Easy 2-Tiered Tray DIY | Rustic Tiered Tray Idea

I’ve always loved projects like that, the ones that take simple materials and turn them into decor that feels special. That’s why today’s project is one of my favorites.

We’re making a small wooden rustic tiered tray, and honestly, I’m so proud of how strong and pretty this one turned out. It looks high-end but costs next to nothing. I used affordable materials, most of them from the dollar store, and the best part is that you can swap out anything I used for what you already have at home. It’s a DIY project that makes you feel creative without being stressful.

I love this tray because it brings warmth to any space. It looks beautiful on a kitchen counter, coffee bar, or even in a cozy corner of your living room. It’s small, but it catches the eye. Every time I look at it, it reminds me why I enjoy DIY projects so much. They prove that you don’t need to spend a lot to make something that feels personal and full of charm.

What You’ll Need

To make this tiered tray, you’ll need two small wooden square boxes from Michaels. They usually cost about one dollar each. Then grab a piece of artificial grass or moss sheet from the dollar store. You’ll also need one plastic plate, a napkin ring, and a wooden dowel. I used a plunger handle from Dollar Tree, and it worked perfectly.

For paint, I went with Waverly Wax in Antique and Waverly Chalk Paint in Black. You can find both at Walmart for a few dollars. These two shades together give that deep, aged wood look that feels rich but natural.

Paint the Boxes

Start by painting both wooden boxes with the antique wax. Cover every side, even the bottom. Let them dry completely before moving to the next step. This color gives the wood a soft brown tone that looks aged without making it dark. Once it dries, the boxes already look like something you’d find at a vintage market.

Prepare the Wooden Dowel

Take the handle from the plunger and cut two pieces about three or four inches long. You can use a small saw for this. Paint them with the same antique wax so everything matches. Once they’re dry, the wood will look polished but rustic. The texture helps the tray look handcrafted instead of store-bought.

Attach the Base

Using wire brads or small nails, attach one of the dowel pieces to the center bottom of one wooden box. Make sure it’s straight and secure because this will hold the second tier. Take your time here so your tray stands even and doesn’t wobble.

Add the Artificial Grass

Cut the artificial grass or moss to fit inside the second wooden box. Glue it down using hot glue. Then stack that box on top of the first one, lining up the dowel in the center. Secure it with wire brads or more glue. Now it’s starting to look like a real tiered tray. The green moss adds a soft, natural touch against the dark wood.

Create the Center Hole

For the next piece of grass that will go on top, use a soldering tool to make a small hole in the center. It should be big enough for the dowel to slide through. Be careful and work slowly. Once you have the hole, glue that piece down and fit the dowel through it. This will keep everything strong and steady.

Add the Top Accent

To finish the top tier, paint your napkin ring black and let it dry. Glue it to the top of the dowel. It adds just enough height and gives the tray that finished look. The contrast between the black and brown tones looks really elegant.

Build the Bottom Base

For the base, take your plastic plate and paint it black. Let it dry completely before gluing. Once ready, attach it to the bottom of your tray using strong hot glue. The shape of the plate adds a nice detail, and painting it black makes the tray look more expensive than it really is.

Decorate

Now the fun part — decorating. Because this tray is small, use light pieces so it doesn’t look crowded. I used a mix of small spring decorations I already had: a windmill from Dollar General, a few sprigs of greenery, and some white baby’s breath flowers. I added a tiny white house I found at a thrift store and repainted it to match. The colors blended perfectly with the rustic wood.

You can change your setup for every season. Add pumpkins in fall, pinecones in winter, or lemons in summer. These trays are so easy to restyle.

Final Look

When I finished this project and set it on my table, it instantly became one of my favorites. The combination of antique brown and black paint gave it a timeless look. The green grass added just the right amount of color. It looks handcrafted, not store-bought, and that’s exactly what I was going for.

Every time I walk past it, I smile. Something is rewarding about turning simple materials into something beautiful. It reminds me that creativity doesn’t come from having expensive tools.

This tray is strong, budget-friendly, and full of personality. It’s proof that you can create high-end decor with a few basic supplies and a bit of patience.

If you try this project, tag me or send me a photo. I love seeing what others create with their own twist. Thank you for being here and sharing this DIY journey with me.

The Tray Chic Life