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A decorative tray serves as a base for various decorative objects. This guide explains how the models differ, what you should look out for when buying one and which ones suit your living style.

What is a decorative tray and why should I get one?

• Decorative trays are bowls, flat plates or trays that you can use to decorate your home. They serve as eye-catchers and are often referred to as decorative plates.
• You can arrange figurines, vases, candlesticks, plants or picture frames on such a base. They can also be used as a fruit bowl or as a storage area for perfumes in the bathroom.
• You can place decorative trays on dressers, on shelves, on windowsills, or even on the living room or coffee table. The objects presented on them will then be particularly well presented.
• With the trays you can protect the surface of the furniture, for example from water from the flower vase or from dripping wax.
• Another practical feature is that you can transport the items on the tray quickly and easily – for example, if you want to make space on the table. You then don’t have to lift and carry them individually.
• Finally, you can also serve food on a decorative tray . You can also use decorative plates as elegant placemats.

How do decorative trays differ?

Trays without accessories

Most decorative trays are delivered without decoration. You can place your own objects on the tray, such as a table vase, a candle or shells from your last vacation. You are free to design it however you like.

Trays with decoration

Some decorative trays come with certain utensils included. You will then receive a set consisting of a plate or bowl and, for example, a tealight holder , a vase, a picture frame or a glass with an artificial flower. The advantage: the individual elements are coordinated and match each other in terms of both size and design.

What should I look for when buying a decorative tray?

Shape and size

• Decorative trays can be oval, square or rectangular , but they are also available as round plates.
• Many models look like flatter bowls – they are deeper in the middle and curve slightly towards the edge. This means that decorative objects placed on them cannot slide off.
• Small versions are 13 to 22 cm wide and deep.
• Sizes with a width of 25 to 35 cm and a depth of 14 to 25 cm are common .
• There are also very large versions that look like normal trays. They measure up to 50 x 35 cm.

Color and style

Whether playful designs with cats, floral patterns, filigree and oriental ornaments or minimalist designs without decoration: decorative trays are available in many variations. You can also find mirrored trays, ones in the shape of hearts, stars or leaves, as well as ones with lettering. The variety of colors is also great: in addition to simpler plates in white, beige or gray, there are yellow, red or blue plates as well as elegant versions in gold, silver or copper. Wood-colored trays are also available.

material

• Many decorative trays and plates are made of plastics such as the artificial stone polyresin or melamine, which is reminiscent of porcelain. Both materials are light and robust and can be dropped without breaking.
• Trays made of wood , for example acacia or olive wood, look rustic and natural . These variants last a long time and look high-quality. MDF boards (medium-density fiberboard) can also be used.
• Trays made of metal, specifically iron or aluminum, are particularly stable, shockproof and durable . They also usually do not require any special care.
• Trays made of marble, slate and other natural stones are classy. These models are heavier, but they stay securely in place.
• Thick-walled glass can also be used as a material for decorative trays and plates. They can withstand a lot without getting scratched.
• Decorative plates are also often made of porcelain, just like other plates. The noble material shimmers slightly and often makes a festive impression.

edge

The decorative elements stand particularly securely on a tray if it has a higher edge all the way around . There are also completely flat models without a raised edge. When choosing, keep in mind that small things like shells or stones don’t stand out as well with a high edge. However, you can lift and transport these trays more easily without anything falling off.

Handles

Most decorative trays do not have handles. Large versions, which are reminiscent of normal trays, often have two handles. The rectangular versions have them on the narrow sides. This makes it easier to lift and carry the documents.

Sets

You can buy decorative trays individually or in a set with other plates of the same or different sizes. You then get two, three or four matching bases on which you can arrange your decorative objects. You can distribute the trays or plates on different pieces of furniture in your living room.

Which decorative plates and trays suit my living style?

Decorative underlays for the country house style

Furniture made of darker wood, a cozy and romantic ambience and checked fabrics: your interior is based on the rural style. Decorative wooden trays without handles fit in with this rustic atmosphere. Variants made from a single thick tree slice fit in particularly well.

Decorative trays for the modern style

Glass and metal dominate your living room, the style is minimalist and the shapes are clear. Flat decorative trays made of slate, aluminum or iron harmonize with such modern furnishings . The materials appear simple, but still striking.

Trays for decoration for the classic style

Heavy furniture made of solid wood, stucco on the ceiling and elegant parquet: for your home in a classic style, choose a decorative tray made of marble or porcelain. Versions in gold or silver are also good. Make sure that the design is not too playful, that looks more elegant.