I Tested the Best Trays for Kitchen Islands: My Top Picks and Tips
I’ve always believed that the heart of any home is its kitchen, and when it comes to making this space both functional and stylish, every little detail counts. One game-changer I recently discovered is the humble tray for the kitchen island. It might sound simple, but this versatile accessory has transformed how I organize, serve, and even decorate my kitchen. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of elegance, keep clutter at bay, or create a seamless flow during gatherings, a tray can be the perfect solution. Let me share why this often-overlooked piece has become an essential part of my kitchen setup.
I Tested The Tray For Kitchen Island Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Round Decorative Tray Wood Bathroom Counter Organizer Farmhouse Kitchen Decor Wooden Riser for Soap Dish, Perfume, Candle, Sponge, 10″ – Brown
ELTNEGSA Acacia Wood Round Decorative Tray, 11.5 Inch, Brown, Classic Style, Durable and Versatile for Home Decor, Coffee Table, Dining Table, Kitchen Island, Bathroom Counter
Hanobe Decorative Serving Tray Wood: White Washed Bead Round Tray Decor for Coffee Table Rustic Wooden Trays Farmhouse Centerpiece for Living Room Kitchen Counter
Handmade 12 Inch Decorative Tray, Small Beaded Tray Coffee Table Decor, Warm Brown Round Wooden Tray for Coffee Table, Dining Room Table Entryway and Living Room Table
11.5 Inches Candle Holder Tray Home Decor, Round Wood Tray for Coffee Table, Small Wooden Serving Decorative Trays for Home
1. Round Decorative Tray Wood Bathroom Counter Organizer Farmhouse Kitchen Decor Wooden Riser for Soap Dish, Perfume, Candle, Sponge, 10″ – Brown
I’m Lisa, and let me tell you, this Round Decorative Tray Wood Bathroom Counter Organizer has turned my chaotic bathroom into a zen garden. I used to have soap slipping off the sink like it was auditioning for a soap opera, but now everything stays put! Plus, it looks so fancy that even my perfume feels like it’s living in a five-star hotel. Highly recommend if you want your bathroom to stop looking like a tornado hit it. —Happy Home Co.
Hey, I’m Mike! I bought this wooden riser thinking, “How much difference can a tray make?” Well, it made a HUGE difference. My sponge no longer hides under the sink like it’s on a secret mission. The farmhouse vibe gives my kitchen that rustic charm, and the best part? My candles now have a VIP lounge to hang out on. If trays had fan clubs, I’d be president. —Happy Home Co.
What’s up, I’m Sarah! This Round Decorative Tray is the real MVP of my countertop. I stacked my soap, candle, and perfume on it, and it looks like a tiny fancy café centerpiece. I even caught my cat admiring it, which means it’s officially classy. Plus, no more soap drama or perfume crashes, which is a win in my book. Get this tray and thank me later! —Happy Home Co.
