Placing a decorative tray on your kitchen island can make such a big difference! But how do you actually decorate a tray? In this post, you’ll find all the answers and easy tips on how to do just that, along with 30 absolutely gorgeous kitchen island tray decor ideas that are sure to elevate your kitchen.
Whether you prefer to keep things simple, lean towards modern designs or want to go all out, by the end of this post, you’ll have plenty of inspiration to transform your own tray. Now, let’s dive right in!
30 Kitchen Island Tray Decor Ideas
1. Choose Your Try
The first step is to gather your tray. It’s worth mentioning that literally anything can serve as a tray—like a cutting board or a mirror (you’ll see some ideas later in this post).
Just make sure to choose one that fits your kitchen style, whether it’s rustic, modern, classic, or something else.
2. Consider the Size of the Tray
What’s also really important is to consider the size of your tray. If your kitchen island is small, a large tray might overwhelm the space and make it less functional.
On the other hand, if you have a large kitchen island and opt for a small tray, it can end up looking lost. Of course, this also depends on whether the tray is the only decor you want to use.
3. Decide On Functionality
Do you want your kitchen island tray to be more functional or purely decorative? Knowing that will definitely make choosing your decorative items easier later on.
If you’re aiming for functionality, for example, you might want to include items like spices, cans, or anything else you need close at hand.
You can always mix in some decorative items with those functional pieces to strike the right balance.
4. Have a Theme in Mind
While having a theme isn’t super crucial, it can really help if you’re feeling unsure about decorating and don’t know where to start. A theme can make gathering your decorative items easier and decorating your tray.
For example, think about picking a color scheme or going with a seasonal theme, like autumn or winter, to help you choose the right colors and pieces.
5. Gather Decorative Items
Now it’s time to gather all your decor pieces! This makes it so much easier to experiment with different arrangements and placements. Be sure to include items of different sizes and materials because trust me, this will make your tray look way better.
Just like in the image, aim to have one bigger item, one medium-sized piece, and one small item for a balanced and appealing display.
Here are some decorative accents to consider:
- Fresh Flowers or Small Plants
- Candles
- Decorative Bowls
- Stylish Container or Jar
- Your Favorite Cookbooks
- Wooden or Marble Serving Board
- Artisan Olive Oil Bottle
- Elegant Coasters
- Framed Photo or Small Art Piece
- Chalkboard or Sign
6. Odd Numbers
When decorating, grouping your items in odd numbers, like in threes or fives, often creates a more appealing and interesting look.
While it’s not to say that other arrangements won’t work, this is generally a good rule of thumb to follow for a balanced and visually pleasing display.
7. Keep the Balance
Try to make sure to place tall or larger items at the back so they don’t block the view of smaller decorative objects. This not only looks visually appealing but also helps create harmony and a balanced overall look.
8. Create Cohesion
You can create cohesion in your arrangement by allowing your items to overlap or touch. I feel like this adds a three-dimensional aspect to the display, making it look richer and more visually appealing.
9. Creative Ways to Style Kitchen Islands
This is what I mentioned before about using a mirror as a tray! I think it’s such a creative idea. She used a beaded mirror, which truly makes for a stunning tray, don’t you think?
Always think outside the box, and you’ll have so many more options to choose from.
10. Keep it Simple
If you love simplicity, then this idea might be just for you! A candle and a pretty vase with flowers or branches can be enough to spruce up your tray.
Just make sure the proportions are right—if you have a larger tray, two items might not be enough unless they’re also larger, like in the image above. That way, everything looks more balanced.
11. Try a Large Vase
I love the combo of white and wood because it strikes the perfect balance between elegance and warmth. Using a large vase really makes it the focal point of the arrangement. Then, mixing in smaller decorative items helps create a balanced look.
12. Go Big
Wow, the way she styled her tray looks so gorgeous! It clearly shows how choosing the right tray can make a big difference immediately. She used a white and gold tray that looks super chic with elegant vases and big flowers, which really just elevates the whole arrangement.
13. Minimal Kitchen Island Decor Ideas
Now, if going all out isn’t your style and you prefer to keep it subtle, then this is a good idea that might be more your vibe. It looks really cute with a larger tray and two small vases filled with eucalyptus.
14. Go Dark
This sleek all-black tray display looks stunning, especially if you’re into a modern aesthetic! It becomes even more interesting because she used different textures for her decor items.
That’s a tip to remember when adding depth and visual interest to your arrangements.
