A decorative tray does more for a coffee table than almost any other single piece. It grounds the surface, adds a place for texture and color to live, and turns a pile of remotes and coasters into something that actually looks intentional. Here are six ways to style a decorative tray, all of them evergreen, so the look works whether it's January or July.
1. Anchor it with height, not just objects
A tray that sits perfectly flat can feel one-note. Break it up by lifting one element above the rest with a stand, riser, or pedestal, then layer a candle or a small object alongside it. A small tiered tray does the height work for you, no stacking or balancing required. A pillar candle holder or hurricane stand works just as well, it gives you the height of a riser while doing double duty as a light source once evening comes.
2. Mix textures inside the tray
Pair a woven or wood tray with something smooth, like glass, metal, or ceramic, so the eye has contrast to land on. A hand-woven rattan piece next to a scalloped metal accent reads more finished than one material alone.
3. Add one organic element
A small arrangement softens a tray full of hard-edged objects. A faux or silk stem in a low vase gives you the look year-round, no water changes, no wilting, and nothing to swap out when the season changes. Browse our silk florals for options that hold their color no matter the time of year.
4. Let the tray corral, not just display
A tray earns its keep when it's doing double duty. Keep remotes, coasters, and reading glasses contained in one spot so the rest of the table stays clear. Deep sides and built-in handles make it easy to carry the whole vignette out of the way when you need the table clear for guests.
5. Match the shape to your table
A round tray softens the hard lines of a rectangular coffee table, while a rectangular or oval tray fills out a round one without crowding it. If you're not sure which to choose, pick the shape that contrasts with your table's own silhouette.
6. Light it up, safely
A tray isn't just a daytime feature. Flameless LED candles bring warmth to an evening vignette without the worry of an open flame near table runners, books, or curious pets and kids. Since there's no real flame, you can group two or three at different heights the same way you would style any other tray, layering a short pillar next to a taller one for depth, and you never have to worry about dripping wax on your tray's finish. They run on batteries or a rechargeable base, so there's no cord to hide either. Shop our flameless candles to find a size and finish that matches your tray.
Want more seasonal ideas?
The six ideas above work with any tray, in any season, but if you want fresh direction for spring, summer, fall, Christmas, or winter styling, that's exactly what our Facebook Lives are for. Every season, we share hundreds of tray styling ideas live, swapping in new colors, textures, and accents so your tray always feels current. Follow along on Facebook for seasonal inspiration you can borrow anytime.
Ready to put one together? Shop our full range of decorative trays to find the size, material, and finish that fits your space, then add a candle from our flameless candle collection for the finishing touch.