The Vintage Gem I Look For at Every Thrift Store (It’s Perfect for Small Spaces!)

I live in a small space, so I’m constantly looking for creative ways to romanticize my daily routine and maximize my home’s layout. From setting up a little coffee area in my kitchen, to creating a guest bed space, I have been all about taking to TikTok to discover creative ways to find joy in everyday spaces. Recently I learned a new trick for creating a makeshift (and portable) vanity table using a vintage item you can find at the thrift store — and it’s a total game-changer for tiny bathrooms. 

If your bathroom counter space is limited (or nonexistent), you may have that problem where you have no place to set up your morning skincare routine. I saw a TikTok from lifestyle creator Kristin Lundeen where they demonstrated how they cover their sink with an ornate vintage silver tray (an idea they got from creator Morgan Claire Rhodes) filled with everything needed to get ready. The idea of transforming my sink into a mini vanity table until I’m done getting ready instantly stuck with me as both practical and cute.

The platter looks fancy and sits perfectly flush against the sink basin, which makes it look like it belongs there while also adding a quiet luxury element to their bathroom. While Lundeen uses the tray for their morning routine, you can technically use this extra surface whenever you’re not washing your hands or using the sink (and as a bonus, it keeps your sink clean from any products that tend to leave a lot of residue, like loose powder). 

You can put a fluffy towel, flowers, and a candle on it to show yourself some extra self-care after a bubble bath or everything shower, or you can pull it out at night when you’re doing your 12-step skincare routine. This can also be a great, super-aesthetic option for your kitchen sink if you need a little extra prep space (as long as the tray you buy is food-safe). 

Viewers quickly flooded Lundeen’s comment section with praise for how she repurposed her “haunted Victorian tray,” calling the hack “life-changing” and “so chic.” Now, the tricky part is finding the right tray to fit your space, but thrift stores tend to have a lot of gorgeous (and budget-friendly!) silver and gold options that can immediately elevate your getting-ready area. If you want to shop for one online, I found a gorgeous, actually-vintage tray (although it’s a little steep at $79) and a really sweet option from Wayfair for $44.

If you want to thrift, however, don’t immediately overlook tarnished silver pieces. It’s so easy to clean them at home with a concoction of aluminum foil, baking soda, salt, and vinegar. Depending on how you want your tray to fit your space as well as the shape of your sink, you might want to get some measurements and take a photo with you on your thrift shopping run.