14. Retro Mid-Century Arch Tray
What This Idea Means
Featuring warm 1970s retro colors, nested arches, and wave lines, this mid-century modern tray brings warmth, nostalgia, and artistic character into living rooms.
Supplies Needed
- Flat wooden tray
- Earth-tone paints (mustard yellow, terracotta, olive green, warm beige)
- Compass or circular objects to trace arches
- Painter’s tape
- Satin sealant
How to Make It
- Paint the entire tray base in a warm oatmeal or soft beige color.
- Trace semi-circles and arches of varying sizes overlapping each other across the middle of the tray.
- Fill each arch section carefully with distinct earth tones like terracotta, mustard yellow, and olive.
- Paint neat straight vertical lines extending downwards from the bottom of the arches.
- Once dry, seal with a warm satin varnish.
Tips and Variations
- Tip: Flexible vinyl painter’s tape bends around smooth curves effortlessly for clean arch edges.
- Variation: Add thin gold metallic lines running between the arches to elevate the vintage look.