6 Ways to Decorate a Coffee Table Tray

If you’ve been scrolling through Pinterest for inspiration on how to decorate a coffee table, chances are you've stumbled upon the trend of coffee table trays.

They’re not only practical to help keep your essentials organised, but also give you an opportunity to showcase your personal style and enhance the overall aesthetic of your living room.

In this article, we explore 7 ways to decorate your coffee table tray to elevate your decor game and create a stylish living room.

Modern minimalism

When it comes to decorating your coffee table tray with a modern minimalist approach, less is more. The key is to focus on clean lines, simplicity, and a curated selection of visually striking elements.

When selecting a coffee table tray, opt for materials like brushed metal, glass, or acrylic to achieve a sleek and polished look. Shades of white, grey, black, or muted earth tones work well to maintain a clean and contemporary feel.

The Andre Coffee Table coupled with the black tray and abstract rug creates a modern vibe.

Choose a single statement piece to anchor your arrangements, such as a sculptural vase in a bold and striking shape, a unique ceramic art object, or an abstract sculpture. The chosen piece should serve as the focal point and evoke a sense of contemporary artistry.

To ensure your coffee table tray doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb, go for minimalistic furniture to match, like the Hamilton Chaise Sectional Sofa, Andre Coffee Table, or Adams Armchair.

Candlelit elegance

Transform your living room into a haven of warmth and intimacy with a candlelit experience on your coffee table tray.

Place a set of scented candles of varying heights on your coffee table tray to create a romantic and cosy vibe. Consider fragrances like lavender for a calming effect, vanilla for a hint of sweetness, or sandalwood for a grounding ambiance.

Adding a candle to your coffee table can add a cosy factor. Picture credits: @ellisandhale

Additionally, add a tray of matchsticks or a stylish lighter to your coffee table so you can easily light up the candles.

Natural oasis

Bring the outdoors in by incorporating a combination of greenery and earthy elements on your coffee table tray.

Start by selecting a rattan or woven tray for your coffee table as the natural texture and warm tone creates the perfect foundation for your plant arrangement. Incorporate other natural elements like rattan furniture to create a harmonious and earthy look.

@homewithharper adds a touch of greenery to her Sorrento Outdoor Coffee Table with a potted plant on a wooden tray. Also pictured: The Sorrento Outdoor Sofa.

Choose an assortment of potted plants that thrive indoors and require minimal maintenance - succulents, ferns, and terrariums are great options. Consider selecting plants of different heights, leaf shapes, and textures to create visual interest and depth. You can also add additional elements such as small decorative pebbles, pieces of driftwood, or seashells to further enhance the look and feel.

Recommended read: Bring Natural Elements Into Your Living Space

Rustic farmhouse

Create a rustic farmhouse theme that exudes warmth and simplicity by embracing natural materials and rustic accents.

Choose a distressed wooden tray with a worn and weathered appearance or one with a warm honey finish. As the centrepiece of the tray, place a Mason jar filled with wildflowers like daisies or lavender to capture the rustic charm of a farmhouse setting. You can also include a bundle of dried herbs tied together with twine.

To further accentuate the farmhouse ambiance, consider including additional rustic elements like farmhouse-inspired furniture, a jute area rug, or a stack of wooden coasters.

Luxurious glamour

Infuse opulence and sophistication into your coffee table by incorporating luxurious elements such as mirrored surfaces, crystal accents, and metallic finishes on your tray.

@ellisandhale adds metallic accents with rose gold candles on the Seb Coffee Table with Storage. Also pictured: Amber Bouclé Swivel Chair in Snow.

Select a tray with a mirrored surface or a glossy finish. These reflective surfaces add a sense of grandeur and create a glamorous backdrop for your arrangement. Opt for trays with ornate patterns, sleek lines, or metallic accents to enhance the overall aesthetic.

Display a crystal vase as the centrepiece and incorporate metallic finishes to complement the crystal elements, such as decorative objects or candle holders. Choose gold, silver, or rose gold accents to add a touch of luxury.

You can also add faux fur or velvet to the coffee table or your living room to add texture and add an extra layer of indulgence to the overall arrangement.

Coastal escape

To create a coastal escape for your coffee table tray, select a tray made from weathered wood, white-washed finishes, or even a glass tray filled with sand. These act as the perfect canvas for your coastal-inspired arrangement.

The woven rattan of the Mico Coffee Table paired with the wooden coffee table tray creates a coastal vibe. Picture credits: @rachlvalente

Add a collection of seashells in various shapes, sizes, and colours. You can also include miniature driftwood pieces, small pebbles, or even a small glass bottle filled with sand to reinforce the beachy vibe.

Embracing a coastal escape theme also extends beyond the coffee table tray itself - consider incorporating soft blue or sandy beige hues in the surrounding decor, such as throw cushions, curtains, or a rug, to create a cohesive and inviting coastal-inspired living space.

Seasonal charm

If you’re big on celebrating each season, why not reflect that by changing your coffee table tray decor every time of the year?

In spring, add a bouquet of fresh blooms such as tulips, daffodils, or cherry blossoms. Choose a vase in pastel hues or a floral patterned container to enhance the springtime feel.

Summer is all about vibrant colors and bountiful harvests, so add a basket of seasonal fruits or a tray with beach-inspired vibes like the one above.

Embrace autumnal hues with small pumpkins, gourds, and pinecones, creating an autumnal centrepiece. Add a touch of warmth by incorporating dried leaves, cinnamon sticks, or acorns.

For winter, adorn your tray with candles, fairy lights, and even candy canes to create a winter scene. You can also add a white runner to your coffee table to evoke a snowy landscape.

With these creative ways to decorate your coffee table tray, you can transform it from a mere functional piece into a captivating centrepiece that reflects your personal style. Whether you prefer a nature-inspired theme or a minimalist approach, there are endless possibilities to make your coffee table tray a stylish and functional addition to your living room.

So, let your creativity flow and turn this humble item into a true statement piece that will impress and inspire all who enter your space.