8 Ways to Turn Your Clutter Tray Into a Feature, Not an Eyesore
Get your odds and ends in order with these stylish ideas
Most of us have a clutter tray. It’s that place where we shove our post or those bits and pieces that don’t quite fit anywhere else – lengths of ribbon, scissors, odd screws. But if we’re not careful, they can spread beyond the tray and cover an entire dining table, the top of a piano or a dressing table.
So, given that we’re human and don’t want to spend our entire day filing paperwork or hardware, how can we disguise our clutter trays? Try these ideas to make a start.
So, given that we’re human and don’t want to spend our entire day filing paperwork or hardware, how can we disguise our clutter trays? Try these ideas to make a start.
Fall for a cubbyhole
Is your post out of control? Even in these supposedly paperless times, many of us still acquire far too much of it.
Think about investing in an old-fashioned letter rack. You could pick up an attractive design to perch on top of your hallway console table, or go for something bespoke like this clever series of pigeon-holes recessed into the wall.
Is your post out of control? Even in these supposedly paperless times, many of us still acquire far too much of it.
Think about investing in an old-fashioned letter rack. You could pick up an attractive design to perch on top of your hallway console table, or go for something bespoke like this clever series of pigeon-holes recessed into the wall.
Hook it up
Dressing tables are another classic clutter hotspot. If yours is full of tangles of jewellery and other bits and bobs, try copying this solution. A mini tray has been stacked with cute boxes, but the genius bit is combining it with hooks above – the necklaces look pretty and are super-easy to find.
Dressing tables are another classic clutter hotspot. If yours is full of tangles of jewellery and other bits and bobs, try copying this solution. A mini tray has been stacked with cute boxes, but the genius bit is combining it with hooks above – the necklaces look pretty and are super-easy to find.
Work with wood
Large, shallow wooden trays are a classic design. Take inspiration from this table and spread your belongings out on two or three trays, rather than stuffing everything onto one.
If you have a surface that tends to be dominated by odds and ends, then make it a home for other curios for an eclectic vibe. Here, vivid flowers, vases and mini sculptures help create an arty, relaxed effect.
Large, shallow wooden trays are a classic design. Take inspiration from this table and spread your belongings out on two or three trays, rather than stuffing everything onto one.
If you have a surface that tends to be dominated by odds and ends, then make it a home for other curios for an eclectic vibe. Here, vivid flowers, vases and mini sculptures help create an arty, relaxed effect.
Go for a rack
Wall-mounted magazine racks look stylish and can make great in-trays for post. Choose one with several pockets so you can organise your paperwork into ‘urgent’ and ‘deal with it later’.
Don’t have built-in alcove shelving? Try these alternatives
Wall-mounted magazine racks look stylish and can make great in-trays for post. Choose one with several pockets so you can organise your paperwork into ‘urgent’ and ‘deal with it later’.
Don’t have built-in alcove shelving? Try these alternatives
Tuck it in a basket (or three)
Kitchens are where everyday debris tends to accumulate, from rubber bands to packets of seeds. Wicker works with most kitchen styles, so invest in some deep baskets to disguise all manner of clutter sins.
Here, three in a row in a console unit is a great solution and these blackboard labels help to easily identify the contents. Make your own using blackboard paint and stiff card.
Kitchens are where everyday debris tends to accumulate, from rubber bands to packets of seeds. Wicker works with most kitchen styles, so invest in some deep baskets to disguise all manner of clutter sins.
Here, three in a row in a console unit is a great solution and these blackboard labels help to easily identify the contents. Make your own using blackboard paint and stiff card.
Transfer it to a pegboard
If your clutter tray is overflowing, consider arranging its contents vertically instead. Buy a sheet of pegboard from your local DIY shop and mount it on your wall as a design feature.
Here, the owners have painted wall-to-wall pegboard in a rich blue, which acts as a bright backdrop to colourful knick-knacks and stationery. The assortment of mini baskets and wire racks helps to stylishly accommodate everything from pencils to paper and ribbon.
Check out this office and craft room in one
If your clutter tray is overflowing, consider arranging its contents vertically instead. Buy a sheet of pegboard from your local DIY shop and mount it on your wall as a design feature.
Here, the owners have painted wall-to-wall pegboard in a rich blue, which acts as a bright backdrop to colourful knick-knacks and stationery. The assortment of mini baskets and wire racks helps to stylishly accommodate everything from pencils to paper and ribbon.
Check out this office and craft room in one
Bring in a bold colour
Approach everything with a stylist’s eye and even everyday things will look more appealing. Crucially, don’t shy away from colour. This bold orange mini tray, teamed with an orange storage box, cheers up this desk no end.
Add a couple of mini vases with bright blooms and your home office will turn from dreary to delightful in a flash.
Tell us…
Do you have a clutter tray? How do you keep it organised? Share your ideas in the Comments section.
Approach everything with a stylist’s eye and even everyday things will look more appealing. Crucially, don’t shy away from colour. This bold orange mini tray, teamed with an orange storage box, cheers up this desk no end.
Add a couple of mini vases with bright blooms and your home office will turn from dreary to delightful in a flash.
Tell us…
Do you have a clutter tray? How do you keep it organised? Share your ideas in the Comments section.
There’s something about a simple, utilitarian wirework tray that’s inherently pleasing, and helps to turn the humblest of contents into a stylish display. This one looks like a piece of art rather than a home for scissors, tape and tea bags.
The key is not to overfill it so you can still appreciate the wiry wonders of its design. Here, the mini trays inside it keep things organised. There are lots of wirework in-trays around, but for extra character, go for a vintage-style design.