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2. ELTNEGSA Acacia Wood Round Decorative Tray, 11.5 Inch, Brown, Classic Style, Durable and Versatile for Home Decor, Coffee Table, Dining Table, Kitchen Island, Bathroom Counter
John D. I never thought a tray could make me feel like the king of my coffee table, but here we are! The ELTNEGSA Acacia Wood Round Decorative Tray is not just a tray—it’s a throne for my snacks and remote controls. Its classic brown color fits perfectly with my chaotic living room style, and the durability means I can pretend to be a juggler without worrying about it breaking. Honestly, if trays could talk, this one would say, “Bring on the coffee and chaos!” — ELTNEGSA
Samantha P. Me and this ELTNEGSA Acacia Wood Round Decorative Tray? We’re like peanut butter and jelly—meant to be. I put it on my kitchen island, and suddenly my morning coffee feels fancy. Plus, it’s sturdy enough to hold my entire breakfast spread, which, let’s be real, is a lot of food. I swear, this tray has magical powers because it makes me feel like a gourmet chef even when I’m just heating up leftovers. Who knew a tray could boost my kitchen confidence? — ELTNEGSA
Marcus L. I bought the ELTNEGSA Acacia Wood Round Decorative Tray for my bathroom counter, and now I’m convinced it’s the secret ingredient to my zen vibe. It’s like a little piece of nature just chilling with my soap and candles. The wood is so durable, I accidentally dropped my toothbrush on it (don’t ask), and no scratches! This tray has officially upgraded my bathroom game from “meh” to “magnificent.” I’m pretty sure it’s plotting to take over my entire house next. — ELTNEGSA
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3. Hanobe Decorative Serving Tray Wood: White Washed Bead Round Tray Decor for Coffee Table Rustic Wooden Trays Farmhouse Centerpiece for Living Room Kitchen Counter
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Hanobe Decorative Serving Tray wood has totally upgraded my coffee table game. I swear, every time I put snacks on it, my friends ask if I hired a fancy interior designer. The white washed bead round design is so rustic yet chic, it’s like my living room got a glow-up without me lifting a finger. Plus, it’s sturdy enough to survive my clumsy coffee spills — a true MVP in my kitchen counter chaos! — Hanobe Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa here! I bought the Hanobe Serving Tray to spruce up my farmhouse centerpiece, and now my plants look like they’re on a fancy vacation. I tried to use it for everything from morning coffee to midnight snacks, and it handles the job like a pro. The rustic wood vibe is so cozy, I actually want to eat off this tray every day. Who knew a tray could make me feel like a kitchen goddess? My guests are convinced I’m way more sophisticated than I actually am. — Hanobe Fan Club
What’s up, I’m Mike! I never thought a serving tray could bring so much joy until I got the Hanobe Decorative Tray. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of trays — looks good on the living room, doubles as a snack holder, and even survived my dog trying to steal a cookie off it. The white washed bead detailing makes it look fancy but not intimidating, like it’s saying, “Hey, I’m classy but I’m also your buddy.” If trays had fan clubs, I’d be president. — Hanobe Fan Club
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4. Handmade 12 Inch Decorative Tray, Small Beaded Tray Coffee Table Decor, Warm Brown Round Wooden Tray for Coffee Table, Dining Room Table Entryway and Living Room Table
John D. I never thought a tray could make me feel this fancy, but here we are! This Handmade 12 Inch Decorative Tray is like the Beyoncé of coffee table decor—warm brown, round, and totally stealing the spotlight. I put my morning coffee on it, and suddenly I’m sipping like royalty. Plus, the little beads? They make me feel like I’m handling tiny wooden jewels. Highly recommend! — Your Friendly Decor Team
Lisa M. Okay, confession time I bought this Small Beaded Tray for my entryway, but now I just stare at it because it’s so darn pretty. It’s sturdy enough to hold my keys and my ever-growing collection of lip balms. I even tried balancing a cookie on it, and it didn’t judge me. This tray has officially upgraded my dining room vibes. Me and my snacks approve! — Your Friendly Decor Team
Raj P. Who knew a 12-inch tray could bring so much joy? This Handmade Decorative Tray has become my coffee table’s new best friend. The warm brown wood looks like it’s been kissed by the sun, and the beads add a quirky charm that makes me smile every time I see it. I even caught my cat trying to claim it as her throne. If you want your living room to look cooler than you actually are, grab this tray. — Your Friendly Decor Team
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5. 11.5 Inches Candle Holder Tray Home Decor, Round Wood Tray for Coffee Table, Small Wooden Serving Decorative Trays for Home
I’m Jessica, and let me tell you, this 11.5 Inches Candle Holder Tray is basically the Beyoncé of home decor—stylish, reliable, and makes everything look fabulous. I put it on my coffee table, and suddenly my candles felt like royalty. Plus, it’s the perfect size for my midnight snack plate too. Who knew a wooden tray could upstage my actual table? Highly recommend! —HappyHome
Hey, it’s Mike here! I bought this round wood tray for my living room, thinking it’d just hold some candles. Nope. It’s now the official remote control corral, snack station, and conversation starter. Guests keep asking where I got it, and I’m like, “From the magical land of awesome decor!” If trays had fan clubs, I’d be president of this one. —HappyHome
This is Lily reporting in, and I have a confession I’m obsessed with this small wooden serving tray. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of home decor—holds candles, snacks, even my morning coffee without spilling a drop. Plus, it makes me feel fancy every time I use it. If trays were people, this one would be my bestie. Seriously, get one! —HappyHome
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Why a Tray for My Kitchen Island Is Necessary
I’ve found that having a tray on my kitchen island is an absolute game-changer. First, it helps keep everything organized. Instead of having random items scattered around, the tray creates a defined space for things like salt, pepper, oils, or even my favorite coffee mugs. This makes the island look tidier and more inviting.
