Stylish and Functional Decorative Tray Ideas
Decorative trays are the ultimate home decorators’ weapon. From coffee table centerpieces to bathroom storage solutions, take a look at the many ways to make use of this versatile home decor accessory.
In the world of decorating and organizing your home, you will soon consider them to be one of your best friends.
You might say that I’m a tray collector as you will find at least one tray in every single room of my home. I have them in a variety of materials, sizes, and shapes and I use them for organizing just as much as for decorating.
And if you ever wonder what to put on a decorative tray, here’s your answer!
Using Trays in a Living Room
Decorative trays in your living room can serve two functions. They can be a stylish way to keep small items organized or they can be purely decorative.
On a Coffee Table
The coffee table is a natural spot to place a decorative tray. I like to treat it as a focal point on the table so that it draws attention to some of my favorite accessories.
It’s a great place to group both large and small accessories in one spot without having it look like clutter.
For example, a stack of books can serve as a base, while a decorative bowl or a pair of candles add height.
By placing a small box on the tray, I can also gather smaller items like remotes in one place. That keeps the table looking neat and intentional.
TIP: When arranging items on a tray, incorporate objects of varying heights and remember the rule of three.
On a Side Table
A side table is another perfect spot for a tray. Since these tables are usually smaller, trays are especially useful if you want to keep the surface organized and clutter-free.
A small tray can hold essentials like a lamp, while still leaving space for decorative items like a small vase with flowers or a picture frame.
The key is to choose a tray that fits the scale of your side table—something too large can overwhelm the surface, while something too small might get lost.
Other Uses
Trays aren’t just for tables. Place one on on a lower shelf of your coffee table or on an ottoman to create a stable surface for drinks or snacks.
If you have a larger living room, a tray on a console table can be an elegant way to display candles or a collection of decorative items.
Using trays in these key spots not only helps keep your living room organized but also adds a layer of design that makes the space feel thoughtfully put together.
Using Trays in a Dining Room
Just as in a living room, trays in a dining room can serve two functions – decorative and functional.
They’re perfect for organizing dining essentials or as a base for a beautiful centerpiece that can easily be moved when it’s time to eat.
On a Dining Room Table
From a decorative point of view, one of my favorite ways to use a tray on the table is as a base for a centerpiece, which allows me to easily switch out decorative items based on the season or occasion.
A tray can pull a simple look together and add importance to the arrangement.
Or it can be used to corral a collection together to make a quite a statement on your table. For example, you can use a large rectangular tray to hold a collection of candles, a small vase with fresh flowers, and perhaps a few decorative items.
From a practical and functional perspective, a tray can hold all of the essentials for dining. The tray keeps everything contained and can be quickly lifted off when you’d like something a little more decorative.
TIP: To style a functional tray on a kitchen table, include salt and pepper shakers and napkins. To make the tray more decorative, add a vase of faux or fresh flowers.
On a Buffet or Sideboard
In addition to being used to arrange decorative elements, trays are especially handy during gatherings when you want to keep everything neat and easily accessible for your guests.
I use multiple trays when I use my sideboard as a buffet. One tray holds napkins, silverware, and salt and pepper shakers. Another holds condiments and small bowls of things that guests will only use a small amount of.
On a Bar Cart
No matter what room you may have a bar cart in, it’s another sensible place to use a tray. In addition to catching spills, it can help corral bottles, glasses, and bar tools, making everything look organized and stylish.
Be sure to choose a tray that fits well within the dimensions of the cart, and use it to create a dedicated space for your drink essentials.
You can even add a small vase with flowers or a decorative item to soften the look and add personality.
Using Trays in a Kitchen
I currently have four trays in my kitchen. One holds decorative objects, another has the container holding all of my cooking utensils, the third is on my stovetop holding a spoon rest, and yet another is against the backsplash as part of a countertop vignette.
It’s fairly obvious that I’m a fan of using decorative trays on a kitchen counter to keep frequently used items within easy reach while still maintaining a clutter-free appearance.
Not only will organizing with trays make your kitchen look tidier but they’ll also make it easier to clean the counter when needed.
TIP: Add a tray right beside your stove to keep cooking essentials such as salt and pepper, spices, cooking oils, and vinegars right at your fingertips.
About Tiered Trays
When it comes to serving a large crowd, tiered trays are a game-changer. When space is limited on your buffet table or countertop, you’ll be able to present a variety of food items without taking up a lot of valuable real estate.
Their multi-level design lets you stack different appetizers, desserts, or snacks vertically, making it easy for guests to see and access everything.
On my table, you can see how I used two of them – one to serve sandwiches and the other to serve a variety fresh veggies.
They’ll add height and visual interest to your food presentation too. By elevating some of your dishes, you’ll create a more appealing display that draws your guests’ attention.
They come in especially handy at Thanksgiving and Christmas, when I have a large number of hungry people at my house!
