I have a fun and super easy DIY project for you today! This bathtub tray is so convenient for holding your favorite drink and a book while you soak, and would be a great gift for Mother's Day! I love that it is a functional piece, but also one that looks pretty when the tub is not in use.
Here is what you'll need...
SUPPLIES:
- 1x10 pine board cut to width of tub (mine was 39")
- sandpaper
- stain or paint (my formula for warm gray stain is here)
- 2 cabinet pulls with screws
- self-adhesive grippers
You will want to prepare your board before doing anything else by making sure you sand all of the rough edges. You will also want to make sure any writing from the hardware store is sanded off because it can show through the stain.
Next, paint or stain your board. There are so many fun options for this step, whether bold or classic! have a lot of painted wood in my bathroom, so I wanted to add a stained piece to the space. You can see the formula for my warm gray stain HERE.
Once your stain dries, you will need to add your grippers to the bottom of the tray. This is an important step since most tubs have a pretty slick surface. These the grippers I used (found at Lowes), just so you know what they look like, but you can find them at any hardware store in the hardware section.
Determine which side you want to be the bottom and then all you have to do is peel off the back of the gripper...
And stick them along both ends of the underside of your tray. I used 2 pieces on each side.
Next, flip the tray over so the top is facing up and install the cupboard pulls on either end of your tray. I also got these handles at Lowes in case you want to use the same ones.
And that's it! It is so easy but makes a huge impact over a tub. I love how it warms up and adds interest to my space! It is also very functional since those grippers really work well. The perfect spot for my book and an herbal tea!
We recently added these DIY shelves to our bathroom and I love how the tray compliments the baskets without being too matchy-matchy.
I love that it is a functional piece, but it is also so pretty when it isn't being used. Plus, you can whip one of these up in about an hour! Not bad.
Catherine
Any suggestions on waterproofing the wood?
Kristen Whitby
Use a matte clear coat! There are the brush on varieties and also spray paint varieties!
Lauree
I am SOOOO going to make one for myself! I think I have everything I need already in my workshop except the grippers. I've been looking for a way to add something pretty to my bathtub nook.
This concept reminds me of big family potluck dinners. My mom would use a board across her kitchen sink to extend the counter space for the buffet style meals.
Thanks for sharing!
Coco in the Kitchen
This is so cute! I have to get busy and make one. Then have a relaxing soak.
Theresa @DearCreatives
Love your diy! Your being featured this week at the Inspiration Spotlight Party. Hope to see you again this week. Feel free to share any of your posts again.
Kelly
Thanks for sharing this awesomeness at Inspiration2. You're being featured this week. HUGS!
Cathy
I have always wanted one of these over my tub. It's perfect in your bathroom - love it.
Pat
Kristen,
Now THAT's the way to turn a bathtub into a spa 😉 Just add a few homemade bath salts, sugar scrubs and whipped body butters.... yeah, who needs Calgon? 😉
Have a great day 😉
Chelsea @ Married Filing Jointly
LOVE this! Thanks for sharing!
Christine
Love your bathroom, and that tray adds just the right "oomph" that says come relax in a hot bath. Good job!
Sonja @ SustainMyCraftHabit
Such a simple DIY project. I want one! Thankyou for sharing on #HomeMattersParty!
Taylor @ Pink Heels Pink Truck
LOVE this! It's so simple but yet is the perfect addition to your tub!! I've been wanting something simple like this! Definitely adding to my list of projects! 🙂
Karen
I love that you make such a simple project so beautiful. And your styling is just always perfection!
Karen
Lydia Ritchie
What a gorgeous edition to your bathroom and so effective. Would love to give this a try post toddlers and toddler bath toys xx
amanda @ on the corner of brodhead
love how easy this is!
ps. your nail color is the bomb!
Meredith @ The Palette Muse
Just beautiful! I definitely need one of these for myself. I'd never seen those grippers before - genius!
Marite
I love how it looks! I just wish I had more time to take a long warm bath 🙂
Shawnna
Oh I love it!! So chic!!
Shannon | AKA Design
Gorgeous sweet friend, just gorgeous! xo