When you think of decorative trays, your mind may immediately go to the coffee table, where they often hold candles, remotes, and magazines. However, decorative trays are versatile, and their functionality stretches far beyond just one room. Whether you’re looking to organise small items, add a touch of elegance to a space, or create a luxurious presentation, decorative trays can be used creatively throughout your home. In this guide, we’ll explore some innovative ways to use stylish trays and how they can enhance every corner of your home.
1. Decorative Trays in the Entryway: A Stylish Catch-All for Essentials
The entryway is the first space guests see when they enter your home, and it sets the tone for the rest of the house. A decorative tray in this area serves as a chic yet functional station for everyday essentials such as keys, wallets, sunglasses, and coins. Not only does it help reduce clutter, but it also adds a stylish touch to an often-overlooked part of the home.
Expert Tip: According to home decor expert Abigail Ahern, “A tray in the entryway is perfect for both form and function. It’s an easy way to keep essential items organised while adding instant style to your home.”
Opt for a luxury tray or a unique decorative tray with intricate details to elevate the space. For a more minimalist aesthetic, metal decorative trays or modern decorative trays work wonderfully.
How to Style It:
- Place the tray on a console table or small shelf near the door.
- Add a decorative element, such as a small vase with fresh flowers or a modern sculpture, to tie the space together.
- Keep it practical with only the essentials—keys, phone, and wallet—but feel free to incorporate a touch of style with a few elegant items like a candle or a small bowl.
2. On the Vanity Table: Organising Beauty Essentials with Elegance
Your vanity is a space where beauty routines come to life, and adding a decorative serving tray can make this area feel like a spa. A tray on your vanity can help organise everything from perfumes and skincare products to jewellery and makeup. Not only does it keep items neat and easy to access, but it also transforms the space into something more elegant and visually appealing.
Expert Tip: Interior designer Kelly Wearstler advises, “A tray on your vanity is not just practical, it’s an opportunity to display items that are both functional and beautiful. It’s a chance to infuse personal style and make the space feel luxurious.”
When choosing a tray for your vanity, look for something that complements the rest of your decor. Vintage decorative trays with intricate designs can add a touch of old-world charm, while round decorative trays create a softer, more organic look.
How to Style It:
- Use the tray to display perfumes, skincare products, or your favourite jewellery pieces.
- Add a scented candle, small mirror, or a potted plant for an extra touch of luxury.
- Avoid overcrowding—leave some space for easy access to the items you use most often.
3. In the Bathroom: Elevating Countertops with Style
Bathrooms often feature limited counter space, and a decorative tray can help keep everything from toiletries to makeup organised in style. With the right tray, you can elevate a simple bathroom into something spa-like, providing a clutter-free environment while keeping your essentials within reach.
Expert Tip: “Bathrooms are often the most overlooked space in terms of decor,” says lifestyle expert Holly Becker. “By introducing a tray, you can instantly bring in some style while improving organisation. A home decor tray with a sleek design or a natural material like marble can add a sophisticated feel.”
For bathrooms with a clean, modern aesthetic, metal decorative trays or luxury trays with a polished finish work well. Alternatively, wooden decorative trays can bring warmth to a more rustic bathroom.
How to Style It:
- Use the tray to organise essential bathroom items such as soaps, lotions, or a toothbrush holder.
- For a touch of elegance, add a few luxury items like a glass perfume bottle or a beautiful hand towel.
- Incorporate a small plant or flower arrangement for a fresh, calming vibe.
4. On the Bedside Table: A Chic Organiser
The nightstand is a place where we often leave small items like our phone, glasses, or a book. Adding a decorative tray to this space ensures that everything is neatly contained, preventing the nightstand from looking cluttered. This small addition can make a big difference in the overall look of your bedroom, transforming it into a more peaceful, organised space.
Expert Tip: “A small decorative tray on your nightstand can instantly elevate the entire room,” says home stylist Sarah Richardson. “It’s all about creating a visual focal point while keeping functionality intact.”
When styling your nightstand tray, choose one that complements your bedroom decor. A unique decorative tray with interesting patterns or a vintage decorative tray can add personality, while a sleek modern tray fits in with contemporary designs.
How to Style It:
- Keep everyday essentials like your phone, clock, and glasses neatly arranged on the tray.
- Add a decorative element such as a small vase with fresh flowers or a scented candle.
- For a more minimalist approach, choose a simple tray with clean lines that keeps the area organised without cluttering the space.
5. In the Kitchen: Creating a Stylish Serving Station
Kitchens are high-traffic areas where organisation can easily slip through the cracks. Decorative trays can help maintain order in the kitchen while doubling as elegant serving pieces for entertaining. Whether you’re serving breakfast in bed or displaying snacks for guests, a decorative serving tray can enhance the presentation and help make your space more inviting.
Expert Tip: “In the kitchen, trays are incredibly versatile,” says culinary stylist Donna Hay. “Not only are they practical for serving, but they can also create a stylish setup for your countertop or breakfast nook.”
Home decor trays are ideal for creating a stylish yet functional space in the kitchen. Choose a luxury tray for an elegant touch or opt for a metal decorative tray for a more industrial look.
How to Style It:
- Use the tray for breakfast in bed or to serve drinks and snacks when entertaining guests.
- Place the tray on your kitchen counter to hold items like fruit, condiments, or oils, keeping your kitchen organised.
- For a more refined look, choose a tray with decorative handles or a patterned design.
6. On the Coffee Table: Organising with Elegance
The coffee table is perhaps the most common place for decorative trays in the home, but there are countless ways to elevate this essential piece of furniture. A tray on your coffee table can help keep things neat while providing an opportunity to display stylish decor items such as candles, books, and sculptures.
Expert Tip: “The key to styling a decorative tray for coffee table decor is balance,” says design expert Nate Berkus. “You want to arrange items that are visually interesting but not overwhelming.”
Accent trays can be used on coffee tables to add sophistication, while round decorative trays are perfect for softening the space and creating visual harmony.
How to Style It:
- Use the tray to hold a mix of books, candles, and small decorative objects.
- If you want to add some greenery, place a small potted plant on the tray to bring life to the coffee table.
- Try to keep the items on the tray minimal—too many objects can create clutter rather than elegance.
7. In the Office: A Functional Desk Organiser
Your office space should be as organised and inspiring as possible, and a decorative tray is an easy way to keep your desk looking tidy. From pens and business cards to your phone and stationery, a tray helps keep everything within easy reach, allowing you to work more efficiently and with less clutter.
Expert Tip: “A decorative tray on your desk can act as a visual anchor, keeping your work area neat while also infusing your space with personality,” says productivity coach Laura Vanderkam. “It’s all about creating a space that feels both functional and inspiring.”
How to Style It:
- Use the tray to organise pens, notebooks, and other office supplies.
- Consider adding a personal touch, like a framed photo or a decorative item that brings you joy.
- Choose a stylish tray that complements your office’s overall aesthetic, whether that’s a sleek metal decorative tray or a more rustic wooden design.
Conclusion: Decorative Trays for Every Room
Decorative trays are far more than just a practical item—they are versatile accents that can elevate any room in your home. From the entryway to the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and even the office, these elegant serving trays and luxury trays serve both form and function. Whether you prefer a small decorative tray for tidying up smaller spaces or a vintage decorative tray to add a touch of character, there’s a tray for every style and need.
So, the next time you’re looking to add a little organisation or extra flair to a room, consider using a decorative tray. The possibilities are endless, and with the right tray, you can transform even the most ordinary space into something extraordinary.