The Washington Post’s home and design reporter Jura Koncius recently emailed me, wanting to talk about TV tray tables. She was working on a feature to go with the launch of the new fall TV season: a what’s-old-is-new-again look at these throwbacks to the early days of television and how they still might relate to our lives today. Did I use them? What did I know about them? Are folks into them? It was a lot of fun talking to her! Read her story here.
And then, Open Thread:
Do you use TV tray tables? Do you have stories about growing up with them? Are you on the lookout for vintage, like the set above from ebay seller heathers684 (affiliate link). Even: What are you watching on TV this season that you’d like to recommend?
Bonnie says
We had TV trays but stopped using them pretty soon, probably because my mother thought they were too much of a hassle.
I got a DVD of Perry Mason’s earliest shows and realize that I never appreciated how deliciously handsome he was! Also, Della Street was my total role model!
ElectraChime says
I remember many dinners in front of the TV. I really miss those aluminum three compartment TV dinner trays. I’m pretty sure the microwave spelled their doom.
Scott says
My Gran, who had the coolest stuff, had one almost exactly like the picture, black background floral, except the legs were brass instead of black.
Every time I spot one in an antique mall I have a pleasant flashback to her living room as it was set up when I was young.
Laura says
My Grandmother had this TV trays! I found one that is not as high at an estate sale. I’d love to have a set.
Millie says
Wow Pam, how much fun is this conversation about TV trays. I like a lot of others remember watching Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday nights eating off them and now I have my own wonderful black & gold painted set in the rolling cart and, insert drum roll here…mine came with a matching serving/bar cart! Total was only $18.00 from an estate sale and me and the hubby use them almost nightly in my 1959 rancher…
Eliza says
Always wanted them as a kid. Our neighbors, with parents about 15 yrs younger than mine, had a set but they had everything that was “modern”, we had everything that was “classic” I guess you could say. Years later my mom did buy a set but they are plain old wood, so boring. Now I need to go scout ebay to finally get my own!
Kristin says
We had a set that were dark faux-wood laminate over some kind of particleboard, with a ribbed brass edging. That was in the 80s, though. As kids my brother and I also had our own lap-height metal ones, mine was She-Ra and his had Alf on it.
I have a new wool rug in the living room now so the only things allowed in there are water and popcorn, but my son has a plastic lap-height tray from Ikea in a fun aqua color that he can have those on while he watches tv in the afternoon or on weekends.
Janet in ME says
I could not believe all the comments on TV trays. This article made me curious as to what is out there so I checked around a bit on craigslist. I did find one set so if you live in the Warminster, PA area, you are in luck. I thought this set was gorgeous and said to be in perfect condition for just $18 – OMG. http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/hsh/5825119100.html
Patty says
Both my parents and grandparents had aluminum sets,but my grandma also had three stacking tables with spindle legs that stood about a foot high.My two sisters and I used to sit on the single carpeted step between the dining area and the living room,each with our own table.When my grandma passed away those little tables went to me.The legs on one wobble,but I still use the other two today as side tables next to my easy chair.
Diana says
We still have a partial set that we received along the way 30+ years ago but rarely use anymore. I grew up with a set but my mom was adamant about eating dinner at the table…promptly at 6:00. “Turn off the TV, dinners ready!” Lol!