Paper-Lined Shaker Trays – Oval or Round

About This Listing

This listing showcases examples of previously sold paper-lined trays. If you’re interested in a specific size, finish, or lining option, please submit a request form above or email me at robert@lehays.com. This helps me gauge interest and ensures you’ll be notified when new pieces become available.

A Nod to Tradition

For centuries, people have lined boxes, cabinets, and trays with printed paper to help protect the interior, and for decorative purposes. Whether it’s a 19th-century newspaper advertisement, a Civil War battle report, or an elegant floral design inspired by historical interiors, these linings give each tray a unique connection to the past.

Available Lining Options

• Authentic 19th-Century Newspapers – Carefully selected from original antique newspapers that might otherwise be lost to time, these linings preserve a piece of history inside each tray.
• Reproduction Floral Paper – High-quality prints based on authentic 19th-century designs, chosen for their historical accuracy.

Tray Sizes & Pricing Information

Each paper-lined tray is priced based on size, with base prices listed in the dropdown menu. Some rare or historically significant newspaper linings may increase the final price.

Available Sizes:

• Oval Tray – 10” L x 7” W x 1 ½” H
• Round Tray – 6” W x 1 ¼” H

Exterior Finish: When submitting a request, please include your preferred exterior color/finish. Finish samples can be found by Clicking Here

A Versatile & Functional Piece

These trays are as useful as they are beautiful. Whether used in a sewing or craft room to organize supplies, in an office to hold small desk essentials, or in the kitchen for spices and utensils, each tray blends traditional craftsmanship with practical function.

Construction & Craftsmanship

• Hand-Cut Joints – Each swallowtail joint is carefully hand-cut by Robert LeHay, ensuring every piece is unique.
• Materials – The tray sides are crafted from maple, birch, or ash, while the bottom boards are quartersawn pine, all milled in my workshop in Embden, Maine.
• Traditional Fasteners – Copper tacks, made on 19th-century machines, secure the bands and bottom boards.
• Hand-Applied Finish – Painted pieces receive two coats of hand-mixed milk paint, then a tung oil finish for durability. Natural finish trays are dyed, then receive five coats of tung oil.
• Paper Lining Process – Each tray is carefully lined using a multi-step preservation process to ensure durability:
  • The interior is painted off-white to highlight the text or design and to minimize imperfections.
  • The paper is sealed with a protective acrylic coating to strengthen the fibers and prevent ink from smudging.
  • Once dry, the back of the paper is fully coated with adhesive, then carefully applied and smoothed onto the wood.
  • A clear protective topcoat is applied to encapsulate the lining, followed by an additional acrylic sealant for long-term durability.

This process protects the paper lining, ensuring it remains durable and well-preserved for years to come.

Requesting a Tray

Because each paper-lined tray is unique, I do not take pre-orders. Instead, I encourage you to submit a request if you're interested. This helps me determine which items to focus on next.

• Fill out the request form above and choose your preferred size.
• In the notes section or via email, let me know:
  • Your preferred exterior color/finish
  • Whether you’d like an antique newspaper or reproduction floral paper lining

I’ll make sure you’re notified when a matching tray becomes available.

Thank you for your interest in my work—it’s truly appreciated!