Every home has those plastic trays, wooden trays, and steel trays to serve the guests. But there is something special about inlay trays. One would think twice before using it to serve starters and drinks. After all, these are decorative trays with intricate carvings, heavy details, colors and resins, which makes it more of an artistic piece and less of an accessory. But the challenge is when you choose the wrong tray over the right one.
What Can Be The Consequences Of A Poor Inlay Tray?
A poor accessory in the name of a luxury decorative tray can leave you with the following consequences.
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Chips of inlay falling off the tray - quicker than you thought.
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Cracks on the resin surface are caused by poor quality.
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Faded color, making you rethink if this is what you wanted.
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Not able to withstand one extra glass on the tray.
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All in all, a drab accessory that you do not want to flaunt anymore.
To save you from such choices, here are some tips to choose inlay home decor trays, that will be stylish and useful.
Tips To Choose Decorative Trays For Your Home
Starting With The Types: Bone Inlay, Mother of Pearl
When it comes to decorative trays for living room, you have plenty of options to choose from. Here are a few styles that modern home welcomes:
Bone Inlay Tray
Known for its gorgeous appeal and intricate craftsmanship, a bone inlay tray is a true form of luxury and sophistication. The delicate patterns and rich textures make these handcrafted trays a standout piece in any room and a decorative worth flaunting.
Mother of Pearl Tray
If you are looking for something modern yet luxurious, a mother of pearl tray is an excellent option. The shimmering iridiscent shine of the inlay makes it a piece worth flaunting in the interior.
Choosing the Right Material for Your Decorative Tray
When selecting the right material for your home décor trays, you need to consider the purpose and the designs you are comfortable with. So, here's a breakdown of the most popular materials you can choose:
Bone Inlay
Bone inlay trays can be counted on for intricate and amazing details along with durability. The process of carving bone and embedding it into the wood results in a unique design, creating a striking visibility. With this, the combination of bone and wood makes these trays not only decorative but also durable, ensuring they last for years. You can count on these trays if you are looking for stylish matte finished options.
Mother of Pearl
Mother of pearl trays offer a modern, glamorous touch with their lustrous and iridescent finish. The natural sheen of mother of pearl creates a dynamic look, making it a statement piece for contemporary homes. Despite its delicate appearance, mother of pearl is surprisingly durable and resilient, making it suitable for regular use as well. However, prefer cleaning it with a wipe and damp cloth rather than washing it with a dish wash.
Size and Shape: Picking the Right Tray for Your Space
The size and shape of your decorative tray are crucial factors when choosing the perfect piece. Here is how to decide:
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Round or Oval Trays: These shapes are perfect for smaller spaces like side tables or bedroom dressers. They also work well in more casual settings.
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Rectangular Trays: Ideal for serving food or organizing items on larger surfaces, such as dining tables or coffee tables, rectangular ones are luxury decorative trays that can easily fit even in compact spaces.
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Square Trays: These work best for placing on console tables or as part of a gallery arrangement, where symmetry is the key.
Functionality: More Than Just Decorative
While decorative trays focus on decoration, they also serve practical purposes. It’s important to consider how the tray will function in your home, whether you intend to use it for serving, organizing, or simply as a decorative element.
Utility-Focused Trays
If you need a tray for more functional purposes, such as serving drinks or organizing your keys and mail, look for a round tray that holds everything securely. Rectangular trays are ideal for serving, while square trays work better for organizing smaller items. Choose a tray with high-quality materials, such as solid wood and bone inlay, to ensure it can handle frequent use.
Decorative Trays
If your goal is to enhance your space with style, then there are ample options of decorative trays for living room. Trays with intricate designs, such as bone inlay or mother of pearl trays, can be displayed on your coffee table, sideboard, or console. Use them to display candles, decorative objects, or even flowers. These trays are available in a variety of colors and prints that allow you to match easily.
Durability and Maintenance: Ensuring Longevity
Your tray needs to be durable even when it is just kept for decorative purposes. Here is how to do it.
Ease of Cleaning
Consider how easy it is to clean the tray, particularly if it will be in a high-traffic area like the living room or dining room. For instance, mother of pearl or bone inlay trays may need extra care, such as avoiding harsh chemicals that could damage the surface. But regular wipe and occasional cleaning with its respective cleaner is enough to maintain the trays.
Durability in High-Traffic Areas
If your tray is going to be placed in a busy area and be a victim of several tray styling ideas then consider durability as your prime concern. Bone inlay trays offer the perfect combination of style and strength, making them ideal for high-traffic areas where they will be used often. Similarly, metal or marble trays are highly durable and resistant to scratches or stains. Be mindful of the material’s resistance to wear and tear when selecting a tray for a space that sees heavy use.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect decorative tray for your home can be a fun and rewarding experience. With stunning options in bone inlay and mother of pearl, you can have accessories that match the overall interior. Consider your style, space, and the functionality you need when selecting your tray and let us be a part of your wise decisions.
Browse our collection of handpicked trays at the handcrafted furniture store of Luxury Handicrafts to find the perfect addition to your home!