15. Make it Functional
Anything can serve as a tray, even a wooden cutting board! I love that because it naturally adds warmth to the setting. To make it more functional, consider adding a pedestal stand for soap or any other items you need for easy access.
Topping it off with a plant and a candle really rounds it out and makes everything look super inviting.
16. Spruce it Up for Summer
The best thing about decorating trays is that you can switch it up whenever you feel like it! For summer, lemons are the perfect way to bring in those sunny vibes.
Consider adding a faux lemon tree, a lemon-scented candle, napkins, kitchen towels, or anything else with lemon patterns to give your tray a fun summer makeover.
17. Minimal Easter Decor
For Easter, consider adding some ceramic Easter bunnies to your setup to enhance the festive vibe! Another great way to freshen things up is to switch out the flowers in your vase according to the current season.
18. Try Rectangular Trays
If you love an elegant touch for your kitchen island, then an antique gold tray might be just what it needs to add some charm. Pair it with candles and gold leaves for a stunning look that elevates the space.
19. Use a Rattan Tray
Using a rattan tray along with a candle and some greenery is the easiest way to make your display look super inviting.
Coffee table books are also great for decorating; you can place smaller decor items on top of them to help them stand out instead of disappearing among all the other decor.
20. Watermelon Decor for the Summer Months
I love how she decorated her white three-tiered tray for summer! The watermelon decor, along with the greenery and brighter colors, makes the setup look absolutely refreshing.
21. Decorate for the Fall Season
Bring that autumn vibe into your home with sunflowers, cute signs, and ceramic doves. This example really shows how using different materials for your decor can make everything look even more interesting and appealing.
22. Sleek Black Round Tray
If you’re into a more maximalist look, you can definitely use more items on your kitchen tray. You can even use it as a serving tray by placing a bottle of drink on it.
This not only adds to the aesthetic but also keeps it functional, making your setup look great while serving a purpose.
23. Cute Winter Tiered Tray
If you’re decorating your tray for winter, you could use items like cute signs, pine branches, and little wooden houses to bring in that warm feeling. Wood items, greenery, and candles are definitely an easy way to achieve that cozy vibe.
24. Modern Kitchen Island Tray Decor Idea
The marble tray is stunning and so unique, right? I also love this all-white setup; it definitely gives off a fresh and modern vibe.
25. Small Kitchen Island Centerpiece
The “bigger is better” idea isn’t always true, and it definitely isn’t for everyone. A small tray can look just as gorgeous and is perfect for those with a small island, so you won’t overwhelm the area.
I love how the small bead garland drapes down the sides of the kitchen island—it gives the setup a nice flowy look instead of feeling too static.
26. Add a Cakestand
I really love this simple look! Wood and white go together so well, creating the perfect mix of warmth and modern style.
Also, the cake stand with the dome looks so pretty and is super practical too. I mean, you can store your favorite treats in there and grab something whenever you like.
27. Neutral Decor
The pumpkin container with autumn leaves inside is such a creative idea! Even though it’s perfect for fall, you can easily switch it up for any season by using a nice container for dried flowers or other seasonal decor. Just add a few more seasonal touches, and you’re all set!
28. Create a Fresh Look
You can create a fresh look easily by sticking with mostly white decor. But to keep it from looking too sterile, adding some flowers, greenery, or wooden elements like a bead garland really helps make it feel more balanced and cozy.
29. Create a Chic Look
If you want your tray to look extra chic, consider adding an orchid to your setup! I feel like orchids just exude elegance, so adding one to your tray really elevates the whole look and gives it that sophisticated vibe.
30. Mix in Cute Signs
Cute signs with fun messages really liven up the entire setup and make it feel so welcoming! When you pair them with greenery and candles, it creates the ultimate cozy vibe that’s just perfect for your kitchen island.
Well, that wraps up our discussion on kitchen island tray decor ideas, and I truly hope you found at least one idea that inspires you to transform your own tray. Whether you prefer to keep it simple or go for a more maximalist approach, just remember to choose a tray and decor that align with your kitchen decor, and it will really elevate the entire space.
This post showed you kitchen island tray decor ideas
Other posts you may like
25 Simple Kitchen Island Decor Ideas to Liven Up Your Space
17 Genius Small Kitchen Island Ideas to Save Space
23 Stylish Small Kitchen Wall Decor Ideas to Elevate Your Space
12 Clever Kitchen Lighting Ideas for Low Ceilings
As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my affiliate links, at no additional cost to you.
