17. Distressed Wooden Coffin Trays
Tap into the dark academia and gothic home decor niche by crafting functional coffin-shaped wooden serving trays. Constructed from lightweight pine or birch plywood, these trays can be stained a deep ebony black, rich walnut, or distressed with a crackle-paint medium for an antique, weathered look. They can be used as spooky charcuterie boards for Halloween parties, perfume organizers on a vanity, or oddities displays on a living room coffee table.
To ensure they are food-safe for those using them as serving platters, seal them with a high-quality, non-toxic, food-grade butcher block oil or beeswax finish. Line the bottom of the tray with beautiful, vintage-inspired damask pattern paper or engrave a detailed anatomical skull or botanical illustration into the wood to elevate the craftsmanship and justify a premium price point.