Tray Chic

Posted by Belle and June on May 20, 2023

Why Use Trays in Your Home Decor?

Trays are an essential element of home decor, offering both functionality and style. They can be used to organize, display, and create focal points in any room. They are ideal for use on a dining room table, a coffee table, or a guest bathroom countertop.

Let's explore how to style a decorative tray and the many benefits of using these versatile trays as part of your interior design scheme.

Organization

Trays are perfect for organizing small items and keeping clutter at bay. A basket tray can hold remote controls in the living room. Choose a round decorative tray for storing cooking utensils in the kitchen, or a natural wood tray for toiletries in the bathroom.

By grouping similar items together on a decorative tray, you create a clean and organized look in any space. A carefully chosen serving tray combines organization with functionality for showcasing drinks or food when entertaining friends and family.

Aesthetics

Decorative trays add character and style to your home decor. They come in various materials, shapes, and sizes, allowing you to choose the perfect one for your space. Trays can be used to showcase your favorite decor items, like candles, vases, or photo frames, creating visually appealing displays throughout your home.

Versatility

Trays are versatile home decor items that can be used in various rooms for different purposes. From organizing your kitchen counters to creating a stylish coffee table centerpiece, trays can be easily repurposed and restyled to fit your changing needs and preferences.

You can experiment using dark colors, glass, and texture to create contrast or match the color palette of any space in the home.

Choosing the Right Tray for Your Space

When selecting a tray for your home, consider the material, shape, and size that best suits your space and purpose.

Material

Trays come in a range of materials, including wood, metal, and glass. Each material offers a different look and feel, making it easy to find the perfect tray to complement your existing decor. A wooden tray adds warmth and natural texture, while a metal tray can bring a sleek, modern touch.

Shape

Trays come in various shapes, including round, rectangular, and square. Choose a shape that complements the other items in your room and fits the space where you plan to use the tray. For example, a round tray works well on a square ottoman, while a rectangular tray is ideal for a long dining room table.

Size

Consider the size of the tray in relation to the space and the items you plan to display on it. A large tray can make a bold statement as a coffee table centerpiece, while a smaller decorative tray is perfect for organizing items on a bathroom counter or bedside table.

The size of your trays should never overwhelm your space. Selecting the proper size to fit the space is important. A small table with a big tray should be avoided, the same goes for a small tray fighting to be noticed on a large table. It's all about proportion.

Decorations

You can turn any tray into a centerpiece through creative styling. Try adding small items that reflect the concept of the room. Place a vase of flowers on a pretty tray or display a framed photo to attract the eye to a certain area of your space.

A decorative tray alone can do the work of sprucing up a a tired room. Any dining room will feel renewed with large trays waiting for guests to arrive.

Don't be shy about getting creative and daring with your decorations. The only limit is your imagination and the current design of your interior space, of course. But as long as you work within those guidelines, you can turn your decorative trays into compelling reflections of your personal style.

Styling Tips for Different Rooms

When styling trays in your home, consider the rule of three, visual triangles, and anchor pieces to create balanced and visually appealing displays.

Rule of Three

Odd numbers, particularly three, are visually pleasing and create a sense of balance. When styling a tray, consider grouping items in threes to create a harmonious centerpiece display.

Visual Triangles

Create visual triangles by arranging items of varying heights on your tray. This adds interest and depth to your display, drawing the eye across the tray and creating a dynamic look.

Anchor Pieces

Include an anchor piece, such as a large vase or candle, to ground your tray display. This helps create a focal point and adds stability to your arrangement. Here is another way to be bold and beautify any room in the home.

1. Kitchen Trays

In the kitchen, trays can be used to keep utensils organized, add decorative elements, and create a coffee or tea station.

Keeping Utensils Organized

A large decorative tray can hold your most-used cooking utensils, keeping them easily accessible and adding style to your kitchen counter. Consider using a wooden or metal tray for a durable and attractive option.

Adding Decorative Elements

Use a decorative tray to display a collection of decor items, like small plants, cookbooks, and decorative bottles, creating an inviting and stylish kitchen atmosphere.

Creating a Coffee or Tea Station

A decorative tray can help you create a functional and beautiful coffee or tea station on your kitchen counter. Place your coffee maker or teapot, mugs, and any necessary condiments on the tray for a convenient and organized setup.

2. Bathroom Trays

In the bathroom, use trays to organize toiletries and essentials, display decorative items, and create a spa-like atmosphere.

