Are you thinking about decorating your ottoman tray? Look no further! We’ve got you covered with some simple yet effective tips to help you transform your plain ottoman tray into a stunning centerpiece.
How to decorate ottoman tray is a wonderful way to add a touch of personal style and functionality to your living space. Whether you use it for hosting guests, organizing your favorite items, or simply as a decorative focal point, an ottoman tray can be both practical and aesthetically pleasing. In this guide, we will explore various ideas and tips on how to arrange and style your ottoman tray to reflect your taste and enhance the ambiance of your room.
From selecting the right tray to choosing complementary accessories, we’ll cover everything you need to create a visually appealing and well-organized ottoman tray.
What Will You Need?
Before we get into the fun part of decorating, let’s make sure you have all the necessary items.
- Ottoman tray
- Decorative items (e.g. candles, vases, figurines)
- Trinket tray or small bowls for organizing smaller items
- Coasters to protect the surface of the tray
- Serving pieces (optional)
- Tray liner or decorative paper (optional)
- Cleaning supplies for maintenance and upkeep.
Once you have all the essentials, it’s time to start decorating!
10 Easy Steps on How to Decorate Ottoman Tray
Step 1: Choose Your Tray
The first step in decorating your ottoman tray is selecting the right tray for your space. The size and shape of your ottoman will determine the size and shape of the tray.
If you have a rectangular ottoman, opt for a rectangular or oval-shaped tray. For a round ottoman, choose a circular or square tray. Make sure the tray is not too big or too small for your ottoman – it should fit comfortably on top without overhang.
Step 2: Consider the Color Scheme
When it comes to the color scheme of your ottoman tray, it is essential to choose colors that complement the decor of your room. Start by considering the primary colors in your living space. Are your furnishings primarily neutral, or do you have bold, vibrant hues? This will help inform your color choices for the tray and its contents.
For a cohesive look, select a tray color that either matches or contrasts tastefully with your existing decor. If your room is predominantly neutral, a pop of color on the tray can add a striking focal point. Conversely, if your room is filled with vibrant colors, a neutral tray can help balance the visual impact and prevent the space from feeling too overwhelming.
Next, think about the colors of the decorative items you will place on the tray. Aim for a mix of colors that resonate with your room’s palette. For example, if your room has blue accents, incorporating blue vases or candles on the tray can create a harmonious look. Metallic finishes, such as gold or silver, can also add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your tray arrangement.
Step 3: Layer and Arrange Decorative Items
Begin layering your decorative items on the ottoman tray by starting with larger pieces and working your way to smaller ones. This approach ensures a balanced and visually appealing arrangement. Place taller items, like vases or candlesticks, at the back or in the center of the tray, depending on the tray’s placement in the room. This helps to create a sense of depth and hierarchy in your display.
Next, add medium-sized items such as books, small sculptures, or potted plants. Stack a few books or place small objects on top of each other to add height variation and interest. Finally, incorporate smaller items like trinket trays, coasters, or decorative bowls. These can be used to organize smaller pieces or add intricate details to your arrangement.
Step 4: Add Greenery or Florals
Introducing greenery or florals to your ottoman tray is an excellent way to bring a touch of nature indoors and add freshness to your decor. Choose a small potted plant, such as a succulent or a fern, for a low-maintenance option. Alternatively, you can opt for a vase with fresh flowers or even high-quality faux flowers if you prefer a no-fuss arrangement.
When positioning your greenery or florals on the tray, consider the height and color of the other items. A lower arrangement or a trailing plant can add balance and texture if your tray already contains a few tall pieces.
Step 5: Incorporate Personal Touches
Adding personal touches to your ottoman tray can make your space feel more inviting and uniquely yours. Consider including items that reflect your personality, interests, or memories. Family photographs in stylish frames, a favorite book, or a souvenir from a memorable trip can all serve as charming additions to your tray.
Personalized items also create conversation starters when you have guests over, allowing them to learn more about you through the decor you choose to display. However, be mindful not to overcrowd the tray; select a few meaningful pieces that resonate with you and place them thoughtfully to maintain a balanced and organized look.