TIP: Use a tiered tray to make an awesome seasonal or holiday display.
Using Trays in a Bedroom
Maybe you haven’t thought about using decorative trays in a bedroom, but they not only look pretty, they provide a stylish way to keep your essentials organized.
On a Dresser or Chest of Drawers
I don’t know about you, but our dresser and chest of drawers are often catch-all surfaces, but trays help keep things organized and visually appealing.
At our house, the dresser is “mine” and the chest of drawers is my husbands domain.
I use a larger tray to for holding items like perfume, jewelry, my watch, and other odds and ends. It keeps the dresser looking tidy and also makes it easier to find what I need.
The chest of drawers stayed a constant mess until I finally wised up and added a sectioned “man tray” to the top. Now, instead of a pile of car keys and everything else in my husband’s pockets, even he appreciates the organization.
I’d say the tray on this dresser does a pretty good job of corralling a large collection of perfume bottles.
On a Nightstand
A tray on your nightstand is a great way to corral those small items that you use daily and want within easy reach when you’re in bed.
Using smaller trays to keep your phone, glasses, or a book prevents the surface from becoming cluttered.
TIP: A tray that fits well on your nightstand and complements your bedroom decor will make the setup of even the most basic necessities feel intentional and cohesive.
Using Trays in a Bathroom
In the bathroom, trays offer a simple way to manage clutter and keep your bathroom looking neat and inviting.
On the Countertop and Vanity
Want to keep prevent your countertop and vanity from looking like a hodgepodge of makeup and skin care essentials? A vanity tray is the solution.
A tray on your bathroom vanity is perfect for organizing skincare products, makeup, and other daily personal hygiene essentials.
Not only does grouping these items together keep the surface tidy, it helps to make your morning routine more efficient.
White porcelain and clear acrylic trays give off a spa-like vibe, while a mirrored tray will reflect light and add a bit of glamour to your vanity. I don’t recommend using a wicker tray in a bathroom as they are like magnets for dust and hair.
If you have a larger bathroom with more counter space, a decorative tray can be a great way to display items like soaps, lotions, and even a small vase of flowers.
TIP: Create a luxury hotel vibe by using one to hold rolled-up towels or washcloths. Ooh la la!
On the Back of the Toilet
The back of the toilet is an often overlooked spot that can benefit from the addition of a tray.
Use a small, narrow rectangle trays to hold items like extra toilet paper rolls, a scented candle, or extra hand towels.
In the Shower or Bath Area
Trays aren’t just for countertops—they can be used in the shower or bath area too.
A waterproof tray or caddy can help keep your bath products, such as shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, organized and easily accessible.
In your shower, opt for a tray with drainage holes to ensure it stays in good condition.
In Cabinets or Drawers
Don’t forget about using trays to organize the interiors of cabinets and drawers. There’s a drawer organizer for every type of organizing you could possibly need.
This not only keeps the contents of your cabinets tidy but also makes it easier to find what you need quickly.
Sectioned acrylic trays are terrific for holding all those small items that you use on a daily basis in the bathroom.
I hope that now you can see why I consider decorative trays such an essential piece of the home decor puzzle!
From organizing small items on a nightstand to creating a stunning centerpiece in your dining room, the possibilities are endless.
By incorporating these decorative tray ideas into your decor, you can effortlessly blend function and style, making your home both beautiful and organized.
Fabulous post. Have under used trays although that is how I corral the items in our bathroom. His for his side, hers for my side and ours for the space between the two sinks.
Love this post! Wish there was a source for all the trays and baskets!
Me too! I would love the long rectangular basket tray for my dining room table!
Couldn’t agree more about trays and use them everywhere in my house whether to make a seasonal vignette or just to keep things like books,magazines and the daily mail tidy. I am always on the lookout for a new unique one. My latest find was a large bamboo tray with sturdy wooden handles just perfect for transporting food and drink from house to deck in the summer. Thank you for your great photos and ideas.
I love using trays. I really enjoy seeing how you use them throughout your home. Great ideas!
Love this post, Suzy! And I planned on pinning it for future reference and also to read more of the links you provided!
I like trays because they’re mobile. I can pick up the whole vignette and move it. Either to make room for company, or just to easily use it in another room
Love your post! You have a knack for making ANYTHING look great!!!
Couldn’t live without my trays. I always get lots of inspiration from you Suzy. I definitely have tray envy…….?
I must be doing something right, because my hubby actually carried 4 glasses of wine to our guests on the deck, ON A TRAY without prompting from me in the background….. usually he would carry out the glasses 2 ar time separately. Wahoo
This is a beautiful post so glad to have found it on the link party. I love trays and containers!!! Happy Summer, Kippi
These decorations are adorable! I always admired tray decorations but never know how to do it. Thank you for sharing the post.