1. Introduction
1.1 Definition of Storage Tray
To put it simply, a storage tray is a container with edges for storage and display, which can be large or small, rich and diverse, can not only store loose items, but also serve as a decorative carrier, is a small item with both practicality and beauty in the home scene. Unlike traditional storage boxes, which are mostly closed designs, the open (or semi-open) design of the storage tray makes it easier to access items and is more suitable for displaying delicate small items.
1.2 The Importance of Storage Trays in Home Decoration
Many people have this problem: the desktop and entrance cabinet are piled up with small items such as keys, jewelry, aromatherapy, etc., which are obviously not messy, but they always give people a feeling of disorganization. That’s where Storage Tray comes into play. I once helped a client renovate the entrance, and she always put keys, courier orders, and sunglasses on the entrance cabinet, which was visually very messy. Later, a wooden tray was used to store these items centrally, and the entrance instantly became neat and orderly, and it was a little more warm. The data shows that the rational use of storage trays can increase the utilization rate of small spaces such as desktops by more than 30%, and can also improve the overall style of the home.
1.3 Purpose of this article: to introduce seven stylish storage trays
There are many styles of storage trays on the market, with different materials and styles, and many people don’t know how to choose. Next, I will combine my own procurement and planning experience to recommend seven fashionable storage trays with different styles, and share the functional advantages and selection tips of storage trays to help you find the one that best suits your style.
2. Functions and advantages of storage trays
2.1 Organize the space
This is the core feature of Storage Tray. Whether it is a remote control and magazines on the coffee table in the living room, or cosmetics and jewelry on the bedroom dresser, they can be classified and stored through storage trays. For example, in the office, using a metal tray to store office supplies such as pens, paper clips, and sticky notes can keep the desktop tidy and improve work efficiency. Studies have shown that a clutter-free space can increase concentration by 25%, which is an important reason for the popularity of storage trays.
2.2 Improve aesthetics
A sophisticatedly designed Storage Tray is a decoration in itself. Pallets of different materials and styles can adapt to different home styles. For example, retro leather trays can be placed in European-style living rooms to add a sense of luxury; Hand-woven grass trays can be placed in an idyllic home to highlight the natural atmosphere. Many bloggers even use storage trays with small items such as aromatherapy, green plants, and photo frames to create a very atmospheric desktop display.
2.3 Versatility
The Storage Tray is much more practical than just storage. at breakfast, use it to serve coffee and bread, which is convenient and exquisite; When friends gather, it is more stylish to use it to hold nuts and fruits than to put them directly on the plate; When idle, it can also be used to place books, vases and other items to achieve multiple uses. I know a designer who even used large wooden trays to transform simple bookshelves, which is full of creativity.
3. Seven fashionable storage trays are recommended
The following seven recommended storage trays, covering different materials and styles, are suitable for a variety of home scenarios, all of which have been inspected and screened for quality by me, taking into account both practicality and aesthetics:
Style | Material characteristics | Adapt to style | Core strengths | Applicable scenarios |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3.1 Classic wooden pallet | Rubber wood is preferred, environmentally friendly varnish process, clear texture | Nordic, Japanese, and minimalist style | The texture is warm, the load-bearing capacity is good, and the wear resistance is durable | entrance, living room coffee table, study |
3.2 Modern metal pallets | Stainless steel/aluminum alloy with matte finish and anti-fingerprint | Industrial style, minimalist style, light luxury style | The lines are neat, moisture-proof and rust-proof, and easy to clean | Kitchen, bathroom, office |
3.3 Delicate ceramic trays | High-temperature fired ceramics with smooth glaze and some hand-painted patterns | Chinese, French, light luxury style | High appearance, delicate texture, full of style | Dressing tables, dining tables, display cases |
3.4 Vintage leather tray | High-quality PU leather/top cowhide leather, neat stitching, edge hemming | American, European, vintage style | It feels soft to the touch, has a high-end feel, and is non-slip and wear-resistant | Bedroom, living room, study |
3.5 Colored plastic pallets | Food-grade PP material, non-toxic and odorless, bright color | Nordic style, children’s room, minimalist style | Lightweight and durable, waterproof and moisture-proof, affordable | Children’s room, kitchen, bathroom |
3.6 Hand-woven grass pallet | Natural cattail/rattan, hand-woven, good breathability | Rustic, bohemian, Japanese | Natural and environmentally friendly, unique texture, good breathability | Living room, balcony, study |
3.7 Clear Acrylic Tray | High permeability acrylic, high hardness, not easy to scratch | Minimalist style, light luxury style, modern style | Invisible and versatile to highlight the item itself and easy to clean | Dressing table, bathroom, display case |
4. How to choose the right storage tray
4.1 Consider the size of the space
Before selecting a Storage Tray, measure the dimensions of the space. For example, if the entrance counter surface is small, it is suitable to choose a small tray of about 30cm×20cm; The living room coffee table has plenty of space, and you can choose a large size tray of 40cm × 30cm to store magazines, remote controls and other items. I once helped a small apartment owner choose a pallet, at first she chose a large-size wooden pallet, which looked very crowded on the small coffee table, and then replaced it with a small ceramic tray, which not only adapted to the space, but also made it more exquisite.
