What's the hardest working accessory in your home? Chances are, it's a tray – whether you're using it to bring drinks to friends, frame a decorative vignette, or toss mail on your doorstep.
"We use trays for a lot of different things," says Krista Schrock, a director at Los Angeles-based Disc Interiors.
Sure, they're useful for serving cocktails and canapés, but they're also invaluable for keeping any type of mess looking organized.
"We use them No. 1 on ottomans," says Ms. Schrock, where they serve as a landing pad for magazines, books and remote controls.
But they're just as useful for organizing bathroom accessories on a vanity, jewelry on a dresser, liquor in a wet bar, or keys and sunglasses on a console, because they instantly make clutter seem more collected.
A tray “frames things, which helps set a nice visual tone when you want something decorative,” she said. "I use them all over my house."
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What is the best material for a tray? “Brass, marble and wood are our favorites,” said Ms. Schrock, emphasizing that she prefers simple designs with a tactile appeal.
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Should it have handles? "We definitely like handles on bigger ones," she said. "But it's less important with smaller ones."
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Is One Shape Better Than Another? “Rectangular is the most common, but I also love a round tray,” said Ms. Schrock. "It's nice to use different shapes and sizes in different places."
Karui trays
Round brass trays with leather inserts, in different colors
From $ 170 at Skultuna: 011-46-21-783-03 or skultuna.com
Bubble marbled trays
Composite wood trays covered with marbled paper
From $ 62 at Jayson Home: 800-472-1885 or jaysonhome.com
Rectangular tray made of walnut wood
Walnut tray with handles wrapped in cotton cord
From $ 450 at Heide Martin Design Studio: 614-787-3501 or heidemartin.com
Ayres Merida trays
Carved marble trays of various sizes and colors
From $ 90 at Lawson-Fenning: 323-934-0048 or lawsonfenning.com
Bon wooden tray
Black-stained oak tray with feet
$ 129 at Ferm Living: 011-45-7022-7523 or fermliving.us
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