Spice Up Your Kitchen Island with a Stylish Serving Tray
The kitchen island is often the focal point of this hardworking room. And a decorative tray is an easy way to add visual interest while also offering organization. Whether your style is modern, traditional or somewhere in between, a tray brings effortless style to your kitchen island.
We'll look at popular tray styles, materials and sizes to consider. You'll find tips on styling your tray for decor or function. And see how placement and color make the tray design complete. Read on for inspiring ideas to spice up your kitchen island with a fashionable and functional serving tray.
Choosing a Decorative Tray Perfect for Your Kitchen Island
With so many options, how do you select a decorative tray ideal for your kitchen island? Here are key factors to keep in mind while shopping for that perfect tray.
Consider the Shape
The shape of your tray will affect how it fits on your island. A rectangular or oval tray can run the length of your island for a dramatic look. Round trays save space and add flexible design. Bar trays with cutout handles are great for smaller islands.
Match the shape to your island's dimensions and intended use. Rectangular trays corral items in straight lines, while round trays encourage loose, organic styling.
Material Options
Trays come in a variety of materials like wood, metal, ceramic and more. Wood brings warmth and texture. Metal offers cool contrast and industrial edge. And ceramics provide color and handcrafted appeal.
Consider durability for a high-use kitchen item. Also choose a material aligning with your overall kitchen decor. The visual appeal of the tray finish complements the island design.
Popular Styles
Farmhouse, modern, rustic and other popular design styles apply to trays too. A raw wood plank embodies organic farmhouse aesthetic. Clean lined metal evokes sleek modernism. And handmade ceramics bring rustic charm.
Choose a style already present in your kitchen for a cohesive look. Or pick a contrasting tray to add flair as a focal feature on the island.
Size Matters
Proportion is key when selecting a kitchen island tray. Oversize trays look clunky while undersized styles get lost. Measure your island width and account for a slight overhang on each side.
For smaller kitchen islands, opt for round trays around 16 inches wide. Rectangular trays for larger islands can span 2-3 feet across. Scale up size to make a statement or down for a flexible accent.
Styling Your Kitchen Island Tray
Now that you've selected the perfect tray, it's time for the fun part - styling! Use your decorative tray functionally to organize your island. And dress it up decoratively to showcase your personal style.
Functional Uses
A kitchen island tray instantly adds storage and organization. Corral mail, cookbooks or coffee table style books. The tray neatly contains small appliances like a coffeemaker. And it's perfect for drying dishes or displaying fresh fruit.
Let the tray bring order to your island workspace. Containing items on the tray prevents clutter while keeping necessities at hand.
Decorative Touches
For decor, style your tray with greenery, candles, colored glassware or other accessories expressing your taste. Themed trays come alive for seasonal holidays and parties. Rotate decorative objects to refresh the look.
Have fun playing with color combinations, textures and layering items. The tray provides a rotating display space to showcase what inspires you.
Tips for a Cohesive Look
When styling your tray, maintain the kitchen's aesthetic for harmony. A metal tray calls for metallic accents like mercury glass votives. Natural materials suit a wood tray - raffia, dried botanicals. And colored ceramics blend with more vibrant hues.
Repeating finishes, shapes and the color scheme already established in the kitchen makes the tray design feel cohesive.
Incorporating the Tray into Your Kitchen Design
Now it's time to incorporate your styled tray into the kitchen design. Placement, contrast and color coordination allow the tray to feel like an integral part of your kitchen instead of an afterthought.
Placement on the Island
Centering the tray prominently draws the eye for high visual impact. Off centering creates an informal asymmetrical feel. And angling the long side of a rectangular tray makes a dynamic statement.
Anchor the tray on your island in a way that feels balanced to you and serves your functional needs.
Drawing the Eye
Play with contrasting shapes and bold pops of color for maximum flair. A vivid green ceramic tray zings against neutral countertops. And an oversized round tray adds drama to a linear island design.
Allow the tray to be a focal point by making it feel crisp and different from the overall kitchen palette.
Complements Other Finishes
While contrast works, don't overlook coordinating your tray with existing kitchen finishes. Wood, metal and painted accents aligning with the tray bring harmony. Matching the color palette in decor choices helps it feel purposefully designed.
Blending your tray with the same tones and textures maintains an integrated look.
Decorative Tray Ideas for Stylish Kitchen Islands
Ready for tray inspiration? Here are a few of our favorite ways to spice up a kitchen island with a serving tray:
Rustic Wood Tray
A rectangular plank wood tray lined with galvanized metal brings natural farmhouse character to the island. Fill with dried lavender bundles,white taper candles, and coffee table style cookbooks for cozy charm.
Marble & Brass Tray
An oval white marble tray with handles of thin brass rods adds light and refinement. Style with coffee table books, mugs, a French press and other coffee bar accessories for morning flair.
A vibrant round ceramic tray sporting a mosaic tile design in raspberry pink and bright turquoise makes a cheery splash on a neutral island. Pile with decorated bowls of lemons, limes, oranges and other fruits for a festive display.
With endless options for materials, styling and placement, whattray will you choose to spice up your kitchen island? We hope these tips and ideas sparked inspiration for decorating your kitchen in style with a serving tray that's uniquely you.