Vintage Metal Tray Gallery Wall
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Today I’m sharing all the details about the Vintage Metal Tray Gallery Wall I installed in my pantry. You can learn more about my tray collection and how I assembled the gallery wall.
Vintage Metal Tray Gallery Wall
In my kitchen remodel reveal post, I gave you a peek of the vintage metal tray gallery wall that I was starting to put together on a large wall space in my pantry. Today, I thought I’d show more of the gallery wall and tell you how I put it together.
As my kitchen remodel was nearing completion, I started to think about the ways I might style and decorate the space. The idea for this vintage metal tray gallery wall came from a couple of different places.
First, for the past few years, I have been collecting vintage metal trays (also known as snack trays). I’m not sure what it is about them, but I’ve long been attracted to them. I have a variety, but especially appreciate the ones with a Pennsylvania theme. You’ll notice a few on my wall. They’re one of several small collections I have. It’s fun to look for them when I’m out antiquing and thrifting.
Secondly, I knew there was going to be a large empty wall in the pantry that would be the perfect place to display something special and unique. Given the location, an arrangement of my serving trays seemed like a fun choice.
With all of that in mind, I looked through my collection and selected my favorite trays. At first, I went with trays in a wide array of colors (including some red and orange ones). However, once they were on the wall, the display felt a little too busy.
Ultimately, I decided to remove those bolder colors and stick with shades of green, black, and gold. I’m so pleased with the result!
How to Hang a Vintage Metal Tray Gallery Wall:
Because these trays are light and not fragile, hanging them was fairly simple. I just used 3M Command Strips. To hang, I removed the tape from both strips, placed them on the back of the tray, and then pressed the tray onto the wall, holding it in place for a few seconds to make sure things had adhered.
For most of the trays, I used two medium Command Strips. For the three smaller trays, I only used one.
I’ve had some bad luck with Command Strips in the past. They seem to work well at first but eventually give way. However, I’m not worried about using them in this application since the trays are light. Plus, if they do fall, they won’t break.
I did lay out my preferred pattern for the trays on the floor before adding the trays to the wall. I did not measure anything. I relied on my eye for placement.
And that’s it! With a bit of planning, some antiquing, and a little work to hang them, my vintage metal tray gallery wall was complete!
I think it turned out well. Down the road, I may add trays or even swap out some based on the seasons. For now, I’m loving this collection as is.
It does seem somewhat busy given the items on the shelves on the back wall, but that doesn’t bother me much. My goal is to keep those shelves orderly, so it shouldn’t be a problem.
What do you think of my little vintage metal tray collection turned gallery wall? In case you’re looking for more details on my Butler’s Pantry, check out my kitchen remodel reveal post here.
Think thrift store finds might do great here.
This is such a great idea! Thank you for sharing!
Love the way you hung the trays, you have a great collection.
Great idea. I used wooden cutting boards from Amazon of states that I had lived in and had special memories from. Turned out better than I thought it would.
Wish I’d seen your trays earlier though.
I love how it turned out! I especially love the muffin tins. They are so unusual.
Love this idea! May have to copy! Also love the vintage art. You have great suggestions and recipes. Thank you!
Awesome content and those metal designs are great and perfectly patterned.
I’ve collected painted tole trays for years. Love them hanging in my kitchen, above the pantry doors and next to my kitchen cabinets!be sure to change the command strips about 3 or 4 years. One of mine came crashing down in the middle of the night, of course. Dented the tray😢
I love vintage trays as well and have been collecting them from thrift shops for years! Mine are various shapes, black with flowers, and they’re displayed in my dining room. I love the drama of the black but the vintage sweetness of the flowers. Love those muffin tins…how unusual!! I’d kill for the big green one with the flowers… 😉
Love the vintage tray idea! You have some really good ones, especially the pretty cupcake type! What a wonderful idea! Thank you for all the great ideas on your blog, so enjoy them!!
Michael,love your platter wall. It is so homey. I don’t think it’s busy at all. I had one like that years ago and when I built my new home 10 years ago I donated them all. Now I wish I had them back. I love your home, you did such a beautiful job and I look forward to your emails daily. I’m not on instagram or on blogs but I really enjoy your recipes. I make a lot of them. I am originally from Pa but now live in Ohio. I love all your home decor and enjoy all your decorations for each season. Thank you for such great ideas.
I love your pantry Michael! Would absolutely love to have one just like it
I collect metal trays as well! I mostly have black and green. If you need to use one, just take it off the wall! I too have not had good luck with command stips! I broke a lovely platter after it hung well for about a month. I will only use them on non breakables now.
I love your style so much and am new to your blog! You kitchen is perfection!
Good morning, Michael,
I love this! The trays are just fantastic. No, I don’t think it’s too busy. Life is to be enjoyed. Don’t stuff your treasures away; display and enjoy them as you like (regardless of what anyone says). Bland and ordinary isn’t very inspiring or joyful.
Regardless of the time and year, vintage decor never goes out of style. These classic vintage trays are so amazing that you can actually decorate it anywhere in your home. It can also fill up large wall spaces so that there will be no bare walls anymore that look off. They can also do well in any house decoration and can complement the furniture in its own classy way.
I have a lovely tray and have been trying to figure out how to hang it. Thanks for the info!!!
It looks perfect and adds such a charming touch to your pantry. You have done an amazing job on your home. I love, love everything you do. You are one of my favorite bloggers.
I too am drawn to vintage trays and absolutely love yours! Your idea to hang them in your butler’s pantry is such a good one! They look perfect!!
I love your vintage tray wall. I used to have that same big one with the flowers. It was my mom’s. Seeing it again now, I’m really hoping I still have it. I’ll have to do some searching in my basement! Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you! I hope you find it!
xo Michael
What a fun gallery wall! I don’t think it’s too busy. It’s how a butler’s pantry should look!!