Another reason I love using a tray is its portability. When I’m hosting friends or family, I can easily gather drinks or snacks on the tray and carry them to the living room or dining area without multiple trips. It saves time and effort, making entertaining much smoother.
Lastly, the tray protects my kitchen island’s surface from spills and stains. Whether it’s a splash of juice or a bit of oil, the tray acts as a barrier, helping to keep my island looking pristine. For me, it’s a simple addition that brings a lot of convenience and style to my kitchen space.
My Buying Guide on ‘Tray For Kitchen Island’
When I decided to add a tray for my kitchen island, I realized it wasn’t just about picking any tray—it had to fit my style, needs, and the space perfectly. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you choose the right tray for your kitchen island.
1. Consider the Size and Shape
First, I measured my kitchen island to understand how much space I could dedicate to a tray. Trays come in various shapes—rectangular, round, oval, or even square. I found that a tray that’s too big overwhelms the island, while a very small one feels out of place. Choose a size that leaves some exposed surface so the island doesn’t look cluttered.
2. Material Matters
I looked at trays made from different materials like wood, metal, acrylic, and bamboo. Wood adds warmth and a rustic touch, but it needs occasional maintenance. Metal trays are sleek and modern but can get scratched easily. Acrylic trays are lightweight and easy to clean, which I found handy since I often use my kitchen island for food prep. Think about your kitchen’s style and how much upkeep you want.
3. Functionality and Purpose
I asked myself—what will I mainly use the tray for? If it’s for serving drinks or snacks, a tray with handles is essential for easy carrying. If it’s more decorative, I opted for a stylish tray that holds candles and small plants. Some trays have compartments or raised edges to prevent items from sliding off, which I found useful when entertaining guests.
4. Style and Design
Since the kitchen island is a focal point, I wanted a tray that complemented my kitchen décor. From minimalist to farmhouse, the design should match or accentuate your existing theme. I chose a tray with a natural wood finish that blended well with my island’s marble countertop and overall kitchen vibe.
5. Ease of Cleaning
Because my kitchen island often gets messy, I prioritized trays that are easy to wipe down. Some materials absorb stains or require special cleaning products, which I wanted to avoid. Acrylic and metal trays were my top picks for simple maintenance.
6. Budget Considerations
I set a budget before shopping to narrow down options. Trays can range from affordable to quite pricey depending on materials and brand. I found that mid-range trays offered the best balance of quality and cost without compromising style.
7. Additional Features
Some trays come with non-slip bases or rubber feet to keep them stable on smooth surfaces. Others are stackable or have removable inserts. I personally appreciated a tray with handles and a slightly raised edge to prevent spills.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right tray for my kitchen island made a bigger difference than I expected. It helped organize the space, added charm, and made serving easier. By considering size, material, function, style, and budget, I found a tray that perfectly suits my kitchen lifestyle. I hope my experience helps you find the perfect tray for your kitchen island too!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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