Step 6: Include Functional Items
While the primary goal of decorating an ottoman tray is to enhance its aesthetic appeal, it’s also important to incorporate functional items that can serve a practical purpose. Depending on your needs, these could include coasters for drinks, a remote control holder, or even a small dish for holding keys or loose change. Functional items should blend seamlessly with your decorative elements to create a cohesive look.
When including functional items, ensure they are easily accessible and do not clutter the tray. For example, place coasters neatly stacked or in a dedicated holder to prevent them from taking up unnecessary space. Incorporating these elements thoughtfully will ensure your ottoman tray not only looks beautiful but also enhances the usability of your living space.
Step 7: Balance Symmetry and Asymmetry
When arranging items on your ottoman tray, finding the right balance between symmetry and asymmetry is key to creating a visually pleasing display. Symmetry involves placing items in a mirrored arrangement on either side of the tray, which can lend a sense of order and formality to your decor. For instance, you might place matching candlesticks or a pair of identical vases on opposite sides of the tray.
Step 8: Rotate and Refresh Your Tray
To keep your ottoman tray looking fresh and interesting, periodically rotate and update its contents. This is an opportunity to incorporate seasonal decorations, such as autumn leaves or spring flowers, based on the time of year. Swapping out items also allows you to experiment with different themes and styles, keeping your decor dynamic.
Start by removing all the items from the tray and give it a good clean. Then, reassess the color scheme and arrangement, and consider introducing new pieces that reflect the latest trends or your evolving tastes. By rotating and refreshing your tray, you’ll maintain a lively and engaging centerpiece in your living space.
Step 9: Final Touches
Once you have arranged all your items and achieved the desired balance, take a moment to add any final touches that can elevate the overall look of your ottoman tray. Consider incorporating scented candles or diffusers to introduce pleasant aromas to your space. A stylish coaster set can be both functional and decorative, while a small, elegant clock can add a touch of sophistication. Adjust lighting to highlight your tray’s arrangement and ensure all items are clean and free of dust. These finishing touches can enhance the tray’s aesthetic appeal and provide a sense of completeness to your decor, making your living space even more inviting and polished.
Step 10: Enjoy and Adapt
The final step is to truly enjoy your beautifully decorated ottoman tray and adapt it as your needs and tastes evolve. Take pleasure in the new focal point of your living space, noticing how it brings together decor elements to create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. Keep an open mind to future changes and enhancements based on new trends, seasons, or simply your mood.
By following these steps and guidelines, you can transform your ottoman tray from a simple piece of furniture into a stylish and functional centerpiece that complements your living space.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Overcrowding: Avoid cramming too many items onto your ottoman tray, as it can create a cluttered and chaotic look. Instead, select a few carefully chosen pieces that complement each other and leave enough space between them for a balanced arrangement.
- Unstable or Fragile Items: Be mindful of the weight and stability of the items you choose to display on your ottoman tray. Avoid placing delicate or breakable items that could easily topple over and cause damage.
- Ignoring the Overall Color Scheme: When selecting items for your ottoman tray, consider how they will look together as a whole. Avoid clashing colors or patterns that can create a disjointed and unappealing display.
- Forgetting Functionality: While it’s important to create a visually appealing tray, don’t forget to include functional items that can make your living space more convenient and organized. Strike a balance between form and function in your decor.
- Sticking to One Arrangement: Don’t be afraid to switch up your ottoman tray’s arrangement periodically. Experiment with different styles, themes, and seasonal elements to keep it fresh and interesting. Make sure to rotate and refresh your tray regularly to avoid becoming too attached to one particular arrangement. End of Section
By following these tips, you can create a beautifully decorated ottoman tray that not only enhances your living space but also reflects your personal style and interests.
Conclusion
How to decorate ottoman tray is a delightful creative endeavor that allows you to personalize your living space while maintaining functionality.
By following these steps—selecting the right tray, choosing a theme, layering items, adding greenery or florals, incorporating personal touches, including functional elements, balancing symmetry and asymmetry, rotating and refreshing your tray, applying final touches, and embracing adaptability—you can achieve a beautifully curated and practical centerpiece. An ottoman tray, thoughtfully decorated, can elevate the aesthetic appeal of your room, making it more inviting, cohesive, and reflective of your unique style.
As you enjoy your adorned ottoman tray, remember that decor is fluid, and adapting the tray to suit your evolving tastes and seasons can keep the space feeling fresh and engaging.
