Coffee table trays are a great way to add style and function to your living room. They can be used to hold remotes, magazines, books, and other items that you want to keep within reach. But how do you decorate a coffee table tray to make it look its best?
There are many different ways to decorate a coffee table tray. You can use a variety of items, such as candles, flowers, plants, and decorative objects. The key is to choose items that complement each other and that reflect your personal style. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
First, consider the size and shape of your coffee table tray. A large tray can accommodate more items, while a smaller tray may be more suited for a minimalist look. Once you have chosen a tray, you can start to think about what you want to put on it. If you have a large tray, you might want to use a variety of items to create a focal point. For example, you could place a candle in the center of the tray and surround it with flowers and plants. If you have a smaller tray, you might want to use just a few items to create a more subtle look. For example, you could place a small vase of flowers on the tray or a few decorative objects.
Creating a Focal Point
A focal point is a central element that draws the eye and anchors the arrangement of the tray. It can be a single statement piece or a group of objects that create visual interest:
1. A Striking Object:
Introduce a bold, unique, or oversized item such as a sculptural vase, a vintage figurine, or an abstract artwork. Its unusual shape or design will instantly attract attention and set the tone for the tray’s decor.
2. A Grouping of Objects:
Arrange a small collection of related items, such as decorative bowls, candlesticks, or miniature plants. By grouping them together, you create a unified and cohesive statement that becomes the focal point.
3. A Stacked Arrangement:
Create a vertical arrangement by stacking books, decorative boxes, or coasters on top of each other. Different heights and textures add depth and visual appeal, while the stack itself becomes a focal point that draws attention upwards.
| Book Stacked Arrangement | Decorative Box Stacked Arrangement | Coasters Stacked Arrangement |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical stack of various books with decorative covers | Stack of antique wooden boxes with intricate carvings | Cluster of colorful coasters arranged in a tiered formation |
Adding Height and Texture
To add visual interest and dimension to your coffee table tray, incorporate items of varying heights and textures. Tall candlesticks, vases, or small sculptures will create a focal point and draw the eye upward. Arrange these taller elements at different points around the tray to create a balanced and dynamic display. For contrast, add softer, more tactile elements like faux fur throws, bulky knits, or woven baskets. These items will provide warmth and comfort while adding texture and visual appeal to the tray.
4. Incorporate Greenery
A touch of greenery can bring life and freshness to your coffee table tray. Whether you opt for a small potted plant, a few cut flowers, or even faux greenery, this element will add a sense of nature and tranquility to your space. Use a simple ceramic or glass vase or pot to keep the plant or flowers in place, and consider arranging them in a cluster or asymmetrically to create visual interest. Remember to water and care for your plants regularly to maintain their health and beauty.
**Table: Plant Selection for Coffee Table Trays**
| Type | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Small succulents | Low maintenance, drought-tolerant |
| Peace lilies | Air-purifying, low-light tolerant |
| Spider plants | Easy to propagate, adds a touch of whimsy |
| Cut roses | Elegant, fragrant, but require regular watering |
| Faux greenery | Maintenance-free, versatile, adds greenery without additional care |
Incorporating Greenery
Adding a touch of greenery to your coffee table tray is a great way to bring the outdoors in and create a more inviting atmosphere. Here are a few ideas for how to incorporate greenery into your tray decor:
1. Use small plants. Succulents, air plants, and ferns are all great choices for small plants that can be placed on a coffee table tray. These plants are relatively low-maintenance and can add a touch of greenery to your tray without taking up too much space.
2. Use fresh flowers. Fresh flowers are a beautiful and easy way to add color and life to your coffee table tray. Choose flowers that are in season and that complement the other decor on your tray.
3. Use faux plants. If you don’t want to deal with the upkeep of real plants, faux plants are a great alternative. Faux plants are available in a wide variety of styles and sizes, so you can find ones that match your decor and personal taste.
