10 Creative Ways to Style Small Acrylic Trays at Home

You know those moments when you want your home to look stylish but also need a little help keeping things in order? That’s where a small tray comes in handy. Acrylic trays give your space a modern touch while staying lightweight and shatter-resistant. You can choose a clear acrylic tray for a clean, airy vibe or pick one with bold colors and patterns to make a statement. Many people love how easy these trays are to clean—just use mild soap and a soft cloth. Whether you use an acrylic trinket dish or a larger tray, you’ll find creative ways to bring both function and style to every corner of your home.

• Why do so many people reach for acrylic?

• Lightweight yet durable

• Modern, see-through look fits any home

• Shatter-resistant and water-friendly

• Easy to personalize with colors or finishes

Entryway Catch-All

A small acrylic tray in your entryway can make a big difference. You walk in the door, and instead of tossing your things everywhere, you have a neat spot for everything. This simple catch-all keeps your space tidy and helps you find what you need fast.

Keys and Mail

You probably know the feeling—digging through your bag or pockets for your keys. With a catch-all tray by the door, you always know where your keys are. Just drop them in the tray as soon as you get home. Many home organizers say keys, wallets, and mail are the most common things people leave near the door. If you add a small section or divider, you can even sort your mail right away. Bills, letters, and flyers stay in one spot, so nothing gets lost.

Tip: Place a small notepad in your catch-all tray. Jot down reminders or shopping lists as you come and go!

Sunglasses and Essentials

Sunglasses, headphones, and even spare change often end up scattered around the entryway. A clear acrylic tray keeps these essentials visible and easy to grab. You can see everything at a glance, so you never forget your sunglasses on a sunny day. Some families use labeled bins for scarves or gloves, but a catch-all tray works great for smaller items you use every day.

• Acrylic trays help you:

• Maximize space in small entryways

• Keep things organized and easy to find

• Maintain a clean, modern look

Compared to bulky baskets or boxes, a small tray looks sleek and doesn’t take up much room. You get a clutter-free entryway that feels welcoming every time you walk in.

Vanity Tray

A vanity tray can turn your bathroom or bedroom into a stylish spot that feels special every day. You get a place for your favorite things, and your space looks neat and modern. Many people love using a colorful acrylic tray because it adds a pop of color and keeps everything organized.

Perfume and Jewelry

You probably have a few perfumes and jewelry pieces you reach for all the time. A tray helps you keep them in one spot, so you never have to search for your favorite necklace or ring. Place your perfume bottles and jewelry on a minimalistic tray for a clean, modern look. Some people like mirrored trays because they reflect light and make your jewelry sparkle. Others choose round silver trays for a touch of glamour. If you want something fun, try a colorful tray that matches your room. You can even use a small dish on the tray for rings or earrings.

Tip: Arrange your jewelry by type—necklaces, bracelets, and rings—so you can grab what you need fast.

Here’s a quick way to organize your vanity tray:

Makeup Organizer

Acrylic trays work great for makeup, too. You can see all your products at a glance, so you never forget your favorite lip gloss. Use a tray to group your daily makeup, brushes, and even a small mirror. Some people use tiered trays to separate skincare from makeup. If you love color, pick a colorful tray that makes your vanity feel bright and happy. You can even add a small plant or candle for a cozy touch.

• Why use a vanity tray for makeup?

• Keeps counters clutter-free

• Makes morning routines faster

• Adds a modern, stylish vibe

A vanity tray helps you stay organized and brings a little luxury to your daily routine.

Coffee Table Display

Books and Remotes

Your coffee table often becomes a landing spot for everything—books, remotes, and even snacks. A small acrylic tray can help you keep things tidy and stylish. Place your favorite books in a neat stack inside the tray. This gives your table a grounded look and keeps things from feeling messy. You can also add your remotes to the tray. Now, you always know where to find them when you want to watch TV.

Tip: Don’t fill the tray with too many things. Leave some space so your table doesn’t look crowded.

Try mixing up the heights of your items. Stack a couple of books, then place a small remote box or container next to them. This makes your display more interesting. You can also add a coaster for your drinks. When you use a tray, you create a special spot for your daily items. Your coffee table looks organized, and you can still use the rest of the surface for snacks or games.

