A tray is part storage, part frame. It gathers small things that would otherwise wander, from remote controls to keys, and it gives a group of objects a clear edge. The size, the material and the height of the rim decide where it works best. Few objects in a home are this simple and this useful.
01Where trays work
On a coffee table, a tray holds candles, a vase and a couple of books, and makes room for cups when guests arrive. On an upholstered ottoman, it gives a stable flat surface for drinks. In a hallway, a small tray on a console catches keys, post and sunglasses. In a bathroom, it keeps soap, a plant and a candle together beside the basin. On a dressing table, it corrals perfume bottles and jewellery. In a kitchen, a tray by the hob keeps oils and salt in one place and protects the worktop.
02Choosing the size
On a coffee table, the tray should take up no more than about a third to half of the top, leaving room around it. Rectangular trays suit rectangular tables, while a round tray softens a square table or a large ottoman. For a console or a dressing table, 25 to 35 cm is usually enough. A tray that hangs over the edge of a surface looks unstable and is easy to knock.
03Materials
Wood is warm and works in almost any room, but needs coasters under wet glasses. Marble and stone are heavy and cool, good in bathrooms and kitchens, though they can stain from oils and wine. Rattan and woven trays feel relaxed and light, ideal for carrying. Metal, including brass, is slim and sharp, and develops a patina over time. Lacquered and enamel trays wipe clean and bring colour.
04Rim height and handles
A low rim keeps the tray decorative and lets objects stand out. A higher rim stops things rolling off, which matters if you plan to carry drinks. Handles make carrying easier, but add width, so measure the space with them included.
05How to style a tray
Think in three heights. Something tall, such as a vase with a stem or a candle; something medium, such as a small plant or a stack of two books; and something low, like a bowl, a coaster set or a small dish. Leave a little empty space so the tray does not look crowded. Repeat one colour or material from the room, and change the contents with the seasons.
06Layering with other pieces
A tray can sit on a stack of large books to gain height, or under a lamp on a side table to group it with a coaster and a small dish. On a bed, a tray with legs or a firm base holds breakfast or a laptop. On a sideboard, two trays of different sizes, slightly overlapped, look more relaxed than one centred tray.
07Practical and decorative at once
Most decorative trays are perfectly usable for serving, as long as the finish copes with spills. Check whether the surface is sealed if you plan to carry food or drinks, and wipe up quickly on wood and stone.
08Care
Dust wooden and woven trays with a dry cloth, and wipe metal with a soft cloth to avoid scratches. For marble, use a mild soap and water rather than vinegar or lemon, which etch the surface.