Tray Styling: The Secret to Where, Why, and How-To

April 19, 2022
styled tray

One of my favorite home decor hacks is including trays as centerpieces and accents throughout different rooms. The versatility in tray styling is endless – from adding in seasonal favorites to unique conversational pieces, there is no limit to how you use these functional decor pieces. I’m sharing all of the secrets to tray styling here! 

styled tray

Why Use trays

Trays are an excellent way to add extra design appeal to any room or space! There are so many options available to create a foundation for any table or surface before the decor process begins. With trays being both decorative and functional, they are an easy way to provide a focal point to the space you have in mind. Trays also have the ability to “ground” a space by bringing decor together and providing a platform for them to shine.

styled tray
styled tray
styled tray

Where to use trays in your home

The sky is the limit here! When you begin the tray styling process, keep in mind that these pieces can be purely decorative, purely functional, or both!! 

Some places that I love to add a tray with decor to:

  • Kitchens: Add trays to your island, countertops, or dining room table. Trays can be an excellent way to store oils, salt and pepper canisters, or anything you need kept by your stove. With coffee bars being such a trend the last few years, trays are a great way to keep your syrups, stir sticks, and sweeteners in stock and closeby!
  • Coffee tables: Depending on how big the tray is that you’re styling, you can add your favorite set of books, candles, or potted plants for a nice arrangement in your living room.
  • Bathrooms: My favorite way to add some neatness to a bathroom is with a tray! 
  • Entryways: The first impression of your home! Add a cozy candle and a pop of greenery with a neutral tray. 
  • Laundry Room: Both for functionality and decor! Store your detergent and fabric softeners in clear jars on a tray for a nice, polished look. 
tray styled
styled tray

The How-tos in tray styling

Not sure what to add to a new decorative tray? Here are some popular placeholders:

  • A vase with faux or fresh florals: create height and texture with some of your favorite seasonal blooms! 
  • A small stack of books: usually a few will work! This elevates the decor in such a classic way! Amazon is a great place to find unique books!
  • Dough bowl and seasonal objects: I love adding a bowl (especially on top of a stack of books) that has seasonal greenery or leaves – scented ones are great too! You can also use seasonal items like I did with my gold accent rabbit!
  • Candles: An easy way to add warmth! Just make sure the candle is the right scale to match surrounding objects
  • Practical objects: Just like with the laundry room hack, you can use trays for organizational/resourceful purposes. I like to store remote controls in a small decorative lidded box within my tray! 

And if you’re looking for a new tray, here are a few of my top-recommended finds!

tray styled

So there you have it – your go-to guide in tray styling! Now that you’ve read the how’s, why’s, and where’s, let me know how your tray styling goes! I’d love to see what you create – tag me on Instagram or share in the comments below!

*This post may contain affiliate links, in which I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more on Trisha Spears Design Services, click here!

Comments are closed.