Declutter Your Bathroom Counter with These Vanity Tray Ideas

Is your bathroom countertop a jumbled mess of lotions, perfumes, makeup, and hair products? Do you find yourself wasting precious minutes every morning searching for your favorite lipstick or comb? Then it's time to bring some order to the chaos with a chic and functional bathroom vanity tray.

Vanity trays are a simple yet stylish way to organize all those small necessities that clutter up your counters. Keep reading as we share our favorite tray styles, materials, and tips for creating a beautiful, clutter-free vanity space.

Why Use a Bathroom Vanity Tray?

A vanity tray reigns in messiness and creates an organized focal point on your bathroom counter. Here are some of the top reasons to start using one:

• Keeps your countertop looking neat and tidy.
• Corrals loose items like makeup, skincare, deodorants, etc. in one designated spot.
• Makes essentials easy to locate - no more rummaging around!
• Adds a decorative accent that elevates your vanity's style.
• Available in endless colors, shapes, sizes and materials to suit your taste.
• Affordable and easy way to declutter.

For a small investment, a vanity tray can make a big visual impact in your bathroom's organization and aesthetics. Now let's explore some of the most popular materials to find your perfect match.

Tray Materials for Bathroom Vanities

Wood Trays

The warm, natural look of a wood tray makes it a versatile option suitable for bathrooms of any style. Wood exudes a sense of earthiness and texture that contrasts nicely with the cool sleek surfaces found in most bathrooms. Both light and dark stained wood trays look refined on a vanity. We especially love round carved wood trays for a unique shape.

Wood vanity trays are durable and long-lasting, so they make a great investment piece. Look for water-resistant wood types like mango wood that can handle the humidity. Small trays around 6-12 inches work well for most bathroom vanities and provide ample corralling space without feeling bulky.

Marble Trays

For a touch of elegance, marble trays are a sophisticated material that instantly classes up your bathroom vanity. The cool gray and white veining options pair seamlessly with other marble counters and tiles in your space. Try lining up the marble patterns for a cohesive look.

Marble is prone to staining and etching, so exercise care and consider applying a sealant. Trays with dividers or compartments help organize smaller items. We recommend rectangular marble trays around 12-18 inches wide for most vanities.

Metal Trays

Add a contemporary, glamorous touch with a metallic vanity tray. Brushed gold, rose gold, polished silver and other metal finishes give off an undeniably sleek and modern vibe. Mixing metal tones and textures can create an eye-catching display.

Metal bathroom trays are super durable, easy to clean, and waterproof. Their streamlined design makes them ideal for minimalist-style bathrooms. We like the range of smaller round trays 4-8 inches in diameter up to long rectangular trays around 18 inches.

Other Material Options

Beyond the most popular wood, marble and metal, there are endless other creative tray materials to explore:

• Ceramic or porcelain: Fun patterns and color options, durable.
• Glass: Sleek transparent look, comes in colored and patterned glass.
• Plastic: Inexpensive but still functional.
• Woven seagrass or rattan: Natural, textured look.

Factor in your budget, bathroom style and organizational needs when selecting a material. Now let's look at some inspiring ways to style your vanity tray.

Styling Your Bathroom Vanity Tray

Minimalist Style

The minimalist bathroom is all about simplicity. Focus on plenty of open negative space and neutrals. Try a rectangular wood tray with just your most essential cosmetics and skincare edit. Adding a succulent, eucalyptus stems or single flower bud contributes natural greenery without clutter.

Glam Style

Create a glamorous Hollywood style vanity with metallic accents. A gold leaf patterned tray filled with perfume bottles, crystal decor, and burning candles makes a gorgeous display. Vanity lighting illuminates your sparkling jewelry boxes and perfectly arranged product lineup.

Eclectic Style

The eclectic vanity brings together a fun mashup of colors, textures and time periods with complete artistic freedom. An enamel tray might display a quirky vintage perfume bottle next to your modern electric toothbrush. Try layering different sized trays and risers for a dynamic stacked effect.

Round vs. Rectangular Trays

The shape of your vanity tray will impact the styling and organization possibilities. Here's an overview of the pros and cons of round vs. rectangular trays:

Round Trays

• Space-saving small footprint.
• Cute, unique shape.
• Can't fit larger rectangular items.
• Items sit around perimeter.

Rectangular Trays

• Maximizes vanity surface area.
• Rooms for more items.
• Compartments organize categories.
• Takes up more space.

Getting the right proportions is key. Measure the usable surface area of your vanity to find a tray about 1/3 that size. This leaves you room for decor and other necessities. For small spaces, oval and round trays save space while adding style.

Additional Tips for a Beautiful Vanity

Take your bathroom vanity organization even further with these bonus tips:

• Incorporate greenery like mini cacti or aloe vera for an inviting spa-like feel.
• Consider a coordinating tray for tub/shower accessories.
• Personalize with framed photos, meaningful souvenirs or fresh flowers.
• Play with mixing tray materials and finishes for visual interest.
• Freshen up the look seasonally - light colors for summer, warm tones in winter.
• Illuminate your display with under cabinet lighting or sconces.

With the right vanity tray, you can instantly declutter your bathroom counters and create a place for everything. Trays are an affordable way to get organized with an added style payoff. Take cues from your personal taste and bathroom design to select the ideal shapes and materials.

A few final best practices: choose proportional sizing for your counter space, consider multi-tiered trays for added compartments, and have fun styling your necessities into inspiring displays. With just a touch of effort, your morning routine will feel simpler and your counters will finally have a sense of order. Happy organizing!