Repurposed Drawer Turned Backgammon Tray
Do you have old drawers tucked away in a basement or garage? I found a few in mine and have been turning them into useful pieces. One became a table, another became under-the-bed storage, and this one I decided to transform into a backgammon-style tray. The process was simple, inexpensive, and a fun little DIY project that adds a handmade accent to my home décor.
Preparing the Drawer
My first step was to clean and prep the drawer interior. I chose to paint the inside with Chalk Paint for an even, matte finish that layers well and doesn’t require intensive sanding. Chalk Paint also helps colors appear richer and gives a subtle, vintage look that suits upcycled wood.
Designing a Simplified Backgammon Pattern
I’ve done drawer makeovers before—one drawer became a small table paired with a stool. This time I revisited the idea of a backgammon pattern. My husband originally wanted a full backgammon board design, which can be complex, so I created a simplified version instead. I painted the base color first, then cut a few paper templates to trace triangular points and painted them in contrasting tones to suggest the classic backgammon look without the detailed geometry.
Sealing and Finishing
After the paint dried, I nourished the wood with my homemade beeswax polish. The wood was thirsty after all the sanding and painting, and the beeswax sealed and enriched the grain while giving the tray a soft sheen. Sealing with wax also protects the painted surface and makes the tray easy to wipe clean.
The Finished Tray
The final piece feels both rustic and polished. The simplified backgammon motif gives the drawer new life without overcomplicating the design. Below is the finished tray, ready for everyday use or seasonal decorating.
Repurposing Ideas and Uses
I originally planned to mount the drawer onto the base of a director’s chair, but it didn’t fit well. The chair base later found a better role as part of a showcase table. For now, this drawer works perfectly as a decorative and functional tray—great for corralling remotes, displaying seasonal décor, or serving snacks at a casual gathering. It’s an easy, low-cost DIY project that highlights how upcycling can add character to your home.
Using reclaimed drawers is a satisfying way to practice sustainable decorating and creative reuse. I’m getting better at drawer repurposing and I really like how this backgammon tray turned out. I may have a few more drawers waiting in the basement—next time I’ll show how I use this tray for fall decorating.
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This blog is for entertainment purposes only; DIY tutorials are not professional advice. I welcome your comments and will reply to each one.