A Place Called Home - Your Native Range — ottoman trays

Picking the right stain color for an ottoman tray might seem like a small detail, but it can completely change the look and feel of your space. The tray often sits front and center in your living room, so the color you choose should work with your furniture, lighting, and overall style. Here are a few practical tips to help you get it just right.

1. Think About Contrast with Your Ottoman

One of the easiest ways to make your tray stand out is by playing with contrast. A lighter tray on a dark ottoman instantly brightens the space and draws the eye in. On the flip side, a dark tray on a light ottoman (think walnut or espresso against beige or cream) creates a rich, bold focal point.

The main thing to avoid is picking a stain that’s almost the same color as your ottoman. When the tones are just slightly off, it can look like you tried to match but missed by a shade. A clear contrast almost always looks more intentional and stylish.

2. Make Sure It Fits the Room

Next, consider how the tray’s color fits into the rest of the room. It doesn’t have to match every piece of furniture, but it should tie in with at least one or two elements—like your floors, side tables, shelving, or accent colors. This connection makes the tray feel like it belongs, rather than something that was just dropped into the space.

For example, if you have warm wood tones on your floors, choosing a warm stain like golden oak or walnut can help the tray blend seamlessly. If your space is more modern with cool tones, a natural or whitewashed finish might be a better fit.

3. Consider the Lighting in the Room

Lighting plays a huge role in how wood tones look. In darker rooms, a lighter stain helps brighten things up and keeps the space from feeling heavy. In well-lit rooms with lots of natural light, darker trays can add depth and warmth.

A quick trick is to place a few wood samples on your ottoman and look at them throughout the day. Morning, afternoon, and evening light can change how the color reads, so testing before deciding can save you a lot of second guessing later.

4. Handles or No Handles?

While the stain color is the star of the show, handles are worth a quick thought. If you plan to move the tray around a lot—for serving food or drinks—handles make it way easier to carry. They also give the tray a more classic, decorative look.

If your tray will mostly stay in one spot as a centerpiece, skipping the handles gives you a cleaner, more modern aesthetic and a bit more usable surface area. Neither option is wrong—it just depends on how you’ll use it and the style you like.

Bringing It All Together

Choosing the right stain color for your ottoman tray comes down to a mix of contrast, cohesion, and lighting. Once you dial in those three elements, everything else falls into place. Whether you go with a bright natural finish or a deep, dramatic walnut, the right tray can instantly elevate the look of your living room.

Let’s face it: ottomans are cozy and stylish, but they don’t exactly make great surfaces for your coffee, snacks, or remote. That’s where our handcrafted wooden ottoman tray comes in—and why it’s become one of the most-loved pieces from our woodshop.

This oversized tray isn’t just a pretty face. It’s built for everyday living. Whether you're enjoying breakfast in front of the TV, hosting friends for drinks, or just need a flat surface to rest your laptop, this tray transforms any cushioned ottoman into a functional tabletop.

Here’s why customers keep raving about it:

Sturdy and Spacious

We design our trays with wide dimensions and solid wood construction, so you can carry everything from mugs and plates to remotes, books, and candles without worrying about tipping or sliding.

Handmade Character

Each tray is handcrafted in our shop using real wood—not MDF or veneer. That means you get unique grain patterns, warm stain tones, and old-school craftsmanship you can feel.

Built-In Lip for Security

The raised edges help keep items from slipping off, which makes it perfect for busy homes with kids, pets, or just a lot of movement.

It Looks Good

Let’s be real: even functional things should be beautiful. The rustic-modern aesthetic of our tray adds warmth and texture to your space. It looks just as good holding coffee and pastries as it does staging candles and flowers.

Made for Real Life

The ottoman tray in the photo above? That’s not a showroom. That’s real life—coffee tumbler, syrup bottle, snack plate, and all. It’s proof that this tray fits naturally into your day-to-day rhythm.

If you're tired of balancing dinner on your lap or reaching for a wobbly side table, this might be your new favorite home upgrade. And unlike mass-produced trays, ours are made one at a time with attention to detail and built to last.

Ottomans are versatile pieces of furniture that can serve various purposes. They are practical for resting your feet, providing extra seating, and even storage in some cases. However, they may not be the most functional when you want to place food and drinks or need to work on your laptop. That is where an ottoman tray comes in handy! 

Blog Body:
An ottoman tray is a wooden tray designed to fit perfectly on top of your ottoman. It can transform the ottoman into a table, providing you with a flat surface to place items and make them more accessible. You can use it to hold food and drinks while entertaining guests or working on your computer. With an ottoman tray, you will no longer have to worry about balancing your drink or spilling food on your furniture!

One of the benefits of an ottoman tray is that it can enhance the look and feel of your living space. It comes in various sizes and colors, making it easy to match your decor and select the perfect size for your ottoman. Wooden trays can give your space a rustic, earthy feel, while metallic trays can add a modern touch.

The ottoman tray is also a practical solution for those who live in small apartments or have limited space. It serves as a dual-purpose piece of furniture, saving you space and money. Instead of purchasing a separate coffee table, you can use your ottoman with a tray to create a table that can be easily stored away when not in use.

Cleaning an ottoman tray is also easy and hassle-free. Simply wipe it down with a damp cloth or mild cleaner to remove any spills or stains. You can also use it to display decorative items such as books, candles, or plants when not in use. It is a versatile accessory that can complement any decor.

An ottoman tray is a practical and stylish addition to any living space. It adds function to your ottoman and helps you create a table when you need it. It comes in a variety of sizes and colors to match your decor and can be easily cleaned. Whether you live in a small apartment or just want to add a touch of elegance to your home, an ottoman tray is a smart investment. Choose one today and enjoy your enhanced living space!