Trays are one of the most versatile and underutilized home decor items. With a little creativity, these everyday objects can be transformed into beautiful and functional pieces that add style to any space. Keep reading to learn how to use trays to upgrade your home decor in simple yet chic ways.
Repurpose Trays as Serving Platters
One easy way to get more styling mileage out of your trays is to use them as serving dishes. Those inexpensive, basic plastic or rattan trays you likely have lying around can pull double-duty at your next dinner party or get-together when layered with appetizers, fruit, cheese and charcuterie, or other party fare.
Arrange cheeses, cured meats, nuts, jams, and fresh or dried fruits on a neutral-toned round rattan tray to instantly create an elegant charcuterie board for guests. Or, fill a metallic-rimmed plastic tray with baked goods like cookies or brownies to bring a homemade dessert to the table.
You can also stack your trays for a pretty tiered server. Try placing small bowls of dips or nuts on one tray, fresh veggies or bread on another, and artfully sliced fruit on a top tray for a pulled-together presentation. The trays keep everything contained and make transporting and passing food easy.
Show Off Knickknacks and Trinkets
Collectibles like seashells, stones, crystals, figurines, or small decorative boxes can look like clutter when piled on a dresser or shelf. But arrange them artfully on a tray, and suddenly you’ve created a lovely display.
Look for trays with subtle ornamental details or unique shapes to complement your collection. For beachy finds like shells or sea glass, a weathered white wood tray adds to the coastal vibe. Metallic trays in gold, rose gold, or silver bring out the colors and shine in crystals or gemstones. And a round or oval tray with curved edges lends itself well to showing off small treasures.
Don’t overload the tray. Leave some open space around each item so details can shine. And don’t forget to rotate pieces occasionally or re-style the arrangement to keep it fresh.
Use Trays as Catchalls
Trays are the perfect solution for corralling all those odds and ends that can clutter up entryways, bedrooms, and other living areas. Use them to organize anything from keys and sunglasses to loose change and jewelry.
For an entryway tray, look for one large enough to hold essentials for multiple people. A rectangular or oval shape provides ample space. Choose a material like metal or wood that’s durable enough to handle daily use and accessorize it with a decorative dish to drop keys and sunglasses into.
In a bedroom, try a smaller tray on a nightstand or dresser top to hold jewelry, pocket change, watches, and other personal items. A tray with dividers or sections helps keep tiny items separated. And opt for a low-profile material like leather or lucite that blends into the existing decor.
No matter what you use it for, empty and wipe down tray catchalls regularly to keep them looking (and feeling!) fresh.
Elevate Your Coffee Table Books
Coffee table books stacked in piles or shoved horizontally into a shelf can look cluttered. But fanning them out vertically on a tray keeps them neat and prominently displayed.
Choose sturdy, thick books with colorful spines and interesting covers to create the most eye-catching arrangement. Hardcover options will stand up better than soft covers, too. Then pick a tray large enough to hold the books at roughly a 60-degree angle and deep enough to keep them propped securely.
A neutral metal, wood, or marbleized tray complements most book covers without overwhelming. And be sure to leave some tray surface visible around the edges of the books. The negative space keeps the look clean and intentional.
Stage Artful Table Vignettes
The dining or coffee table offers the perfect flat surface for creating stylish little tableaus to enhance your decor. Trays come in handy for neatly showcasing all the pretty objects, like candles, flowers, figurines, and more, that you want to highlight.
For a coffee table vignette, choose one large tray or a few smaller trays in coordinating finishes. Stick with tray silhouettes that echo the table shape; a rectangular coffee table looks best with rectangular trays. Then play with layering decor items of different heights, like stacking books under a small plant or propping artwork against a candlestick.
For a dining table, keep vignettes low profile so they don’t impede conversation across the table. Nestle a posy of flowers into a silver tray next to stacked dishes or float a trio of candles in mercury glass votives at each place setting. The options are endless when you use trays to corral all those special touches.
Take Your Trays Outside
Don’t reserve your trays just for indoor use. These versatile pieces transition seamlessly into outdoor living spaces, too.
Repurpose large trays as side tables by your patio chairs. They provide a convenient spot to set drinks without taking up much room. Opt for lightweight melamine, plastic, or bamboo trays that can stand up to moisture and sudden rainstorms.
