Tray Ottoman Design Concepts
Ottomans with trays are a clever way to add organizational function and style to any living space. Trays help corral remote controls, accessories, drinks and more while complementing your room's decor. With some thoughtful coordination, trays become an integral part of your ottoman's form and function.
You'll discover innovative ways to stack trays for a dimensional statement piece as well as unearth functional uses to simplify your life. We'll also highlight stylish botanic, nautical and modern themed tray tableaux sure to elevate your home. Let's dive in to the versatile world of ottoman tray embellishments!
Tray on Ottoman Styling Tips
When choosing tray and ottoman pairings, consider complementary shapes, sizes and colors. A circular rattan tray looks fetching on a square leather ottoman while contrasting hues make the two pieces pop. Mix up shapes for interest but make sure your tray has ample surface area to serve its functional purpose. Trays with at least 2 inch sides corral contents securely.
Material and Size Considerations
Play with different textures and materials to create stunning yet practical vignettes. Lacquered and wooden trays withstand spills while natural woven options like seagrass exude breezy style. In small spaces, nesting trays create hidden storage for clutter when not in use. Handle cutouts provide ease of transport so you can conveniently access items as needed. Measure your ottoman and choose a proportionate tray size.
Coordinate Colors
Make your ottoman tray duo pop by choosing complementary colors. A vivid orange tray energizes a navy ottoman while pale blue echoes white upholstered furniture. Match metallic accents from one piece to the other for a cohesive aesthetic. Neutral hues like beige and gray blend seamlessly into soothing, monochromatic palettes. Have fun playing with different color combinations!
Mix and Match Shapes
Square, rectangular, oval and round--mixing up tray silhouettes creates alluring dimension atop any ottoman. Angling trays attractively or overlapping two sizes produces stylish staggered arrangements. For small items, consider nesting a petite circle tray inside a larger square piece. This creates organized sections for jewelry, office supplies and more while showcasing your unique design flair.
Creative Tray Display Ideas
Ready to unlock your inner interior designer? Have fun playing with shape, color and dimension to create Pinterest-worthy vignettes. Stack graduated trays atop tufted ottomans for a virtual storage tower brimming with books and candles. Hang a planter or lantern from the top rung to infuse organic style.
Stack Trays of Different Sizes
Building vertical tray towers utilizes every inch of available surface area with eye catching results. Place the largest tray on bottom and stagger graduating sizes moving upwards. Stack coordinating pieces or opt for a playful rainbow of hues. Leave negative space between trays to artfully corral remotes, coasters and more. The storage possibilities are endless!
Overlap Trays for Dimension
Create the illusion of floating layers by overlapping trays of mixed sizes. Angle the top piece attractively over the lower tray for a contemporary edge. Square brass trays layered atop a round ceramic piece produce gorgeous glints of gold. Pair with pillar candles, greenery and ceramic collectibles to craft a nature-inspired still life.
Angle Trays Attractively
Sometimes simple tweaks pack the biggest design punch. Angling trays slightly conveys breezy, haphazard style in a carefully curated look. Start by placing your largest tray horizontally. Then lay a medium rectangular piece diagonally across the lower tier, leaving a portion of the bottom tray visible. Finally, nestle a petite circular tray off-kilter to round out the layered arrangement.
Functional Ottoman Tray Uses
While undeniably eye-catching, creatively styled ottoman trays also serve invaluable everyday functions. Use trays to corral remote controls, bar accessories, paperwork, devices and more. When guests arrive, trays provide convenient staging areas for beverages and snacks. Let's explore some clever ways to utilize ottoman trays beyond dazzling home decor.
Contain Clutter Prone Items
We all have pesky items like TV remotes, eyeglasses and phones constantly in danger of getting misplaced. Make sure these easily losable necessities have a designated home atop your storage ottoman. Choose a lacquered or wooden tray to protect delicate electronics and resist spills. When company calls, simply stash everything out of sight inside the ottoman until needed again.
Organize Small Accessories
Trays brilliantly corral tiny trinkets like jewelry, office supplies and toiletries that quickly clutter counters and dressers. Nestle a few petite trays of varying sizes inside a larger rectangle tray atop your ottoman. Use the smaller pieces to organize earrings, hair clips, watches and more while the big tray contains everything neatly in one place. Voila--no more hunting for missing baubles!
Stage Items Attractively
Entertaining is a breeze with a decorative ottoman tray at the ready to stage glasses, appetizers and floral arrangements. Choose a metallic round tray to collect condensation drips while dazzling guests with its glamorous sheen. Square and rectangular trays provide ample space for votives, nibbles and bar accessories. Then when the party winds down, simply stash everything inside your storage ottoman!
DIY Ottoman Tray Projects
Searching for budget-friendly ways to unleash your creative passions? Grab some paint and get busy transforming thrift store finds or dated trays languishing in your attic. Upcycle an old suitcase into a tray for stashing blankets and board games. Sand and stain a plain wood tray for custom artisan appeal. The possibilities for DIY ottoman tray transformations are endless!
Repurpose Old Suitcases
Put dinged up luggage to stylish use again by giving it new life as an ottoman tray. Look for a hard-sided case with minimal damage in a fun retro pattern. Lightly sand any remaining stickers or scuffs smooth. Use spray adhesive to attach durable fabric inside if the original lining is worn. Then set atop your ottoman to hold accessories, games, office supplies and more!
Paint or Stencil Trays
Boring beige and white trays are primed for a colorful makeover! Start by lightly sanding the surface with fine grit sandpaper to help paint adhere properly. Apply 2-3 thin coats of acrylic craft paint in your hue of choice for full coverage. Kick up the crafty vibes further by stenciling patterns like polka dots, chevrons or botanical motifs using fabric paint. Let dry fully before staging your DIY tray!
Craft Custom Trays
For a truly bespoke piece channeling your unique flair, craft a custom ottoman tray from scratch. Cut, sand and stain a wood board into your desired shape and size--round, square or funky freeform. Nail reclaimed rafters on the underside for an artfully elevated design adding dimension. Attach leather handles if desired for ease of transport. Build layers of character literally from the ground up!
Stylish Room Displays
Living rooms and bedrooms aren't the only spots primed for fab ottoman tray vignettes. Front hall tables, kitchen counters, master suite dressers and more provide the perfect foundation for creative displays. The organizing functionality takes on added importance in clutter prone zones like mudrooms and home offices. Let's explore inspiring ideas for trays beyond the expected living room locale.
Entryway Ottoman Trays
Make a stellar first impression each time you arrive home with an artfully curated entryway tray display. Choose a narrow console or bench topped by wooden tray towers to stash bags, shoes, pet leashes and daily carry items. Square lacquered trays in drawer fronts smartly conceal household paperwork and devices. The clean organization minimizes everyday chaos to set a tranquil mood.