may differ.

Does the tile have to be hexagonal?

No. Hunker says the tile shape can vary, but it should be large enough for the items intended for the tray. The pulls also need to fit the tile’s edges.

How can the tray be made less likely to scratch a nightstand?

The report suggests smoothing rough ceramic edges with sandpaper and adding self-adhesive felt pads underneath. Check for sharp or chipped areas before placing the tray on furniture.

Is the finished tray safe to carry with items on it?

The supplied report gives no load rating or durability test. Follow the adhesive manufacturer’s directions, allow the stated curing time and check that the pulls are firmly attached before using or carrying the tray.

Source: rss