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Trays for Decorating
What Are Trays for Decorating?
Trays for decorating are stylish trays used to organise, display and visually group decorative objects on surfaces around the home. Unlike a traditional serving tray used mainly for carrying food or drinks, a decorative tray becomes part of the interior design itself.
In simple terms, a decorating tray creates a defined space for smaller objects such as candles, vases, books, ornaments, diffusers, jewellery or coffee-table accessories. It helps turn a collection of individual items into one intentional arrangement.
Here’s why trays for decorating are so popular: they combine beauty, organisation and versatility in one simple accessory. A well-chosen tray can make a coffee table feel more polished, give a console table structure or transform a bedside surface into a beautifully curated display.
The right decorative tray can work across contemporary, coastal, Hamptons, Scandinavian, Japandi, rustic and luxury Australian interiors.
Types and Styles of Trays for Decorating
Decorative trays come in many shapes, materials and finishes, making it easy to find an option suited to your interior.
Wooden Decorative Trays
Wooden trays bring warmth and natural texture into a room. Timber works particularly well with neutral upholstery, natural fibres and earthy colour palettes.
Choose wooden trays for:
- Coffee tables
- Ottomans
- Console tables
- Bedside tables
- Dining tables
They are particularly effective in coastal, Scandinavian, farmhouse and relaxed Australian interiors.
Metal Decorative Trays
Metal trays can introduce a more sophisticated or contemporary feeling. Brass, antique gold, black and brushed metal finishes can complement lighting, hardware and other decorative accents.
They work beautifully in modern, industrial and luxe interiors.
Marble and Stone Trays
Marble and stone-look trays create a sense of understated luxury. Their natural variation and substantial appearance make them ideal for styling candles, perfume, jewellery and smaller decorative objects.
Glass Trays
Glass trays create a lighter, more elegant appearance. They are especially useful where you want the decorative objects to remain the main focus.
Woven and Rattan Trays
Woven trays introduce softness and texture. Rattan and natural-fibre designs are particularly suited to coastal, Hamptons and organic interiors.
Mirrored Trays
Mirrored trays add reflection and glamour. They can work especially well on bedroom dressing tables, vanities and entertaining areas.
Round Decorative Trays
Round trays soften the appearance of rectangular furniture and can create a beautiful focal point on coffee tables or ottomans.
Rectangular Decorative Trays
Rectangular trays are extremely versatile and work particularly well on long coffee tables, consoles, sideboards and dining tables.
Sculptural and Shaped Trays
Organic, curved or unusual silhouettes can function almost like decorative artwork. These are ideal when you want the tray itself to make a statement.
How Do You Choose Trays for Decorating?
Choosing trays for decorating is less about finding the biggest or most elaborate design and more about selecting one that suits the space.
1. Measure the Surface
Before buying a decorative tray, consider the size of the furniture where it will sit.
A tray should have enough space for your intended arrangement without covering the entire surface. Leaving some visible tabletop around the tray creates breathing room.
2. Consider the Shape
Think about the shape of the furniture underneath.
A round coffee table may suit a round or organic tray, while a rectangular console can work beautifully with a long rectangular design.
You can also deliberately contrast shapes. A round tray on a square coffee table, for example, can soften the overall look.
3. Match the Material to Your Interior
Consider the materials already present in the room.
For example:
- Timber complements timber furniture and natural fibres.
- Marble suits sophisticated stone and metal finishes.
- Rattan works beautifully with coastal textures.
- Metal complements contemporary furniture.
- Glass works well in elegant, minimalist settings.
4. Decide How You Will Use It
Ask yourself whether the tray is primarily decorative, functional or both.
For a purely decorative display, you can choose a sculptural tray with an eye-catching finish. For everyday organisation, choose something durable and easy to clean.
5. Consider the Colour Palette
A tray can either blend into the room or create contrast.
Neutral trays are highly versatile, while black, brass, dark timber or richly coloured designs can create a stronger focal point.
Benefits of Trays for Decorating
They Organise Clutter
One of the greatest advantages of decorative trays is their ability to contain smaller objects.
Instead of having candles, remotes, books and ornaments scattered across a coffee table, a tray gives them a visual boundary.
They Create a Focal Point
A tray can anchor a collection of decorative objects, making the arrangement feel intentional rather than accidental.
They Add Texture
Timber, rattan, marble, metal and woven finishes introduce additional materiality to an interior.
They Make Styling Easier
Rather than deciding where every small object should sit, start with a tray and build your arrangement within it.
They Are Easy to Refresh
Changing the contents of a decorative tray can completely alter its appearance. You might use candles and greenery one season and books and ornaments another.
They Work Throughout the Home
Trays are not limited to living rooms. They can be useful in bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, dining rooms and entertaining areas.
How to Use Trays for Decorating Around the Home
Living Room
A coffee table tray can hold a small vase, candle, decorative bowl and a couple of books.
Keep the arrangement relatively low if you want to maintain clear sightlines across the room.
Console Table
A larger tray can create an attractive entryway arrangement. Combine a vase, decorative object and candle while leaving enough room for practical items.
Bedroom
Use a tray on a bedside table or dresser to organise perfume, jewellery, a small candle and other personal accessories.
Bathroom
A marble, ceramic or glass tray can organise hand wash, lotion, a small plant or folded guest towels.
Dining Room
A decorative tray can create a centrepiece on a dining table or sideboard. Choose an arrangement that can be easily moved when the table is needed for meals.
Home Bar
A sophisticated tray can gather glassware, decanters and bar accessories into one organised display.
House of Isabella Recommendations
At House of Isabella Australia, trays for decorating can be incorporated into a broader luxury interior scheme rather than treated as standalone accessories.
