From Coffee Tables to Bedside Tables: Decorative Tray Styling Ideas
A decorative tray is a secret weapon for home styling. It can turn a cluttered surface into a neat, stylish display. You can use trays all around your home. On a coffee table. A bedside table. Even in the bathroom. They pull everything together and add a touch of class. This guide will show you simple ways to style decorative trays in every room.
A simple tray organises your bits and bobs. It creates a focal point. A little zone of beauty. You can show off your personality with the items you choose. Let's explore how to make your home look amazing with this one simple tool.
Why Use a Decorative Tray?
You might wonder why you need a decorative tray. Is it just another thing to dust? Not at all. A tray is both beautiful and useful. It serves a real purpose in your home.
Recent surveys show that over 70% of homeowners believe using trays helps keep living spaces tidier and more organised. Nearly 65% say that decorative trays instantly boost a room’s visual appeal, making shelves and tables look more “finished.” People also report feeling less cluttered and more at ease when surfaces are organised with trays. Designers note a steady rise in the use of trays for styling, as more than half of new home decor trends in magazines now feature decorative trays in living rooms and bedrooms.
First, trays create order. Think about your coffee table. It might have a remote control, a few coasters, a magazine, and a candle. These items can look messy when spread out. A tray gathers them all in one place. Instantly, the table looks tidier. This makes your whole room feel calmer. A little bit of organisation. A lot of impact.
Second, trays protect your furniture. Do you have a beautiful wooden coffee table? You don't want water rings from a glass or scratches from keys. A tray acts as a barrier. It keeps your surfaces safe from spills and scrapes. This is especially useful for delicate materials like marble or glass.
Third, trays make it easy to move things. Imagine you have guests over. You can set up a tray with drinks and snacks in the kitchen. Then, you can carry it all into the living room in one go. Easy. The same goes for breakfast in bed. A tray makes it simple and special.
Finally, trays are a fantastic way to add style. They come in many materials, shapes, and colours. A metal tray can give a modern look. A wooden tray can feel rustic and warm. A mirrored tray adds a touch of glamour. You can change your trays with the seasons or your mood. It’s an easy way to refresh your home decor without spending a lot of money.
Styling Your Coffee Table Tray
The coffee table is often the centrepiece of the living room. A well-styled tray here can make a huge statement. The key is to create a display that is balanced and interesting. Not just a pile of stuff.
The Rule of Three
A classic design trick is the "rule of three." This means grouping items in threes. The human eye finds odd numbers more appealing than even numbers. It feels more natural and less staged.
So, what three items should you use? Try this combination:
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Something Tall: This adds height and grabs attention. A small vase with fresh flowers is perfect. You could also use a tall, elegant candle holder or a small sculpture. The height creates a dynamic look.
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Something Living: This brings life to your display. Fresh flowers or a small potted plant are great choices. A succulent or an air plant is very low-maintenance. The green colour adds a natural, calming feel.
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Something Personal: This tells a story about you. It could be a stack of your favourite books. A beautiful scented candle in a jar. Or a small decorative object you picked up on your travels. This makes the display uniquely yours.
Creating Balance and Texture
Balance is important. You don't want all your tall items on one side of the tray. Spread them out. Mix tall items with shorter ones. This creates visual interest.
Texture is another key element. A smooth, shiny tray looks great with rough or natural textures. Think about a sleek metal tray. Now, add a rustic wooden bowl and a soft linen-covered book. The contrast is what makes it interesting.
Here are some ideas for adding texture:
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A small, woven basket to hold remotes.
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A string of wooden beads draped over a book.
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A ceramic bowl with a matte finish.
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A coaster made from marble or slate.
Don't be afraid to mix materials. Wood, metal, glass, and ceramic can all live happily together on one tray. This creates a rich, layered look.
A Practical Coffee Table Tray
Your coffee table tray should not just look good. It needs to be practical too. You still need a place for your cup of tea and the remote control.
Make sure there is some empty space on the tray. This is where you can place a drink or your phone. A small bowl or box is perfect for hiding ugly but necessary items. Think remote controls, charging cables, or keys. This keeps them handy but out of sight.
Coasters are a must-have for any coffee table tray. Choose coasters that match your style. They can be part of the decor. You can find them in stone, wood, metal, or even leather. Stack them neatly in a corner of the tray.
Explore our collection of bedside tables for more inspiration
Perfecting the Bedside Table Tray
Your bedside table is a very personal space. It's the last thing you see at night and the first thing you see in the morning. A decorative tray can make it a beautiful and organised sanctuary. A calm start to the day.
Essentials for a Bedside Tray
A bedside tray should hold your nighttime essentials. But it can do so in a stylish way. Think about what you need within arm's reach.
Here’s a list of items that work well on a bedside tray:
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A Small Lamp: A small, stylish lamp provides soft light for reading. It’s much nicer than a harsh overhead light. Choose one with a small base so it doesn’t take up too much space.
