This little bathroom trick turns an ordinary small picture frame into a polished soap pump tray that looks far fancier than it is. I love projects like this because they take just a few minutes, use easy-to-find supplies, and make a counter look instantly tidier without any big commitment.
If you have a bathroom sink that always seems to collect soap drips, lotion rings, or a mix of mismatched bottles, this is such a simple fix. I’m always looking for small ways to make everyday spaces feel calmer and more put together, and this one is especially nice for busy family bathrooms, guest baths, or even a kitchen sink setup.
Materials
1 small gold rectangular picture frame, 5 x 7 inches, with glass or acrylic insert
Instructions
1. Open the picture frame, remove any paper insert, and clean both sides of the glass or acrylic panel so the tray looks crisp and polished from every angle.
2. Reassemble the frame with the clean insert in place, then lay the frame flat with the front side facing up so it forms the base of your tray.
3. Cut the clear shelf liner to fit just inside the frame edges, making it slightly smaller so it stays hidden while adding grip under the bottles.
4. Place the shelf liner on top of the frame insert and smooth it flat so there are no bubbles, wrinkles, or corners sticking up.
5. Turn the frame over and stick one clear rubber bumper dot near each corner on the underside to keep the tray from sliding and to lift it slightly off the countertop.
6. If the frame backing feels loose, add a tiny bead of clear waterproof adhesive along the inside edge on the back to secure everything, then let it dry fully according to the package directions.
7. Set the frame right side up and place the two clear pump bottles on top, spacing them evenly so the arrangement looks balanced and the pumps are easy to reach.
8. Fill one bottle with hand soap and the other with lotion or dish soap if you’re using this by a vanity or kitchen sink, then wipe away any drips for a clean finished look.
9. Style the tray in place with the pumps centered, leaving a little breathing room around the edges so the gold frame still shows and gives that neat, finished touch.
Variations & Tips
For a family bathroom: Use two matching 10-ounce bottles for soap and lotion, or three smaller 6-ounce bottles if you want one for hand sanitizer too. Matching containers make even a busy counter look calmer.
If your frame is lightweight: Choose a frame with a solid backing and glass or thick acrylic insert so it feels steady under daily use. A flimsy frame can work, but a sturdier one will hold up better with kids using it often.
Easy color change: Swap the gold frame for black, white, silver, or wood-tone to match your bathroom hardware. I think gold feels especially warm and pretty, but this idea works with almost any style.
For extra protection: Add a very thin line of clear silicone around the inside seam if your tray will sit where counters get splashed a lot. Let it cure completely before setting bottles on top.
To keep it from looking cluttered: Stick with clear bottles and fill them with lightly tinted products instead of mixing lots of colors and shapes. That simple choice is what makes this trick look neat instead of just improvised.
Guest bath version: Pair the tray with a small candle, rolled washcloth, or tiny bud vase nearby, but not on the tray itself. That keeps the setup useful while still feeling welcoming.
Cleaning tip: Lift the bottles once or twice a week and wipe the frame dry so soap residue never builds up around the base. It takes less than a minute and keeps the whole project looking fresh.