4. Use greenery as a backdrop. If you want to create a more dramatic look, you can use greenery as a backdrop for other items on your coffee table tray. For example, you could place a small plant or a few stems of flowers behind a candle or a vase of flowers.
|
Greenery Type |
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|---|
|
Small Plants |
Low-Maintenance Adds a Touch of Greenery |
Needs to be Watered Regularly |
|
Fresh Flowers |
Beautiful and Easy to Add Color Complements Other Decor |
Needs to Be Replaced Regularly |
|
Faux Plants |
No Upkeep Required Available in a Wide Variety of Styles and Sizes |
May Not Look as Realistic as Real Plants |
Using Candles or Diffusers
Candles and diffusers create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in any room, and they can also be used to add a touch of style to your coffee table tray. When choosing candles, opt for scents that complement the overall decor of your living room. For example, floral scents are perfect for a feminine and romantic space, while woodsy scents are ideal for a more masculine and rustic look.
Diffusers are a great way to enjoy the benefits of essential oils without having to worry about an open flame. They can also be used to create a specific mood or ambiance. For example, lavender oil is known for its calming and relaxing effects, while peppermint oil is energizing and invigorating.
When placing candles or diffusers on your coffee table tray, be sure to use a heat-resistant surface, such as a coaster or trivet. You should also keep the candles away from any flammable materials, such as curtains or tablecloths.
Here are some additional tips for using candles and diffusers on your coffee table tray:
- Use a variety of sizes and shapes of candles to create a visually interesting display.
- Group candles together in odd numbers for a more balanced look.
- Place candles on different levels to create a sense of depth.
- Use diffusers to create a subtle and inviting scent in your living room.
- Choose essential oils that complement the overall decor of your living room.
- Place diffusers on a heat-resistant surface and keep them away from any flammable materials.
With these tips, you can easily create a beautiful and inviting coffee table tray that will add a touch of style to your living room.
Styling for Different Occasions
Everyday Display
Create a simple yet stylish display with a few well-chosen pieces. A small vase with fresh flowers or greenery adds a touch of nature, while a decorative bowl or trinket adds interest. Consider using a neutral-colored tray to complement any décor.
Seasonal Touches
Reflect the changing seasons with your coffee table tray display. In the fall, add a few small pumpkins, colorful leaves, or pinecones. During the holidays, deck your tray with miniature ornaments, a festive garland, or a small Christmas tree.
Special Occasions
Decorate your coffee table tray for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. Use a celebratory centerpiece, such as a cake or a bouquet of flowers, and add personal touches like photos or mementos.
Themed Displays
Create a unique and eye-catching display by choosing items that reflect a specific theme. This could be anything from a travel theme with souvenirs and maps to a literary theme with books and quotes.
Elegant Occasions
For elegant occasions, opt for a more sophisticated display. Use high-quality materials such as marble, glass, or metallics. Choose decorative items that are both stylish and functional, such as a candleholder or a crystal vase.
Coastal Chic
Create a relaxed and inviting coastal vibe with your coffee table tray. Use natural materials such as driftwood, shells, or sea glass. Incorporate shades of blue, green, and white to evoke the feeling of the ocean.
Farmhouse Style
For a cozy farmhouse look, choose rustic and distressed items. Use a wooden tray with metal accents and decorate with items such as a vintage watering can, a wooden crate, or some burlap fabric.
Modern Minimalism
Embrace the principles of minimalism with a sleek and streamlined display. Use a simple tray in a neutral color and limit yourself to a few carefully chosen items. Focus on clean lines and geometric shapes.
| Style | Key Elements |
|---|---|
| Everyday Display | Neutral-colored tray, small vase with fresh flowers, decorative bowl or trinket |
| Seasonal Touches | Seasonal items such as pumpkins, leaves, ornaments, or a small Christmas tree |
| Special Occasions | Celebratory centerpiece, personal touches like photos or mementos |
| Themed Displays | Items that reflect a specific theme such as travel or literature |
| Elegant Occasions | High-quality materials, sophisticated decorative items, candleholder or crystal vase |
| Coastal Chic | Natural materials, shades of blue, green, and white, driftwood, shells, sea glass |
| Farmhouse Style | Rustic and distressed items, wooden tray with metal accents, vintage watering can, wooden crate, burlap fabric |
| Modern Minimalism | Sleek and streamlined display, simple tray, neutral color, few carefully chosen items, clean lines, geometric shapes |
Arranging Items Asymmetrically
To achieve visual balance, arrange items on the tray in an asymmetrical manner. This means placing them in a way that creates visual interest without being overly symmetrical. Here are some tips for arranging items asymmetrically:
- Start with a focal point. Choose the most visually striking item on the tray and place it in the center or slightly off-center.
