Trays are the perfect versatile piece to add chic style to any home design. Tray styling throughout your home easily wrangles loose decor items, transforming them into statement-making moments for a put-together look. Whether placed on a coffee table, countertop, or anything in between, this decorating essential adds style, function, and organization and is an affordable way to elevate your space.
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With endless tray options to choose from, the task of selecting the perfect one may seem slightly overwhelming. Let’s simplify this step by determining where you’ll be placing it. The dimensions of your space will help narrow your overall selection and determine whether or not the tray will fit there, so start by measuring the surface’s area.
Tips to Consider When Choosing a Tray:
- Size: Where are you placing your decorative tray? How much space do you actually have to work with? Are you adding the tray to an open surface, like a coffee table, or something smaller, like a nightstand? These questions will help determine what size will work best within your designated space.
- Shape: With designs ranging from round to square to a rectangle and beyond, design aesthetics and personal preference play an important role in selection. Tip: round trays accentuate vertical, straight objects, while rectangle trays draw attention to round or soft features. Varying shapes are the perfect way to add contrast and dimension to your overall tray design.
- Color: Sticking with a neutral color offers the most versatility for styling trays. This will allow you to reuse them throughout your home, easily swap them out for seasonal decor items, and add pops of color to brighten your space.
- Depth: A tray that’s too deep may hide your stylish decor pieces, so think about the items you’ll be using and ensure they’ll be visible at eye level.
Tray Styling Throughout Your Home
Styling Your Tray
Before styling your decorative tray, let’s start with the Rule of Three. Three seems to be the magic number for interior design. This not only applies to tray styling but home decor in general. Arranging objects in groups of three or odd numbers are more visually appealing. The rule also applies nicely for groupings of five or even seven. You can separate by size, shape, or texture. For a more dynamic look, vary the heights while incorporating color and texture.
Arrange decor items to form a triangle. Experiment with the heights of your objects, avoiding block formations. Place your tallest piece in the middle and taper off with other decor pieces.
Selecting Your Decor Items
Layer in texture, details, and personal treasures to create the perfect photoshoot-ready tray for your home. When it comes to what type of decor items to use when styling your tray, the sky’s the limit. You can use just about any small decorative items you can think of, but here are a few categories for inspiration.
- Floral Arrangement: Whether faux or real, arrangements are the perfect way to bring color to any tray. Start with a beautiful vase that offers a sleek silhouette, neutral color palette, and textured design, then add a few of your favorite seasonal stems for a touch of elegance.design, then add a few of your favorite seasonal stems for a touch of elegance.
- Books: Hardcover books are a tray staple. Not only do they come in a variety of colors, but when stacked add height to your tray, creating a balanced look.
- Personal Items: Give your tray added personality by using unique items, such as photos or personal mementos with special meaning. These also make for great conversational pieces.
- Modern Accents: To give your tray a modern vibe, consider adding smaller items such as beads, wood knots, or chain links. In contrast, an eye-catching anchor object with height, like candlesticks or a small statue, will add depth and dimension.
For seasonal styling, think of bright colors and florals for spring. Step into fall by swapping items for autumn-inspired hues, like pampas grass, and pumpkins. Decorative bells, glass Christmas trees, and faux ferns will instantly usher in the winter season.
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Tray Placement
Decorative trays are a quick way to enhance practically any room. Not only are they visually appealing, but they are great for organizing items you want to have on display, minimizing visual clutter. Whether placed on an ottoman, kitchen, or bathroom counter, they instantly elevate your space.
Kitchen: Create a kitchen tray that showcases snacks, kitchen cutlery, or even coffee essentials.
- Snack bowl
- Condiments
- Decorative towels
- Cooking utensils
- Coffee essentials
Bathroom: Elevate your bathroom experience with a spa-inspired decorative tray.
- Scented candles
- Decorative issue box
- Toiletry containers
- Skincare products or perfumes
- Faux floral arrangement
Living Room: The living room is the hub of the home, where family and friends gather, so make sure your tray adds a warm and inviting touch to this space.
- Stacked books
- Small decor items
- Ceramic vase with faux stems
- Small dish to hold loose items
- Personalized items or photos
I hope these ideas inspire you to incorporate tray styling throughout your home. Happy styling!
Where’s your favorite spot to style a tray in your home? Let me know in the comments below!
For more home styling inspiration, check out my post on How to Style a Console Table!
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