A coffee table tray is one of the most effective styling tools in a living room. When styled properly, coffee table trays help organise everyday items while making a space feel finished rather than cluttered.
This guide explains how to style coffee table trays properly, how to choose the right tray, and what to include so your coffee table feels intentional and cohesive.
Why coffee table trays work so well
Coffee table trays create a visual boundary on a surface that’s otherwise open. They help group items together and prevent decorative pieces from feeling scattered.
A well-styled tray:
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adds structure to a coffee table
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makes everyday items feel intentional
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helps keep surfaces organised
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allows decor to be updated easily
Rather than styling individual items directly on the table, a tray acts as a foundation for the display.
Choosing the right tray for your coffee table
Size and proportion
When choosing a tray for a coffee table, size matters. The tray should feel proportional to the table without taking up the entire surface.
As a general guide:
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larger tables suit wider trays
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smaller tables benefit from compact or round trays
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leaving space around the tray helps the table feel balanced
A tray that’s too small can look lost, while one that’s too large can overwhelm the table.
Wooden trays for warmth and texture
Wooden trays are a popular choice for coffee tables because they add warmth and texture. Natural materials soften the look of hard surfaces and work well with a wide range of interiors.
Wooden trays pair particularly well with:
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neutral decor
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ceramic accessories
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soft textiles
They suit both modern and relaxed living spaces.
Rattan trays for relaxed living spaces
Rattan trays bring a lighter, more casual feel to a room. They work especially well in homes with natural textures or a softer, layered look.
Rattan trays are ideal for:
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relaxed living rooms
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seasonal styling
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spaces where warmth and texture are key
They also transition well between seasons, making them a versatile option.
What to put on a coffee table tray
The key to styling coffee table trays is restraint. Fewer items, chosen carefully, often work better than filling every inch of space.
Common items that work well include:
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candle holders
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small vases
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faux flowers or greenery
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decorative bowls
The aim is to create a balanced arrangement that feels easy to maintain.
Using decorative bowls on coffee table trays
Decorative bowls work well on coffee table trays when used as a supporting piece rather than the main focus. They can hold small items or simply add shape and visual interest.
When styling with decorative bowls:
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choose a size that suits the tray
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avoid overfilling
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keep colours neutral for a calm look
Used thoughtfully, decorative bowls add depth without distracting from the overall styling.
Styling coffee table trays for everyday living
A coffee table tray should work for everyday use, not just look good for a photo.
To keep trays practical:
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leave space for drinks
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avoid fragile items if the table is used often
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keep arrangements low so they don’t block sightlines
This helps the tray feel functional as well as decorative.
Pre-styled tray bundles and coordinated displays
Pre-styled tray bundles are a practical option for creating a finished look without starting from scratch. These bundles combine trays with complementary pieces that work together visually.
A coordinated tray display might include:
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a wooden or rattan tray
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a small vase
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faux flowers
Using a bundle helps ensure scale, colour and texture are balanced from the start.
Combining coffee table trays with other decor
Coffee table trays work best when they visually connect with the rest of the room.
They pair well with:
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matching candle holders
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vases used elsewhere in the space
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faux flowers styled on shelves or sideboards
Repeating materials or colours helps the room feel cohesive.
How to choose the right coffee table tray
When deciding which coffee table tray to use, think about how the space is used day to day.
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Small tables: compact trays with minimal items
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Large tables: wider wooden trays with space to style
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Relaxed rooms: rattan trays for softer texture
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Low-effort styling: pre-styled tray bundles
Choosing based on lifestyle rather than trends helps trays feel practical as well as considered.
Related guides you may find useful
If you’re styling your living room or home surfaces, you may also find these guides helpful:
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Final thoughts
Coffee table trays are one of the easiest ways to make a living room feel finished. By choosing the right tray and styling it with a small number of considered pieces, it’s possible to create a display that feels calm, practical and easy to update.
Whether you prefer wooden trays, rattan trays or pre-styled bundles, thoughtful styling helps coffee table trays work as part of everyday living rather than just decoration.
FAQs
What size tray is best for a coffee table?
The tray should be proportional to the table, leaving space around it so the surface doesn’t feel crowded.
How many items should be on a coffee table tray?
Usually three to five items work best, depending on the size of the tray.
Can decorative bowls be used on coffee table trays?
Yes, decorative bowls work well when used sparingly as part of a balanced arrangement.
Are wooden or rattan trays better for coffee tables?
Wooden trays add warmth and structure, while rattan trays suit more relaxed interiors.
Should coffee table trays be practical or decorative?
Ideally both — they should look good while still allowing space for everyday use.