• Here’s how you can style your tray:

1. Stack two or three books for height.

2. Add a remote control box or just place the remotes neatly.

3. Leave some open space for a clean look.

4. Choose a tray that matches your table for a stylish touch.

Flowers and Decor

Want to make your living room feel fresh? Add a small vase of flowers to your tray. Flowers bring color and life to your coffee table. You can also use a candle or a tiny plant for a cozy vibe. These little touches make your decor feel personal and inviting.

Keep your decor simple. Too many things can make the tray look cluttered. Pick one or two special items, like a pretty candle or a small sculpture. Change your decor with the seasons. Try a pumpkin in the fall or a bright flower in the spring. This keeps your coffee table looking new and fun all year.

Note: Swapping out decor is an easy way to refresh your space without much effort.

A small acrylic tray helps you group your favorite decor pieces. Your coffee table stays neat, and your living room feels welcoming every day.

Desk Organizer

Office Supplies

A messy desk can make it hard to focus. You want a workspace that feels calm and helps you get things done. That’s where a small acrylic tray comes in handy. Place one on your desk, and you’ll see how easy it is to keep pens, paper clips, and sticky notes in order. The clear material lets you spot what you need right away, so you don’t waste time searching for supplies.

• Acrylic trays help you:

• See everything at a glance

• Keep your workspace looking neat

• Store lots of different items, from markers to thumbtacks

You can even stack trays to save space. Some people like to use one tray for writing tools and another for small gadgets. Acrylic trays are tough and won’t break easily, so you can use them every day without worry. Cleaning is simple—just wipe with a damp cloth. If you want your desk to look extra sharp, pick a tray that matches your style or even add your name for a personal touch.

Tip: Group similar items together in each tray. This makes it easier to grab what you need and keeps your desk clutter-free.

Notepads and Magazines

Notepads and magazines often end up in piles on your desk. With a small acrylic tray, you can keep them tidy and easy to reach. The tray’s clear sides let you see your favorite notebook or the latest magazine cover without digging through a stack. Some trays come with dividers, so you can stand up your notepads or sort magazines by topic.

Acrylic trays work better than bulky organizers because you can stack them or slide them into a corner. This saves space and keeps your desk looking open. You can even use a tray as a mini reading station—just add your notepad, a pen, and a magazine. Now, everything you need for a quick break is right there.

A well-organized desk organizer helps you stay focused and makes your workspace feel inviting. When your supplies and reading materials have a home, you spend less time searching and more time creating.

Bathroom Organizer

A small acrylic tray can make your bathroom feel calm and organized. You know how easy it is for bottles and brushes to take over the counter. With a tray, you give everything a home and keep your space looking fresh.

Toiletries

You probably use the same few products every morning. Toothpaste, face wash, and lotion often end up scattered across the sink. A clear tray helps you group these daily essentials together. You see what you need right away, so you never waste time searching. The tray keeps your countertop neat and stops things from spreading out.

Here’s how a small acrylic tray helps you keep your bathroom tidy:

• Groups your daily-use items in one spot

• Makes it easy to grab what you need

• Keeps the counter clear and stress-free

• Helps you clean up faster at night

• Fits small spaces without looking crowded

• Adds a touch of style to your bathroom

Tip: Only keep the products you use every day on your tray. Store extras in a drawer or cabinet.

You can even match your tray to your bathroom colors. Some people like a clear look, while others pick a tray with a pop of color. Either way, your bathroom feels more put together.

Hair Accessories

Hair ties, brushes, and clips love to hide in every corner. You can use a small tray as a simple organizer for all your hair accessories. Place your brushes on one side and keep clips or bands in a small cup or dish on the tray. Now, you always know where to find what you need.

Try this easy setup:

A tray keeps your hair tools from rolling away or getting lost. You spend less time searching and more time getting ready. Your bathroom stays neat, and you feel more relaxed every morning.

Nightstand Tray

A nightstand tray can make your bedside area feel calm and organized. You want to keep your essentials close, but you also want your space to look neat. A small acrylic tray helps you do both. It gives everything a home, so you can find what you need, even in the dark.

Glasses and Chargers

Do you ever lose your glasses or phone charger at night? You can fix that with a simple tray on your nightstand. Place your glasses in the tray before you go to sleep. You will always know where they are in the morning. Your charger can sit right next to them, ready for your phone or tablet.

