My mom has lots of small tole and silvery metal trays that must have been very popular in the 60's. Instead of storing them in the garage or in a back cabinet, bring them front and center on a shelf in your entry, child's room, bath, or laundry room. They're practically indestructible so if they're jostled and fall, nothing will be broken. These are primed and sprayed in the same color ivory. Choose a color that works with your decor. Using stencils, a ready-made sticker or decal, or a hand painted motif, decorate one or all! Spray with a light coat of clear to seal and voila! 
Another use for old trays is to create a table. Here, piano stool is used as the base - you can be really creative here - and is applied with a plate so the stool simply screws on. For that matter you can attach a great mirror, picture frame, or other solid top to an interesting leg, for a dynamic custom table.
Do you have one of these 1930-1950 headboards that you want to keep in the family but the wood is worn and scratched? Use it to fabricate a bench that you can use indoors or out! It does take some skill with tools, and the know-how to fasten together for stability. A great project to give your son or daughter furniture for their new apartment!
It's nice to have pedestal sinks in small bathrooms, but where do you keep all the necessary cleaning products? This sink had an easy framework under which to install simple curtain rods and hem custom made curtains to length, but you can use heavy-duty Velcro on the side or underside of porcelain sinks and it will hold nicely. Ready made curtains are easy to find and you can sew or iron (with adhesive tapes) to the proper length.
Do you have an old bookshelf that you don't like? Turn it on it's side, add a turned foot (most under $10 at a big box hardware store) and paint it up. Use it at the end of a bed, as a console for the sofa, or an entry storage area with a lovely mirror above. You can widen the top to make it a low table by attaching a pre-cut piece of wood from your local lumberyard.