DIY Vegan Leather Serving Tray That Looks High End

Do you know what vegan leather is? Have you ever used vegan leather before? I’m explaining it all, sharing a DIY vegan leather serving tray.

More and more, I’m seeing vegan leather being used in all kinds of ways, from clothing to furniture. It certainly looks like the real deal, but what is it exactly? How could a material look just like real animal skin, but be made from recycled objects and plants?

What’s the difference between vegan and faux? Nothing. I’ve even heard it referred to as pleather. It’s all the same, but vegan is in its heyday right now, and sounds more “boutique” than faux. Has a better ring to it. Primarily made of polyurethane, vegan leather can also be made from innovative and sustainable materials like pineapple leaves, cork, apple peels and other fruit waste, along with recycled plastic and when combined can put an animal skin to shame. In a very good way! It looks just like real animal skin and feels just like it too, maybe even a little softer.

As I haven’t met a remnant bin I didn’t like, it’s no surprise when I was rummaging through one at the fabric store and came across a couple pieces, that I totally snagged them up with every intention of putting them to good use. Both scraps were about a half a yard, plenty for a pillow, or a small chair cushion, and even to line a serving tray.

I love a beautiful tray. Let’s be honest here. They’re great to use in room decor, placing them on a table, ottoman, bar cart, whatever, trays are universal and, hello Captain Obvious, they can help you carry a load. There’s one on display in almost every room of our home, and I also put them to good use carrying all kinds of things that my two hands couldn’t hold all at once. And, since vegan leather is made of recycled plastic, it’s waterproof! I love to customize these trays, putter around and add things to them for display, and to give them as gifts. And another added benefit, is that this DIY is budget friendly and looks high end.

DIY Vegan Leather Serving Tray That Looks High End

I’ve been cleaning out, reorganizing and rearranging my office for an amazing makeover coming to you soon, and I came across those two vegan leather pieces. And, since it was kinda overcast outside and I was in a mood for a good DIY, I decided to make a vegan leather serving tray. I’ve sourced everything for you and put together a quick video for you to watch, complete with a good blooper at the end.

What You’ll Need:

One yard of vegan leather. This one, this one, and this one for more of a farmhouse look, would make beautiful tray liners.

Unfinished wooden trays — this is a set and the best bang for your buck.

High gloss spray paint of your choice

Spray mount adhesive

Gold mylar tape

220 grit sand paper block

clean lint-free towel

The longest part about this project is the drying time for the paint. If you do this on a more humid day, just know that the drying time will take longer than usual. This was the case for me. Totally worth it in the end.

Here’s How To Create A Custom, High End Serving Tray Using Vegan Leather

I had enough fabric to line almost all of the trays. I’m going to give all but one away as Christmas gifts. The smaller trays make for great catch-alls for keys, coins and whatever else you have stuffed in your pockets and would make for great stocking stuffers.