- Use odd numbers. Odd numbers tend to be more visually appealing than even numbers. When grouping items, arrange them in threes, fives, or sevens.
- Create visual triangles. Arrange items in a triangular shape to create visual interest. This can be done by placing a smaller item in the center of a triangle formed by two larger items, or by arranging three items of different sizes in a triangular formation.
- Use empty space. Don’t overcrowd the tray. Leave some empty space around the items to create visual breathing room.
- Experiment with different heights. Add visual interest by arranging items at different heights. This can be done by using risers, books, or other objects to elevate some items.
- Add greenery. A touch of greenery can add life and freshness to the tray. Place a small plant or some cut flowers on the tray to add a natural element.
- Mix different textures. Add visual interest by mixing items with different textures. This could include items made of wood, metal, glass, or fabric.
- Consider the tray’s shape and size. The shape and size of the tray will influence how you arrange the items. For example, a round tray may call for a more circular arrangement, while a rectangular tray may lend itself to a more linear arrangement.
- Use common sense. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to arranging items on a tray. Use your common sense and experiment with different arrangements until you find one that you’re happy with.
|
Pro Tip: |
Avoid placing heavy items on the edge of the tray, as this could cause it to tip over. |
|---|
Maintaining a Minimalistic Approach
When striving for a minimalistic coffee table tray, adherence to a few key principles is essential:
- Limit the number of items: Keep the tray sparsely populated, with only a few carefully chosen items.
- Choose cohesive colors: Opt for a monochromatic scheme or stick to a limited color palette to create a harmonious look.
- Utilize negative space: Allow for ample empty spaces on the tray, letting the individual elements breathe.
- Incorporate natural elements: Introduce organic materials like wood, greenery, or stones to add warmth and texture.
- Use geometric shapes: Incorporate sharp lines and geometric forms to create a clean and modern aesthetic.
- Prioritize functionality: Select items that serve a purpose, such as a small vase for flowers or a candle for ambiance.
- Consider scale and height: Vary the sizes and heights of the items to create visual interest and depth.
- Pay attention to symmetry: Arrange items symmetrically for a balanced and polished appearance.
- Refresh seasonally: Keep the tray fresh by updating the items seasonally, incorporating different colors, textures, and accents.
- Experiment with different materials: Explore the use of various materials, such as glass, metal, wood, and ceramics, to add texture and dimension.
How To Decorate Coffee Table Tray
A coffee table tray is a great way to add style and storage to your living room. Here are a few tips on how to decorate a coffee table tray:
1. Choose a tray that fits your style. There are many different styles of coffee table trays available, so take some time to find one that matches your taste. If you have a traditional living room, you might choose a tray made of wood or metal. If you have a more modern living room, you might choose a tray made of glass or acrylic.
2. Add some items that you love. Once you have chosen a tray, it’s time to start adding some items. You can add anything you like, but some popular choices include candles, flowers, books, and coasters.
3. Arrange the items on the tray. Take some time to arrange the items on the tray in a way that looks appealing. You want the tray to look balanced and cohesive.
4. Enjoy your new coffee table tray. Once you have finished decorating your coffee table tray, sit back and enjoy it. Your new tray will add style and storage to your living room.
People Also Ask about How To Decorate Coffee Table Tray
How do I style a large coffee table tray?
To style a large coffee table tray, start by choosing a few large items to anchor the tray. This could include a stack of books, a vase of flowers, or a candle. Then, add some smaller items to fill in the space, such as coasters, trinkets, or a bowl of candy.
What should I put on my coffee table tray?
You can put anything you like on your coffee table tray, but some popular choices include candles, flowers, books, coasters, and trinkets.
How do I make my coffee table tray look expensive?
To make your coffee table tray look expensive, choose a tray made of high-quality materials, such as wood, metal, or glass. Then, add some items that are also high-quality, such as candles from a luxury brand or a vase from a designer store.