Many people also keep other items on their nightstand trays, such as:

• Alarm clocks

• Candles or mini perfume bottles

• Nighttime skincare products

• Hand lotion

• A small reading lamp

Tip: Use a tray to keep cords from tangling. You can add a small cup or box inside the tray for tiny items like hair ties or earbuds.

Acrylic trays make it easy to see everything at a glance. You do not have to dig through drawers or search under the bed. Your essentials stay in one spot, and your nightstand looks tidy.

Reading Materials

If you love to read before bed, your nightstand tray can help you keep your books and magazines organized. Stack your current book or e-reader in the tray. Add a notepad or bookmark so you never lose your place. Some people even use their tray for a cup of tea or a small vase with flowers to make bedtime feel special.

Here is a simple way to set up your nightstand tray:

A tray keeps your reading area neat and makes it easy to grab your book when you want to relax. You can also use the tray for sentimental items, like a photo frame or a souvenir from a trip. This adds a personal touch to your space and helps you end your day on a happy note.

Kitchen Counter Tray

A kitchen counter can get messy fast. You cook, you snack, and things pile up. A small acrylic tray helps you keep everything in order and makes your kitchen look neat. The clear design lets you see what you have, so you never lose track of your favorite items. You can use a tray to group things you use every day, making your kitchen feel organized and easy to use.

Oils and Spices

You probably reach for oils and spices every time you cook. If you leave them scattered, your counter looks cluttered. Try placing your olive oil, salt, pepper, and favorite seasonings together on a tray near the stove. This way, you grab what you need in seconds. The tray keeps bottles from tipping over and stops spills from spreading.

Here are some items you can organize on your kitchen tray:

• Cooking oils (olive oil, vegetable oil)

• Salt and pepper shakers

• Favorite spices or seasoning blends

• Small bottles of vinegar or soy sauce

Tip: Wipe your tray once a week to keep it looking fresh and clean.

A tray also makes it easy to move everything at once if you need more counter space. You just pick up the tray and set it aside.

Utensils

Cooking tools like wooden spoons and spatulas often end up all over the counter. You can use a tray to keep them together in a large utensil holder. Place the holder on the tray, then add a few other tools you use often, like a whisk or tongs. This setup keeps your tools handy and your counter tidy.

Here’s a simple way to organize your utensils:

Acrylic trays work well because they are sturdy and easy to clean. You can also use them for dishwashing supplies or even set up a small coffee station. With a tray, your kitchen stays organized, and you always know where to find what you need.

Bar Cart Accent

A bar cart can turn any corner of your home into a fun and stylish spot. You do not need a big space to create a cool drink station. A small acrylic tray helps you keep everything neat and easy to find. You can use it to show off your favorite glasses and tools. Your bar cart will look organized and ready for any party.

Glassware

You want your guests to feel special when they grab a drink. Place your best glasses on a tray to make them stand out. You can line up wine glasses, tumblers, or even cute mason jars. The clear acrylic lets the colors and shapes of your glassware shine. Try grouping glasses by type or size. This makes it easy to grab the right one for each drink.

Here’s a simple way to arrange your glassware:

Tip: Add a small cloth napkin or coaster under the glasses. This keeps the tray clean and adds a touch of style.

You can also use the tray to hold a small ice bucket or a few colorful straws. Your bar cart will look bright and inviting.

Cocktail Tools

Every great bar cart needs the right tools. You can use a cocktail tray to keep your shaker, jigger, and bottle opener in one spot. Place your tools on the tray so you can grab them fast when mixing drinks. You might want to add a small bowl for lemon wedges or a dish for cocktail picks.

Here are some tools you can organize on your tray:

• Shaker

• Jigger

• Strainer

• Bottle opener

• Stirring spoon

Note: Keep your tools clean and dry. Wipe the tray after each use to keep it looking fresh.

A small tray helps you keep your bar cart tidy. You will always know where your tools are, and your drink station will look ready for fun.

Kids’ Room Organizer

A kids’ room can get messy fast. You want to help your child stay organized, but you also want things to look fun and easy to use. A small acrylic tray can make a big difference. It keeps art supplies and toys in one spot, so your child can find what they need and put things away quickly.

Art Supplies

Kids love to create. Markers, crayons, and colored pencils often end up all over the floor. You can use a clear tray to sort these supplies by type or color. This makes it easy for your child to grab what they want and start drawing right away. You might even notice your child spends more time making art when everything is easy to see.

