Spark Inspiration with These Tray on Ottoman Styling Ideas

Ottomans are a versatile piece of furniture that can provide extra seating and serve as a footrest in any room of the house. While their basic function is practical, ottomans also present an opportunity to add style with the creative use of trays.

Placing a tray on top of an ottoman instantly elevates it from a basic footrest to a chic decorative accent. Trays add a surface for displaying books, flowers, candles, and more while still allowing the ottoman to be used for resting feet. With so many tray styles to choose from, it's easy to find one that matches your existing decor.

Choose the Right Tray for Your Ottoman

When selecting a tray for your ottoman, there are a few things to consider:

• Shape - Rectangular trays are versatile, round trays save space, and square trays have a modern look.
• Material - Wood trays have natural warmth, metal adds shine, acrylic is sleek, and wicker brings texture.
• Finish - Painted and distressed trays have cottage vibes, while inlaid designs create visual interest.
• Size - Make sure your tray is proportional to the size of the ottoman. It can be the same width or slightly smaller.

Look for a tray about two-thirds the size of your ottoman or smaller. You want it to fit comfortably without completely covering the ottoman surface. This leaves some of the ottoman fabric exposed to tie the pieces together visually.

Ottoman Tray Uses and Styling Concepts

Trays on ottomans present endless possibilities for stylish decorating. Use trays to hold everyday items or create captivating vignettes with accessories and objects you love.

Books, Flowers, and Beyond

Some of the most popular ways to use ottoman trays include holding books, fresh flowers, candles, blankets, remote controls, drinks, and snacks. The tray provides convenient access to items you use frequently.

For a coordinated look, keep your color scheme and materials cohesive. For example, display white flowers in a neutral woven tray alongside comparably toned books and decor.

Collections on Display

An ottoman tray is the perfect platform for displaying collections in an organized way. For example, fill the tray with seashells gathered from beach vacations. Or, showcase decorative boxes, vases, or ceramic figurines. Whatever you collect, an ottoman tray puts it in the spotlight.

Design for Different Spaces

Ottoman trays stylishly adapt to a variety of spaces. In a living room, use an oversized rattan tray to hold blankets and the remote controls. In a bedroom, choose a petite glass tray for displaying a flower and book at the foot of the bed. In an entryway, opt for a bold graphic metal tray to stash keys and masks. Get creative styling your ottoman trays for different rooms!

Creative Ottoman Tray Styling Techniques

Ready to elevate your ottoman tray display? Try these creative styling techniques to take your design to the next level:

Layering Trays

One eye-catching trick is stacking two or three trays of varying sizes on your ottoman. Trays made from different materials like wood, metal, and rattan work well layered together. The contrast in shape, color, and texture creates visual interest.

To help the trays align cleanly, use risers like wood blocks or acrylic stands between each layer. This adds height and dimension while keeping the trays stable.

Mixing Materials

For cool contrast, mix tray materials like metal and wood. For example, an antique iron tray would pop against an acacia wood ottoman. Or, pair a sleek marble tray with a tufted leather ottoman. Complementary textures work well together.

Adding Texture

Consider adding textural elements like baskets, linen, macrame, beads, or a rug on your tray. These soft textures juxtapose nicely against the hard surfaces of metal or wood. The combination feels cozy and invites you to put your feet up.

Ottoman Tray Ideas for Specific Rooms

Not sure where to implement your ottoman tray? Here are styling ideas for trays in popular spaces:

Entryway Ottoman Trays

Near your front door, an ottoman tray comes in handy for holding keys, sunglasses, face masks, and anything else you grab on your way in and out. For the entryway, opt for a simple metal tray in a pop of color or fun pattern.

Bedroom Ottoman Trays

In the bedroom, position an ottoman tray at the foot of your bed to hold a book, water bottle, phone charger, or aromatherapy diffuser. Choose a woven or wood tray in a neutral shade that coordinates with your bedding.

Nursery Ottoman Trays

In a baby's nursery, an ottoman tray can provide a home for blankets, stuffed toys, and extra diapering supplies. Look for a durable and kid-friendly tray made from materials like wicker or smooth wood.

With so many ways to use them, ottoman trays are a go-to for enhancing your decor. Dress up your ottoman with a tray that reflects your personal style - whether that's modern, bohemian, rustic, or eclectic. Layer trays, mix materials, and play with texture for enviable dimension in your display. Most importantly, have fun using your ottoman trays to hold meaningful books, flowers, objects, and accessories that bring you joy.

Spark inspiration for your home with these creative ottoman tray styling tips. With the right tray, even a basic ottoman can become a chic stage for displaying your favorite things.