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A Carafe of Water: Waking up thirsty in the middle of the night is no fun. A small glass carafe with a matching cup looks elegant. It feels like you're staying in a luxury hotel.
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A Ring Dish: A tiny bowl or dish is perfect for keeping your jewellery safe. You can take off your rings, watch, or earrings and know exactly where they are.
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A Book or Journal: Your current read or a journal and pen can sit neatly on the tray. This encourages you to wind down with a book instead of a screen.
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Hand Cream and Lip Balm: Keep your favourite nighttime lotions and potions close by. Put them in pretty containers if you can. Or just arrange them neatly.
Creating a Calm Atmosphere
The goal for a bedside tray is to create a sense of calm. You want your bedroom to be a relaxing retreat. The colours and items you choose can help with this.
Stick to a soft, soothing colour palette. Think soft blues, gentle greens, pale pinks, or neutral tones like beige and grey. These colours promote rest.
A scented candle or an essential oil diffuser can add to the relaxing vibe. Lavender, chamomile, or sandalwood are great scents for the bedroom. They help you unwind and prepare for sleep. Just be sure to blow out the candle before you drift off.
Keep it simple. A cluttered bedside table can make your mind feel cluttered too. A tray helps you limit the number of items. Only keep what you truly need and love. Less is more. A peaceful space for a peaceful mind.
Decorative Trays in Other Rooms
Trays are not just for coffee tables and bedside tables. You can use them all over your house. They bring organisation and style to almost any surface.
On an Ottoman or Footstool
Do you have a large ottoman instead of a coffee table? A sturdy tray is a must. It creates a hard, stable surface for drinks and other items. Without a tray, placing a glass on a soft ottoman is a recipe for disaster.
Choose a large, solid tray. Wood or metal trays are good choices. Make sure it's big enough to be useful. You can style it just like a coffee table tray. Use the rule of three. Add some height, something natural, and something personal. It will transform your ottoman into a functional and stylish centrepiece.
In the Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home. It can also be a magnet for clutter. A tray can help you keep your worktops tidy.
Place a tray next to your cooker. You can use it to hold your cooking essentials. Think olive oil, salt and pepper grinders, and a pot of fresh herbs. This keeps them all together and easy to reach while you're cooking. It also protects your worktop from oily drips.
You can also use a tray by the sink. It's a great spot for your hand soap, washing-up liquid, and a brush. It stops water from pooling on the worktop. Choose a tray made from a water-resistant material like ceramic or plastic.
In the Hallway
The hallway console table is often the first thing people see when they enter your home. It’s your chance to make a great first impression. A tray can help you create a welcoming and organised entry.
Use a tray as a "drop zone" for keys, post, and sunglasses. This stops them from being scattered all over the table. A small, decorative bowl on the tray is perfect for keys. You'll always know where to find them when you're rushing out the door.
Add a small vase of flowers or a scented candle to make the space feel welcoming. It’s a simple touch that makes a big difference.
In the Bathroom
Bathrooms can quickly become cluttered with bottles and tubes. A tray is a simple solution for a more spa-like feel.
Use a tray on the vanity unit to group your daily skincare products. Or place one on the side of the bath. It can hold your bath oils, a fancy soap, and a candle. This creates a relaxing, organised look.
Choose materials that can handle a damp environment. Ceramic, resin, or metal trays are good options. A mirrored tray can add a bit of glamour to your bathroom routine. It reflects light and makes the space feel brighter.
With so many trays to choose from, how do you pick the right one? Here are a few things to consider.
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Material: The material affects the style and function of the tray.
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Wood: Warm, rustic, and natural. Great for a cosy, relaxed feel.
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Metal: Sleek, modern, and industrial. Gold or brass can add glamour. Silver or black can be very chic.
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Mirrored: Glamorous and elegant. They reflect light and make a space feel bigger.
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Ceramic: Versatile and often colourful. Great for bathrooms and kitchens.
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Rattan or Wicker: Adds a natural, bohemian texture. Perfect for a coastal or Scandi look.
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Shape: Most trays are rectangular or round.
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Rectangular trays work well on long surfaces like coffee tables and console tables.
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Round trays can soften the hard lines of a square or rectangular table. They are great for creating a central focal point.
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Unusual shapes, like hexagons or ovals, can be a fun, modern choice.
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Size: The tray should be in proportion to the surface it's on. A tiny tray will look lost on a huge coffee table. A massive tray will overwhelm a small bedside table. Measure your surface before you buy. Leave some space around the edges of the tray.
A decorative tray is a small item that makes a big impact. It helps you organise your home, protects your furniture, and lets you show off your personal style. From the living room to the bedroom, a simple tray can elevate any space.
Start with one tray from Luscious Homewares and see what a difference it makes in your home. Ready to refresh your space? Explore our collection today and find the perfect tray for every room. Happy styling.
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