How to Decorate With Trays (and Why They Instantly Elevate Any Space)
Updated: Sep 5
Decorating doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes the simplest touches make the biggest difference. One of my favorite “secret weapons” for styling any room is a tray. It’s amazing how one small piece can pull a whole space together. Let me show you how.
It All Started With a Little Wooden Tray…
A few years ago, I bought a unique little wooden crate (at the thrift store of course), added a few inexpensive pieces, and displayed it on my bathroom counter. I didn’t expect anything special to happen, but every single person who came over (and used my bathroom) asked about it. "That looks so good!" “Where did you get that?” “How did you put that together?”
Now I have trays and baskets displaying my favorite things throughout my home.
While you're decorating, here is something free for your walls. "It Is Well With My Soul," designed to print on cardstock and slide straight into a frame you already have. A quiet line in a pretty place. Send me the printable.
Why decorate with trays and baskets:
Trays are one of those underrated décor pieces that do far more than simply “hold things.” They instantly make a space feel styled, intentional, and put-together, even if you’re working with everyday items you already own. Whether you’re decorating a bathroom, kitchen, or coffee table, trays bring order, beauty, and purpose to any room.
Trays give you:
Instant structure – They make even random items look intentionally placed.
A styled focal point – A tray becomes the “anchor” for everything on it.
Flexibility – Move it anywhere: bathroom, kitchen, living room, office.
Organization – They corral clutter into a purposeful display.
Seasonal change-outs – Swap items inside the tray instead of redecorating the whole room.
Trays = small effort, big impact.
Coffee table with basket and tray Family room decor family room decor
My Favorite Places to Use Trays
1. Bathroom Counters
This is where my love for tray décor began! Add:
A small candle
Pretty soap
A faux plant
A perfume bottle
A decorative item (like a wood bead string or vase)
It instantly upgrades your space from “everyday” to spa-like.
2. Kitchen Counters
Try grouping:
Olive oil bottle
Salt + pepper grinder
Small plant
Wooden utensils in a jar
Seasonal décor (mini pumpkins, greenery, etc.)
It keeps your essentials in one place while looking beautiful.
3. Coffee Tables
Trays help fill the space without overwhelming it. Add:
A candle
Books or a decorative book stack
Coasters
A small vase
Beads or a sculptural object
Everything looks polished, intentional, and functional.
4. Bedrooms
Use trays for:
Perfume
Jewelry
Lotions
A framed photo
A small plant or floral stem
Instant homey feel.
Kitchen Table Tray Kitchen counter tray Kitchen tray
How to Style a Tray (Simple Formula)
Here’s an easy styling formula you can use anywhere. Add the following to your favorite tray or basket:
✔ Something tall
A vase, floral stem, candle, or diffuser.
✔ Something short
A small bowl, candle, or decorative item.
✔ Something with texture
Wood beads, greenery, woven elements, or books.
✔ Something personal
A photo, a memento, or something meaningful to you.
This combination creates balance and visual interest every single time.
Tips to Keep in Mind
Don’t overfill the tray; leave breathing room.
Mix heights and textures.
Use odd numbers (groups of 3 and odd numbers work great).
Keep your color palette cohesive.
Change items seasonally to refresh your space.
Tray decor Tray decor Tray decor
Family Room Tray Dining Room Tray Bathroom Tray
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to overhaul your entire home to make it feel beautiful. Sometimes all it takes is a simple tray with a few thoughtfully chosen pieces. Start with one tray in one room - and I promise, you’ll be hooked.
Have fun decorating!
Blessings,
Amy
Before You Go… A Quick Invitation
I'd like to invite you to something special. I run a small handmade shop on Etsy where everything is one-of-a-kind. When a piece sells, that is the last of it.