For an elegant and collected aesthetic, consider how a decorative tray interacts with lighting, vases, ornaments, mirrors, cushions and furniture throughout your room.
Florabelle Collection can provide inspiration for decorative layering and natural-looking arrangements, while the refined character associated with Zaffero and Emac & Lawton can complement more sophisticated tray styling.
For contemporary homes, Gallery Home and Café Lighting & Living can inspire a considered approach to combining furniture, lighting and decorative accessories. The OneWorld Collection can also provide useful contextual inspiration when creating a relaxed, curated interior.
House of Isabella Australia offers a large in-stock catalogue of luxury furniture and interiors, including exclusive and unique designs. With East & West Coast warehouses, fast delivery Australia-wide, Australian-based customer care and Buy Now, Pay Later options through Afterpay and Zip, refreshing your interior can be approached piece by piece.
Trends for 2025 in Australia
Warm Natural Materials
Timber, rattan, woven fibres and earthy finishes continue to suit Australian interiors beautifully.
Earthy Neutrals
Beige, cream, taupe, sand, warm brown and muted green create calm combinations that allow decorative objects to stand out.
Organic Shapes
Curved edges, irregular silhouettes and sculptural forms soften interiors and create a more relaxed aesthetic.
Mixed Materials
Combining a timber tray with ceramic objects, glass, stone and metal creates contrast without requiring strong colours.
Minimalist Styling
The modern approach to decorative trays is often about editing rather than filling every available space. A few well-selected objects can have more impact than an overcrowded display.
Sustainable and Natural-Looking Finishes
Natural timber, woven materials and tactile surfaces complement the continuing preference for interiors that feel connected to nature.
Layered Vignettes
Decorative trays are increasingly being used to create small vignettes made from different heights, textures and shapes.
Styling Advice for Trays for Decorating
The easiest way to style a tray is to think about height, texture, shape and balance.
Start with one larger object, such as a vase or sculptural ornament. Then introduce a medium-height piece, such as a candle or decorative bowl. Finish with something lower, such as a small book, jewellery dish or natural accent.
A simple arrangement might include:
Vase + candle + decorative bowl
Or:
Books + sculptural ornament + greenery
Avoid filling every centimetre of the tray. Leaving some visible surface allows the arrangement to breathe.
Odd-numbered groupings can also create a naturally balanced composition. Three carefully chosen objects are often enough for a smaller tray.
For larger trays, divide the surface into informal zones rather than creating one crowded pile of accessories.
Most importantly, consider the room around the tray. If your coffee table already has patterned upholstery, a detailed rug and statement artwork, a simple neutral tray may provide the right amount of visual calm.
Benefits at a Glance
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Keeps smaller objects together |
| Style | Creates a polished decorative display |
| Versatility | Works in almost every room |
| Texture | Introduces materials and tactile interest |
| Flexibility | Contents can be changed easily |
| Functionality | Can also be used for serving and carrying |
| Balance | Gives decorative objects a visual foundation |
| Space-saving | Helps contain accessories on busy surfaces |
Common Questions About Trays for Decorating
What should you put on a decorative tray?
Popular choices include candles, vases, books, ornaments, decorative bowls, diffusers, greenery and small sculptural objects. Choose items that relate to the colours and materials already present in the room.
Where should you put a decorative tray?
Decorative trays work particularly well on coffee tables, consoles, sideboards, bedside tables, ottomans, dressers, bathroom counters and dining tables.
Should a decorative tray match the furniture?
It does not have to match exactly. In many cases, contrasting materials create more visual interest. The key is to make sure the tray complements the room's overall palette and style.
How do you make a tray look stylish?
Use a mixture of heights, textures and shapes, then remove anything unnecessary. A small number of thoughtfully selected objects usually looks more sophisticated than an overcrowded tray.
Can a decorative tray be used on an ottoman?
Yes. An ottoman tray is particularly useful because it creates a stable surface for drinks, books and decorative objects while protecting the upholstery underneath.
Are decorative trays only for living rooms?
No. They can be used throughout the home, including bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, dining rooms, hallways and home bars.
Related Glossary Terms
- Decorative Accessories – Finishing pieces that add personality, colour and texture to an interior.
- Coffee Table Styling – The art of arranging decorative and functional objects on a coffee table.
- Console Table Décor – Decorative styling designed for hallway, living room or entryway consoles.
- Home Décor – Accessories and furnishings used to create a cohesive interior.
- Decorative Bowls – Stylish bowls used to display or organise smaller household objects.
- Vignette Styling – A carefully arranged group of objects that creates a small visual focal point.
Disclaimer
Mentions of brands such as Florabelle Collection, Zaffero, Emac & Lawton, Gallery Home, Café Lighting & Living and OneWorld Collection are included purely for descriptive and contextual purposes. House of Isabella Australia is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with these brands. All trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.
Finishing Touch
Trays for decorating are one of those wonderfully simple interior accessories that can completely change the way a room feels. They give everyday objects a sense of purpose, bring order to busy surfaces and provide an easy foundation for beautiful styling.
The secret is not to fill a tray simply because there is space available. Instead, choose a few pieces that complement one another through colour, texture, height and shape.
Whether you prefer coastal simplicity, Hamptons elegance, contemporary luxury, Japandi calm or relaxed Australian style, the right decorative tray can provide that final layer of organisation and character that makes a home feel considered, welcoming and complete.
Disclaimer: All trademarks, brand names and product names mentioned on this website are the property of their respective owners. Any references are made for identification, informational or comparative purposes only, and do not imply any affiliation, endorsement, sponsorship or authorisation.
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