With constantly changing trends. I am always asked if there are any decorating staples that will be stylish for years to come, pieces that will stand the test of time. And my answer is always “YES!” Trays in various shapes and sizes are one of those decorative staples to always have on hand.
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How to Decorate with Trays in 4 Super Easy Steps
There are four key steps to decorating with trays.
1. Start with a Tray
One is obviously to start with a tray as your base.
2. Add Some Height
Number two is to add something with height like a vase with flowers in it, a picture frame, or something like that.
3. Add 2-4 Other Items
Number three is to add in a couple of other items. Try to work with an uneven number of items total on the tray, including the tall item, but not including the tray itself. This is a good rule of thumb for most vignettes and displays in decorating, not just trays.
4. Leave Some Space
And then the fourth step is to leave some space in and around the tray.
You want the tray to be able to breathe in its space, so if it’s on a table, give it some breathing room between it and the things next to it, if there’s anything. And also on the tray, leave some blank space. This is a key decorating tip as well, is to always have a little bit of blank space.
Why Trays Are A Decor Staple
Trays are amazing in home decor because they actually serve several purposes. They:
- Corral items that could otherwise look cluttered and haphazard like kitchen tools and soaps and things like that.
- Ground vignettes and displays.
- Also make the items on them look purposeful and decorative when otherwise they wouldn’t.
- Can add texture and color of their own to a space, and they’re effortless to move around if needed.
Where Trays Can Be Used
Trays are also super versatile in home decor because they can be used in so many different spaces. They can be used:
- On coffee tables, buffets, and sideboards to hold, purely decorative items.
- On kitchen counters to hold tools and spices and soaps and all of those things that otherwise sort of just scatter and contribute to a cluttered-looking kitchen.
- In bathrooms to hold makeup and perfumes and hair supplies and things like that.
- In entryways and mudrooms to hold keys and mail and papers and all those other things that come into the house so that they’re in one contained spot.
- On nightstands coffee tables and end tables to hold things like books, cups, remotes, your spare chapstick, and anything like that.
Why They Go with Any Style
Trays are also really versatile in home decor and go with any decor style because they come in so many different materials:
- Wood
- Glas
- Fiberboard
- Plastic
- Rattan
- Metal
- And more!
There is a tray in any type of material that you could want to go with your decor style.
They’re also super versatile because they come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. You can get:
- Round trays
- Square trays
- Footed trays
- Tiered trays
- Rectangular trays
They literally come in any shape and size that you could possibly want.
You can also think outside the box and use many items that aren’t trays as trays. For example, charcuterie boards, mirrors, picture frames, dough, bowls, and anything that is just slightly raised as a tray or in place of a tray to corral your needed items or to serve as a decorative base to your decorative items.
Get Yourself Some Trays!
If you’re looking for a decorative staple to keep on hand for years to come, get yourself a tray – or two or three. Trays:
- Are perfect for corralling items that could otherwise look messy and haphazard.
- Are great as the base for vignettes and other decorative displays, and they’re perfect for adding a little bit of color and or texture to your decor.
- Come in all shapes and sizes and colors and materials, so they’re perfect for any decor style.
Trays are super easy to decorate with:
- Start with your tray.
- Add something tall, like a vase or picture frame.
- Finish with an uneven number of items total to your tray.
- Leaving some breathing space in and around the tray.
Do you have any trays in your house? Where is your favorite spot to use them?
