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Move over tablescaping – trayscaping is here.
With many people looking for affordable ways to update their homes for spring, it's no surprise that searches for trays are up 52 per cent compared to this time last year.
'If you're looking for a quick and easy way to update your living room, give trayscaping a go,' says Felicity Burton, home design stylist at John Lewis. 'Grabbing a statement tray and gathering some of your most cherished possessions is a simple way to bring a fresh new look to your coffee table or footstool.'
Trayscaping is the art of styling a tray – whether that's a coffee table tray for your living room, a toiletries tray for your bathroom or a stationery tray for your home office.
An extension of the popular tablescaping trend, it's a fabulous way to anchor all of your home accessories together in an organised (and equally stylish) way.
Felicity suggests a few simple rules when styling your tray: 'Stick to odd numbers with your treasures – three always looks better than two – and mix up the heights for added visual appeal.'
Try mixing different sized candles, stacked books and trinket dishes together, while draping a few napkins or decorative beads over the edge of the tray for added texture.
Keep reading to discover our favourite trayscaping ideas.
It all starts with the tray, so be sure to pick one that reflects the style you're going for. We particularly like this wavy option from Habitat – the peachy hues are perfect for spring.
A few unevenly stacked coasters are a great way to add depth to your trayscape. In lovely pastel colourways, these Pernille Rosenkilde shell coasters will bring a playful touch to your setup.
Choose a rattan tray if you're looking to create a relaxed, rustic trayscape. The White Company's whitewashed version will look effortlessly stylish when paired with bud vases and napkins – as proven here.
You'll want to include a selection of heights in your trayscape for maximum visual appeal. Pop a few stained-glass candlestick holders on your tray, like this quirky John Lewis option, for a pop of colour and depth.
Trayscaping isn't limited to your living room or bathroom. We love Marks & Spencer's take on trayscaping with this punchy picnic tray, which features a quirky checkerboard base and a contrasting blue rim. Pair with a carafe and colourful glassware for perfect picnic styling!
Bud vases are ideal for trayscaping because of their teeny size. With a subtle green colourway and decorative brass rings, Nkuku's mini bud vases will look the part on your trayscape when filled with a selection of dried stems.
With a subtle nod to Spode's heritage, this carafe and tumbler set features a dainty gold moth to bring some added interest to your trayscape. Fill it with your favourite tipple or simply keep it empty as a statement display piece.
Add a splash of colour to your trayscape with Oliver Bonas' New Colourful Home book. Not only will it look the part on your coffee table tray, but it's perfect for grabbing some quick inspiration on how to incorporate colour in your home.
Photo frames are a great option for trayscaping – especially if you prefer sentimental styling. We love this adorable option from Urban Outfitters, which features two mini frames for Instax Gold prints.
Every tray needs a candle (or two). Designed to look like a doric-style column with a fluted finish, this bold blue scented candle from H&M will bring a summery vibe to your trayscape.
Add Neom's Perfect Night's Sleep Pod to your trayscape for a tranquil setting at home. Aesthetically pleasing and just as practical, this lavender-scented electric diffuser bundle will prepare you for a relaxing night's sleep at the touch of a button.
Whether draped over the edge of your tray or neatly folded with a candle on top, napkins are the perfect finishing touch for a trayscape. For a chic and romantic setup, choose these lovely washed linen napkins from La Redoute.
Trayscaping can be done in bathrooms, too. Fill The White Company's ceramic bathroom tray with a handsoap, cotton pads, a room spray and a bamboo body brush for an effortlessly styled bathroom.
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