Use other trays to display potted plants on an outdoor shelf or table. The tray contains any drips from a plant’s watering can and protects your furniture finish. Just make sure the tray is large enough to catch the entire plant.
And for porch decor, arrange a vignette of candles, greenery, and other accents on a tray. When it’s time to take decor inside for winter, you can easily transport everything together on the tray.
Go Vertical
One inventive way to maximize trays’ visual impact is to mount them vertically for unique wall art. This approach transforms a standard rectangular or square tray into a decorative floating shelf you can style.
Most trays have pre-drilled holes or hooks on the backside for hanging. Use heavy-duty anchors rated for the tray’s weight, and make sure to hit a wall stud if possible for secure mounting. Display a tray solo to serve as a pretty little ledge, or group a few staggered at different heights on a large wall.
When styling your new floating tray shelves, consider pairing decor items with similar visual weight. For example, balance a short squat candlestick with a small round tray rather than taller lighter items that could make the whole arrangement seem top-heavy. Then embellish with greenery, artwork, shells or small baskets to finish the look.
Add Bright Color With Paint
Don’t retire chipped or faded vintage trays – restore them with a fresh coat of paint instead! This easy DIY lets you customize trays’ color to perfectly coordinate with your decor.
Look for inexpensive wood trays with ornamental edges and details to show off with paint. Lightly sand the tray before painting to help the paint adhere. Then apply 2-3 thin coats of spray paint or craft paint in a gloss, satin, or matte sheen. Allow each coat to fully dry before adding the next.
Stick with traditional tray silhouettes like rectangles, ovals and circles for the most classic look. Paint the interior a different color than the exterior rim for fun contrast. And consider painting just the edges or handles in a metallic shade for a playful pop of glam.
Frequently Asked Questions About Repurposing Trays for Decor
What types of trays work best for home decor?
Almost any type of tray can be repurposed for decor if styled creatively! Vintage metal and wood trays offer beautiful patinas and ornamental details. Simple bamboo, rattan, or plastic trays provide an inexpensive blank canvas to paint or embellish. For durability, look for trays made from wrought iron, brass, melamine, acrylic, or stained wood.
Where are the best places to find unique trays?
Check thrift stores, antique shops, and flea markets for vintage trays brimming with character at affordable prices. World market stores carry intricate metal, wood, and rattan imported trays. Home goods retailers like Target and TJMaxx offer a variety of inexpensive lacquer, bamboo and plastic trays in trendy shapes. And Etsy offers many handmade artisan trays you won’t find anywhere else.
What’s the best way to repurpose a tray as wall art?
Most trays already have hooks or holes on the backside for hanging. But for a secure mount, look for heavy duty picture hanging hardware rated to handle the weight of your chosen tray. Attach a wire across the back of the tray with hooks secured into at least two of the pre-drilled holes. Then hang the tray on a secure wall anchor or directly into a stud.
How can I use trays for decorating small spaces?
In a small space, compact trays come in handy for organizing without taking up much precious surface area. Use skinny rectangular trays to corral items on a bookshelf, entry table or desk. Small round or square trays are perfect for holding knickknacks on a windowsill or nightstand. And decorative mini trays can serve as charming catchalls on a bathroom or kitchen counter.
What are some creative ways to display trays in my home?
Get creative with how and where you display trays! Hang them vertically as floating wall shelves. Stack different sized trays into pretty tiers for serving food or showing off treasures. Layer trays under decor on a shelf or table for texture and color. Use an acrylic tray to float candles or greenery on a tabletop. Paint or decoupage trays to match your decor. The options are endless!
Elevate Your Decor With Stylish Trays
Trays are a versatile, budget-friendly decor upgrade for any room. They provide clever ways to corral clutter while injecting extra style. With a little creativity, you can transform everyday trays from boring to beautiful.
Next time you’re looking to add a little excitement to your home decor, don’t overlook the potential of repurposed trays. Choose trays with interesting ornamental details or give basic ones a makeover with metallic spray paint. Then use them in fun new ways to display books, stage decor vignettes, or organize your belongings with flair.
So rediscover the trays hiding in your cupboards or thrift stores waiting to be styled. With a simple shift in perspective, you can turn humble trays into a lovely and functional focal point.
