Trays are one of the most versatile styling accessories in any Hamptons home. At Style My Home, we’re obsessed with Hamptons trays—mirrored trays, rattan trays, bone inlay trays, shellac trays, marble, leather, and wood. These understated styling heroes add instant charm, texture, and order to your space.
But trays aren't just decorative. They bring structure, elegance, and functionality to styling in every room. Whether you're organising your coffee table or refreshing your bathroom vanity, trays are the secret weapon to achieving a refined, layered Hamptons look.
Why Trays Are the Ultimate Styling Tool
Trays bring visual cohesion to a space. They group your items into a story, give floating décor purpose, and ground vignettes—especially on soft surfaces like ottomans. More than just a base, a tray acts like a canvas for your personal style.
Think of your tray as a composition: mix heights, vary textures, and leave space so each item can breathe. Start with a base (like a book), layer in texture (like coral or beads), and finish with something functional (like a candle or jar).
What Is a Hamptons Tray?
In short, a Hamptons tray is a decorative and functional piece that elevates styling in your home. Available in materials like shellac, rattan, bone, mirror, and marble, Hamptons trays help group items, enhance texture, and introduce visual structure.
Here are some of the many places and ways you can style trays throughout your home;
1. Coffee Table or Ottoman Tray Styling
Best Tray Types: Shellac, mirrored, marble, mother of pearl
Style Ideas:
Coffee table book, coral, or jar
Candle or diffuser
Remote controls and coasters
Why it works: A tray adds structure to soft ottomans, creates a surface for drinks, and makes your decor feel intentional.
Trays also offer some peace of mind for our linen ottoman customers as it provides a hard surface not just to store decorative items but also to serve snacks and burn candles without the risk of staining fabric.
2. Dining Table or Buffet Styling
Best Tray Types: Shellac, bone inlay, or mother-of-pearl trays
Style Ideas:
Florals, candle holders, and linen napkins
Bar accessories or a wine decanter
Seasonal displays for entertaining
Tip: Choose a round tray for round tables, or use a long rectangular tray for console or buffet styling.
3.Entryway Console Styling
Best Tray Types: Rattan, wood, or shellac trays
Style Ideas:
Keys and sunglasses
Sculptural piece or photo frame
Candle or faux foliage
Why it works: A tray provides a visual anchor that greets guests with elegance and purpose.
4. Bedroom Tray Styling
Best Tray Types: Mirrored, shellac, or mother-of-pearl trays
Style Ideas:
Perfume bottles or skincare
Trinket dish or jewellery box
Book and candle vignette
Tip: Choose a shellac or lacquered tray for a sleek, polished finish on dressing tables.
5. Office or Study Tray Use
Best Tray Types: Leather or shellac trays for a masculine, refined look
Style Ideas:
Letters, pens, and stationery
A decorative clock or bookend
Charger cords or USBs neatly bundled
6.Kitchen Tray Styling
Best Tray Types: Marble, timber, or mother-of-pearl trays
Style Ideas:
Coffee station: pods, sugar, spoons
Cooking zone: oils, salt, utensils
Florals and fruit in corner zones
Tip: Choose durable finishes like shellac or bone inlay to resist stains and clean easily.
7. Bathroom Tray Styling
Best Tray Types: Small shellac, rattan, or mirrored trays
Style Ideas:
Soap and lotion dispensers
Perfume bottles or cotton jars
Small potted succulent
Tip: Compact trays bring luxury hotel vibes while keeping your vanity clutter-free.
How to Choose the Right Tray
When buying a Hamptons tray, consider:
Material – Shellac adds a high-gloss sheen; rattan brings beachy warmth; mirrored trays feel glamorous.
Size – Make sure it fits your surface and intended items without overwhelming the space.
Functionality – Choose sturdy, wipeable trays for practical zones (kitchens, ottomans).
Celebrate Timeless Style
Our trays are designed in-house at Style My Home to blend beauty with function. Just like all of our Hamptons-style pieces, they are made to work across interior styles—from traditional coastal to fresh modern. Whether you’re a maximalist or minimalist, a well-styled tray lets you express your aesthetic without overwhelming your space.
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Well that goes to show how versatile a simple tray can be! Whats your favourite? Shop our tray range here.
FAQs
What is the purpose of a decorative tray in styling?
Decorative trays bring both structure and elegance to your home styling. By grouping items on coffee tables, consoles, or vanities, they not only create visual balance but also enhance everyday organisation. More than just beautiful, they help keep your home tidy, intentional, and effortlessly refined.
How do I style a coffee table tray in a Hamptons home?
There are no strict rules—styling a tray is all about reflecting your personal taste and the pieces you love. Start with what you already own and build from there. That said, a classic Hamptons-inspired combination might include a beautiful coffee table book, a candle or piece of coral for texture, and something meaningful like a trinket box, some flowers or a sculpture. Aim for a mix of heights and textures to keep it visually interesting, but most importantly, make it feel like you.
What material is best for a Hamptons tray?
There’s no single answer—each material has its own unique beauty and appeal. It really depends on the look and feel you're after. For example, rattan adds coastal warmth and texture, mirrored trays bring a touch of refined glamour, mother of pearl offers a soft, iridescent pop for those who want a little personality and sparkle, the new scallop shellac tray also bring some fun to a room. All are beautiful in their own way and can suit different rooms or moods in your home.
Can trays be practical as well as beautiful?
Absolutely! Trays are one of the most practical styling tools in any Hamptons-style home—and once you start using them, you’ll quickly see how addictive they are for organising and elevating your space.
Beyond just looking elegant, trays contain visual clutter, protect delicate surfaces (especially fabric ottomans), and make it easy to move grouped items—for example, clearing a dining table for guests or cleaning a vanity becomes effortless when everything is contained in a single tray.
Here are just a few everyday ways trays can be both practical and beautiful:
In bathrooms, use a tray to neatly arrange your perfumes, lotions, soaps, and cotton jars. It instantly creates that luxe, boutique hotel feel.
In the kitchen, group together your condiments, oils, and sauces so they’re handy but not messy.
In living rooms or dining spaces, use trays to hold candles, coasters, vases, or cherished keepsakes for a curated look.
In entryways, trays are perfect for catching keys, sunglasses, and mail—keeping your hallway tidy and stylish.
Once you see how effortlessly trays bring order and elegance to different areas of your home, you’ll likely find yourself adding one to every room. Their versatility is endless—and that’s what makes them such an essential décor staple.
