Easy Ottoman Tray Styling Tips and Ideas that Really Work

One of our favorite things about ottomans is that they're the perfect place to stash shoes or extra blankets. But we've also found that they work great as a tray for holding drinks, snacks, and other decor items. They're especially handy when you need to make last-minute changes to your space! We've rounded up some of our favorite ottoman styling ideas below—plus how-tos on getting them done yourself.

Why Use an Ottoman Tray?

Ottoman trays are a versatile addition to any home. They are perfect for serving drinks, food and more!

• Use an ottoman tray to serve drinks at your next party or get together. Place your beverage on the tray and place it in the living room for easy access by all of your guests.
• Serve appetizers or desserts on an ottoman tray instead of using plates or bowls that will just get in the way of conversation while you're eating.
• Use an ottoman tray as additional storage space in small apartments, where there isn't enough room for large pieces of furniture like dressers and bookshelves but still need somewhere to put things like blankets or toys (or even just when you need some extra storage).

Ottoman Tray Materials

Ottoman trays come in a variety of materials. The most popular are leather, fabric, and wood. Leather is the most durable material but tends to be more expensive than other options. Fabrics can be made from cotton or linen and are often used for decorative purposes only--they aren't ideal for heavy use, because they may not hold up well over time. Wood is the most versatile option; it's lightweight enough to carry around easily but sturdy enough to withstand daily use without breaking down too quickly (unlike fabric).

How to Style a Tufted Ottoman

You may have a tufted ottoman that you are looking to style. This is one of the easiest ways to do it! The key is finding the right tray.

• Use a tray with texture and interest: If you have an unconventional or textured tray, this can be really fun for styling your tufted ottoman. You want something with some pattern or color, so it doesn't blend into the background too much.
• Add color and pattern: An oversized white ceramic bowl would also work well here, because it's neutral enough not to distract from other elements on display but still provides some visual interest with its curves and edges (and maybe even a little bit of shine).
• Create an interesting shape: Lastly, if all else fails just go ahead and use whatever random object happens to be lying around in your house at any given moment--a piece of driftwood found while walking along the beach might make for an interesting base beneath a colorful rug!