Organizing Toiletries and Essentials

A vanity tray can hold items like soap dispensers, toothbrush holders, and small towels, keeping your bathroom counter tidy and stylish.

Displaying Decorative Items

Use a tray to showcase decorative items like candles, small vases, or decorative bottles, adding visual interest and a touch of luxury to your bathroom. A vanity tray to hold soaps and towels for when guests arrive can also add a touch of decorative flair to your bathroom space.

Creating a Spa-like Atmosphere

Add a tray to your bathtub or shower to hold bath salts, scrubs, and other spa-like essentials for a relaxing and indulgent experience.

3. Living Room Trays

In the living room, trays can be used on coffee tables, ottomans, and console tables for a variety of purposes.

Coffee Table Trays

A coffee table tray is the perfect way to display a collection of items, such as candles, coffee table books, and small decorative objects. Experiment with different arrangements and textures to create a visually appealing centerpiece.

Styling a Tray for an Ottoman

An ottoman tray can hold items like remote controls, coasters, and smaller pieces. Choose a tray that complements the shape and size of your ottoman, and consider using a round tray with raised edges to prevent items from sliding off.

Trays on Console Tables

A tray on a console table can help organize items like keys, mail, and decorative objects, creating an attractive and functional entryway display.

4. Bedroom Trays

In the bedroom, use trays on bedside tables, and dressers, and for organizing jewelry and accessories.

Bedside Table Trays

A bedside table tray can hold items like a water glass, reading glasses, and a small dish for jewelry. Choose a tray that complements the style and size of your bedside table for a cohesive look.

Dresser Tray Styling

Use a tray on your bedroom dresser to organize items like perfume bottles, jewelry, and decorative objects, creating a stylish and functional display.

Trays for Jewelry and Accessories

A decorative tray can be used to organize and display your favorite jewelry and accessories, making it easy to find what you're looking for and adding a touch of elegance to your space.

5. Home Office Trays

In a home office, trays can be used to organize office supplies, display decorative elements, and create a workspace refreshment station.

Organizing Office Supplies

Use a tray to keep office supplies like pens, paper clips, and sticky notes organized and within easy reach on your desk.

Displaying Decorative Elements

Add a tray to your home office to display a variety of items like plants, framed photos, and inspirational quotes, creating a workspace that inspires creativity and productivity.

Creating a Workspace Refreshment Station

Set up a tray with your favorite beverages and snacks to keep you energized and focused throughout the day. This can also serve as a stylish and functional addition to your home office.

6. Entryway and Console Table Trays

In the entryway, trays can be used to organize keys and mail, display seasonal decor, and showcase fragrances and candles.

Organizing Keys and Mail

Place a tray near the entrance of your home to hold keys, mail, and other essentials, keeping your entryway organized and clutter-free.

Displaying Seasonal Decor

Update your entryway tray with seasonal decor items to create a welcoming and festive atmosphere, perfect for the holiday season or any time of year.

Showcasing Fragrances and Candles

A tray in the entryway can be used to display fragrances, candles, and other decor items, creating a pleasant and inviting atmosphere for guests.

Final Thoughts on Tray Styling

Tray styling offers endless possibilities for organizing and decorating your home. Keep these tips in mind as you experiment with different combinations, update your trays seasonally, and personalize your trays for your space.

Experiment with Different Combinations

Don't be afraid to mix and match different decor items, textures, and colors to create unique and visually appealing tray displays.

Experiment with different arrangements to find the perfect combination for any room. Shape can play an essential role in finding the right combination. A round tray featuring square objects or mix and match the shape of the tray to the table or ottoman where it will reside.

Update Your Trays Seasonally

Keep your decorative tray displays fresh by updating them with seasonal decor items or changing out the color palette to match the current season or holiday. A serving tray for each holiday adds a celebratory touch to every season.

Personalize Your Trays for Your Space

Tailor your decorative tray displays to your personal style and the needs of your space. Choose decor items that reflect your personality and complement your existing home decor and turn any tray into a bold centerpiece of your room.

Shop Our Tray Collection at Belle and June

Discover our wide selection of decorative trays at Belle and June, perfect for organizing and styling every room in your home. Visit our website at https://www.belleandjune.com to shop our catalog today. From the perfect serving tray to a glass or wood tray that fits your space, we have a wide variety to consider.