Coffee tables aren’t just a functional place to store tv remotes and place down a drink, they provide an opportunity to style your living room with decorative items to ensure the space flows.
Implementing a tray on top of your coffee table is a perfectly stylish way to keep items organised or contain homeware accessories. Their popularity as a decorative tool means there’s a wide variety from which to choose, making it hard to decide which would work best on your coffee table.
We’ve compiled a list of our 15 top trays for coffee tables that suit all styles and cater to all budgets. Keep reading to see our favourites!
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15 Amazing Coffee Table Trays
1. Round Tray for Coffee Table
Steer away from the usual rectangular trays and try a round one. Not only will a round tray for your coffee table help to counteract harsh lines, but it can add a point of difference when added to a square or rectangular coffee table.
This circular, solid wood design has a rustic feel whilst the decorative beading adds both a modern touch and texture. Create a striking contrast and sit this tray on top of a coffee table in a different colour to really set it apart. It’s the perfect size to be styled with a candle, for a simple yet effective décor idea.
Pros
- Counteracts harsh lines
- Solid wood is durable
Cons
- Wood doesn’t wear well when it comes in to contact with spills
2. Decorative Tray for Coffee Table
If you want a tray as a decorative accessory rather than for practical storage, then this mother of pearl example is perfect. The delicate, iridescent shades in the base of the tray add a modern texture, and the soft white works perfectly against a natural wood tabletop. Of course, if you did wish to place items within it, then there’s space to do so, but it’s likely to be less hard-wearing than other trays due to its delicate nature.
Pros
- Unique geometric pattern from mother of pearl
- Subtle elegance
Cons
- Not very hard-wearing
- More decorative than functional
3. Black Tray for Coffee Table
This black metal tray provides great contrast against wood or light-coloured coffee tables. The sleek, angular shape and black colour would also lend itself well to an industrial décor. Place a coffee table flower arrangement atop the tray, leaving the rest of the space for more functional use.
Pros
- Metal is durable
- Sleek
Cons
- Black can be an overpowering shade
4. Wooden Coffee Table Tray
Make your tray an extension of the coffee table, itself, by mimicking the colours – as seen here with this handcrafted, round option. The matching effect helps to support the overall harmony of the room, whilst the high gloss on the tray’s interior adds some dimension. The mango wood material makes it highly durable and would create a great contrast when placed on top of a fabric ottoman coffee table, too.
Pros
- Handcrafted
- High gloss interior
Cons
- Small dimensions
- Mango wood won’t suit some other wood coffee tables
5. White Coffee Table Trays
Keep things simplistic with this elegant white tray. The gold metal handles add some warmth without being too brash. Style using the rule of three, as seen here, using decorative items, flowers and photo frames.
You could even add a designer candle to further enhance the elegant tone this tray sets. White is a versatile shade that will work well with most coffee tables so if you’re likely to switch out your furniture, you’ll be pleased to know your tray will still look great!
Pros
- Elegant design
- Versatile
Cons
- Minimal style isn’t for those that like more detail
6. Small Tray for Coffee Table
If your tray is to be nothing more than a decorative piece, this gold trinket tray would look great on top of a coffee table, styled with some votive candles. At a super affordable price point, it is a great way of injecting some warmth and visual interest, with its glossy gold finish. This would work particularly well for those with a modern marble coffee table, or atop smaller coffee side tables (which are commonly used by people with sectional sofas in their living room).
Pros
- Adds warmth
- Affordable
- Modern
Cons
- Small size won’t hold much
- Glossy gold doesn’t suit all spaces
7. Mirrored Coffee Table Tray
Mirrored trays are great when paired with a candle as they help to reflect the light from the flame to create a subtle ambience. The classic scalloped shape and brushed copper finish of the open metalwork give it a vintage feel that would look great against a distressed wood coffee table. Its ballpoint feet also mean that it’s unlikely to scratch the table’s surface.