4.2 Choose the right material
Different trays are suitable for different scenes: in humid environments (such as bathrooms, kitchens), metal, plastic or acrylic materials are preferred, which are moisture-proof and rust-proof; In dry environments such as bedrooms and living rooms, you can choose wood, leather or woven materials to enhance the sense of warmth; It is recommended to choose food-grade plastic or natural woven materials for children’s rooms, which are safe and odor-free. In terms of durability, metal and wooden pallets last longer, up to 3-5 years on average; Plastic pallets are cost-effective and have a service life of about 1-2 years.
4.3 Combination of style and color
The style of the pallet should be unified with the overall style of the home to avoid obtrusiveness. For example, for minimalist homes, it is suitable to choose transparent acrylic or matte metal pallets; Chinese home furnishings can be made of wood or ceramic pallets with carvings. In terms of color, light colors (white, beige, log) pallets are versatile and do not choose styles; Dark (black, brown) pallets are suitable for vintage or light luxury; Colorful pallets are suitable for decorating a simple home and adding vitality.
5. Sourcing Agent Yigu’s point of view
As a senior purchasing agent, I would like to say that Storage Tray is an excellent choice for “improving the quality of your home at a low cost”. From a purchasing point of view, the core of high-quality pallets lies in the material and process – wooden pallets should look at the wood moisture content (8%-12% is optimal), metal trays should look at whether the surface treatment is in place, and ceramic trays should be checked for flaws in the glaze. It is recommended that you give priority to manufacturers with test reports when purchasing, especially trays used in food contact scenarios. In addition, in the past two years, with the rise of retro style and natural style, the procurement demand for wooden and woven pallets has increased by 40% year-on-year, which is not only suitable for a variety of styles, but also more favored by young people, and is very cost-effective.
6. FAQ FAQ
Q1: Can the Storage Tray be placed in the bathroom?
Yes, but choose the right material. Give preference to pallets made of stainless steel, plastic or acrylic, which are moisture-resistant and rust-resistant; Avoid using wood, leather or woven materials, which are easy to deform and mold in a humid environment for a long time.
Q2: What scenarios are the large and small size Storage Tray suitable for?
The large size (more than 35cm) is suitable for living room coffee tables, study desktops, and is used to store magazines, books, office supplies, etc.; The small size (under 30cm) is suitable for entrances, dressers, and bathrooms, and is used to store small items such as keys, jewelry, and skin care products.
Q3: How do I clean the Storage Tray of different materials?
Metal, plastic, acrylic trays: just wipe with a damp rag, and add a small amount of neutral detergent for stubborn stains; Wooden tray: wipe with a dry rag to avoid washing and prevent wood deformation; Leather tray: Wipe with a special leather cleaner; Woven tray: Use a brush to clean the crevices and dust, and gently pat to remove floating dust.
Q4: Can the Storage Tray be used in other scenarios besides home use?
Of course. The office can be used to store office supplies and improve the cleanliness of the desktop; coffee shops and dessert shops can be used to place tableware and desserts to enhance the texture of display; The exhibition site can be used to display small exhibits to make the display more orderly.