Designer trays – how to find the right model for your home
1. Much more than serving aids: the variety of trays at Connox
Trays were originally designed for serving food and drinks – but you can use them in many other ways too. Today, there are several basic types of tray, depending on their function. Footed trays (1), derived from the cake stand, let you present pastries elegantly. A footed tray also makes a lovely decorative eye-catcher and can hold anything that isn't too heavy at any one point.
The tray with handles is the classic choice for carrying drinks and food with ease. A mix of materials and accents of colour make this classic even more appealing (2). Minimalist trays are true all-rounders that frame what's on them like a picture, putting the focus on the items they hold (3). Tiered trays inspired by cake stands make a special highlight (4). They're perfect for small items and accessories in the hallway, in the bathroom, on your desk or in the bedroom.
2. Tips for styling your designer tray
To create a classic arrangement on a tray, vary the heights as clearly as possible, as this enhances the sense of depth. What you place on your decorative tray is entirely up to you. Classic choices include flowers in vases and pots, empty vases, decorative figurines, candles of all kinds (tealight holders, candlesticks) or small bowls and sweet dishes. Square and rectangular trays look particularly good at the edge of a piece of furniture, such as a sideboard or chest of drawers. On dining tables and round side and coffee tables, round trays are the right choice. Round trays are also perfect wherever you want to create a deliberate contrast of shapes.
"An arrangement of trays is an easy way to give simple furniture that certain something. Angular models work best – either pushed together or nested inside each other. Accents of colour add to the wow factor and allow for different arrangements." – Viktoria, interior expert
3. Where to use trays
Trays are the easiest way to bring order to tables, chests of drawers or sideboards – or at least make them look tidy. They group small items together, so things don't lie around at random but have their own place. From the dining table, for glasses and carafes, to the bathroom (2) and kitchen (3), the hallway for keys and the like, or the bedroom (4), designer trays have countless uses. You can also use trays as a table substitute (1) in bed or on an ottoman.
4. Tray designs and their materials
Trays come in a huge variety of materials, so there's a model to suit every interior style and every use:
Wooden trays (5) have a natural, warm character. Their colour can change over time with exposure to sunlight, but they are sturdy and completely timeless. Suitable for any use, they're the classic among trays.
Wicker is very much on trend right now, so trays that combine rattan and wood (1) are real eye-catchers that bring together the practical and the beautiful.
Stone trays, such as marble (2), look very elegant and high quality. They're a little heavier than classic trays, so they're best suited to a fixed spot where they can hold a group of items.
The same applies to glass trays (3). Take care, however, when putting down hard and heavy objects with force. Glass trays are primarily intended for decoration.
Plastic (4) or metal (6) models are modern and come in a wide range of colours. They also stand out for the variety of shapes these materials allow, which opens up unconventional uses.
5. Summary – what to consider when buying a designer tray
- While models with handles are best for classic serving, footed trays let you present cakes and pastries in style. Tiered trays are not only a great decorative highlight, but also good for storing small items. Minimalist trays put the focus on what's on them.
- With vases, candles, flowers, figurines or small bowls, any type of tray can become a decorative tray. Varying the heights adds an extra twist.
- Square and rectangular trays are perfect at the edge of sideboards or chests of drawers, while round trays are ideal on dining tables and round side and coffee tables.
- At Connox, you'll find trays in every material, from wood, marble and glass to plastic and metal. A tray in mixed materials makes a special highlight.
Buy designer trays online at Connox – your benefits at a glance
- high-quality original designer trays from top design brands
- personal support from our customer service team
- fair delivery costs
- secure payment thanks to SSL encryption
Shopping advice at Connox
Would you like to buy designer trays online but need some help? Our customer service team is always happy to help. We'll support you with advice while you shop, make recommendations and answer your questions quickly. Then simply sit back and have your chosen item delivered straight to your door.