Pros
- Vintage style
- Ballpoint feet prevent surface damage
Cons
- Mirrored base could be easily damaged
8. Glass Tray for Coffee Table
This timeless, crystal-cut glass tray would make a stunning addition to more traditional homes. A great investment piece, owing to its classic style, the patterned glass adds subtle texture to the room and will help to lift darker wood coffee tables. Of course, glass is a delicate material so this is probably best as décor only, and in a child-free home!
Pros
- Timeless style
- Unusual
Cons
- Fragile
- Would only suit more traditional home
9. Modern Coffee Table Tray
This super modern tray is perfect for a minimal home. The sleek, coloured accents add a delicate pop of colour that won’t overwhelm minimalist settings. The acrylic material of this tray makes it highly durable, and easy to wipe clean if used for drinks and snacks.
Pros
- Plastic is hard-wearing
- Minimal style
Cons
- Colours wouldn’t suit all homes
10. Large Round Tray for Coffee Table
Larger round trays are great as statement pieces on top of a coffee table. Not only are they capable of neatly holding bigger decorative items, but they also offer plenty of space to hold remotes, and even a book, if you want a more functional tray.
This galvanised metal tray is a great, purse-friendly choice that would look great in a more rustic, farmhouse style home and creates contrast against wood tabletops.
Pros
- Large surface area
- Galvanised metal adds texture
Cons
- Better-suited to rustic styles; wouldn’t work in a more polished home
- Large tray may take up too much space on smaller coffee tables
11. Patterned Coffee Table Tray
Add texture and visual interest to your living room coffee table with this intricately-patterned tray with rope handles. It’s a real statement piece, however its neutral colours means this tray still lends itself to most homes and colour schemes. The modern geometric pattern is also well suited to scandi-style homes.
Pros
- Unique pattern
- Neutral tones
Cons
- Not hard-wearing
12. Rattan Coffee Table Tray
A versatile design, this rattan tray has a basketweave base that adds texture to the top of your coffee table. It would work well in a more relaxed living room and is perfect for both practical and aesthetic purposes.
Pros
- Versatile
- Good for practical and aesthetic reasons
Cons
- Rattan is better-suited to more modern homes
13. Gold Tray for Coffee Tables
This gold mirrored tray is perfect for a modern home thanks to its open-caged geometric design. Its satin gold finish is elegant and won’t overpower the table, whilst the mirror is great for reflecting light and, when paired with the gold, creates a look far more expensive than it actually is!
Pros
- Looks expensive
14. Silver Tray for Coffee Table
Using a silver tray on top of your coffee table will add a sophisticated touch without being over the top or tacky. The reflective nature of this design gives the room depth and dimension as well as a glamorous edge.
Pros
- High-shine finish
- Glamorous style
Cons
- Easily scratched
15. Plastic Coffee Table Tray
Plastic trays are highly durable but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. This grey patterned number with gold handles is visually-pleasing, and will support your living room’s aesthetic. However, the large surface area means it’s still functional, with plenty of space to hold drinks and décor as shown here.
Pros
- Functional
- Pretty design
Cons
- Large tray won’t suit smaller tables
- Plastic can look cheap
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Large Should a Tray be on a Coffee Table?
The size of tray you need to use will vary depending on how big your coffee table is. As a rule, a good-sized tray would be around 56cm, but you will need to adapt this to your specific coffee table, particularly if you have a smaller one.
Does a Coffee Table Need a Tray?
A coffee table doesn’t necessarily need a tray and it’s easy to style without one, but trays are an affordable addition that can help to contain clutter and make accessories look neater.
What Do You Put in a Tray on a Coffee Table?
Firstly, you’ll need to decide whether you want your tray to be practical, decorative or both! Once you’ve made that choice, the possibilities are endless for your tray. You can add potted plants, flower arrangements, photo frames, vases, sculptures, trinket boxes, coasters, remote controls, magazines, candles, or even coffee table books.
To Summarise
Coffee table trays offer a great way to combine style and tidiness. Their versatility and inexpensive price points make it easy to have several styles of tray that you can rotate when you get bored. Look for durable options if you plan to use your tray for more functional purposes but, if it’s for aesthetics-only, then the world of trays is your oyster!