Here are some art supplies you can organize with a tray:

• Markers

• Crayons

• Colored pencils

• Paintbrushes

• Acrylic paint

• Glue sticks

• Popsicle sticks

• Blunted scissors

• Paper

Tip: Place the tray on a low shelf or table. Your child can reach their supplies without help and learn to clean up on their own.

A tray with sections or small cups works well for sorting. You can even label each part for extra help. This setup keeps the art area neat and inspires creativity.

Small Toys

Small toys can take over a room if you let them. You can use a tray to group play dough, blocks, or miniature cooking sets. Clear trays help your child see what’s inside, so they don’t dump everything out to find one toy. This saves time and keeps the room tidy.

Try organizing these small toys in a tray:

• Play dough and tool kits

• Building blocks (walls, windows, trees, vehicles)

• Miniature cooking utensils

• Kinetic sand in shallow bins

• Dolls and dollhouse accessories (blankets, bottles, medical kits)

• Small play sets like a jail set

A tray makes it easy to move toys from one spot to another. Your child can carry their favorite set to the table or living room. When playtime ends, everything goes back in the tray. You get a cleaner room, and your child learns good habits.

Note: Rotate the toys in the tray every week. This keeps things fresh and exciting for your child.

Creative Ways to Personalize Trays

You can turn any plain acrylic tray into a showstopper with a few creative ways to personalize it. These projects are fun, easy, and let you match your tray to your favorite decor. If you want to add a pop of color or make your tray stand out, you have plenty of options.

DIY Acrylic Trays

One of the most popular creative ways to make your own diy acrylic trays is by using Mod Podge and scrapbook or wrapping paper. Cut the paper to fit your tray, brush Mod Podge on the outside, and smooth the paper down. After it dries, seal it with another layer of Mod Podge. You can even add vinyl stickers or adhesive designs for extra flair. This method works well for beginners and lets you pick from lots of colorful patterns.

If you want a textured look, try adding gold studs around the edges. This trendy idea gives your tray a stylish, modern feel. You can also repurpose an acrylic box frame as a tray. Just lay it flat and decorate the inside with polka dot decals or other colorful shapes. These creative ways help you make a unique tray for any room.

Decorative Paper and Decals

Decorative paper and decals offer more creative ways to spruce up your trays. Use scrapbook paper, glitter paper, or even wrapping paper for a colorful background. Vinyl decals stick well to acrylic and last a long time. You can find commercial-grade vinyl in matte or glossy finishes, so your tray stays both pretty and durable.

Painting is another option. Use paint made for plastic or acrylic, and spray in even coats. Remove any tape while the paint is still tacky to avoid peeling. Finish with a clear glaze spray to seal the edges and keep your tray looking new. These ways to spruce them up let you create a colorful acrylic tray that matches your style.

With all these creative ways, you can turn a simple acrylic tray into a colorful accent for your home. Try different colors, patterns, and textures until you find the perfect look. Your tray will become a favorite piece of decor that shows off your personality.

Small acrylic trays bring so much to your home. You get a modern look, easy cleaning, and endless ways to organize every room. These trays are lightweight, sturdy, and fit any style you love. You can try quick DIY projects with simple supplies to match your space. Remember to avoid overstuffing and keep up with gentle cleaning for the best results. Want to share your own tray ideas? Drop your favorite home styling tips in the comments!

FAQ

How do I clean my acrylic tray without scratching it?

Use a soft cloth and mild soap. Avoid rough sponges or harsh cleaners. Rinse with water and dry with a microfiber towel. This keeps your tray clear and shiny.

Can I use acrylic trays in the bathroom?

Yes! Acrylic trays work great in bathrooms. They resist water and do not rust. You can organize toiletries, makeup, or hair accessories. Just wipe them dry if they get wet.

What size tray should I pick for my space?

Measure your space first. For a nightstand or vanity, choose a small tray. For a coffee table or kitchen, a medium tray works well. Make sure the tray fits without crowding your items.

Will acrylic trays turn yellow over time?

High-quality acrylic stays clear for years. Keep your tray out of direct sunlight to prevent yellowing. Clean it often to keep it looking new.

Can I stack acrylic trays for more storage?

You can stack trays if they have flat bottoms. Stacking saves space on desks or shelves. Just make sure the trays are stable so nothing falls over.