This post shows you 16 beautiful bar trays that look even better than bar carts.
Do you LOVE the idea of creating a home bar, but don’t have much space to spare? Look no further, I’ve got the solution for you: a stylish but compact bar tray.
Recently, bar trays have been surging in popularity in the home decor world. A bar tray has unique benefits that the more well-known bar cart simply can’t offer.
First, the most obvious benefit is that bar trays are much smaller and more portable. For bar carts, you need to find an open space to park your cart semi-permanently. However, you could move your bar tray to a new location at the drop of a hat. This comes in handy if you plan on changing your furniture layout frequently!
Second, bar trays force you to edit, à la Marie Kondo. You simply do not have space for hoarding. This forces you to focus on the essentials and only display the bar supplies you frequently reach for.
Last but not least, bar trays are cheaper and therefore easier to swap out if you want to switch up the look of your home bar. You can also re-purpose an old bar tray as a coffee tray, serving tray, or even vanity tray for perfume or other beauty products.
If you’re now convinced of the merits of the underrated bar tray, let’s dive into 16 different examples that would look fabulous for your home bar. I’ve categorized these bar trays into 4 distinct styles for your browsing convenience:
Classic Elegance:
1. Metal Railing Bar Tray
The bar tray with an angular, metal railing is a classic option that exudes glamour, sophistication, and a bit of art deco nostalgia. Style it with some gold barware, fancy crystal decanters, and vintage framed black and white photographs and you have yourself an upscale, sophisticated home bar nook.
They look good with almost every interior design style thanks to their simplistic, elegant design. However, they are particularly well suited for ultra plush, luxurious, “lounge-like” interiors à la Kelly Wearstler.
These trays don’t have to be expensive either – you can find trays in this style on Etsy and Amazon for less than $30!
2. Marble Bar Tray
A marble bar tray is an ultra luxe, elegant option. Accessorize with some flowers in glass vases, a luxurious candle, and a vintage black and white photograph and you’ll have a bar nook exuding sophisticated, metropolitan charm.
Even though marble trays definitely have an expensive “look”, you can find them at all price points. You can find authentic, real marble trays on Amazon for as low as $63, or opt for a higher end option from online retailers like Chairish.
3. Leather Bar Tray
Leather bar trays add a masculine, sophisticated touch to your interiors. This tray is perfect for those who appreciate high quality, luxurious materials and refined aesthetics that stand the test of time. It complements classic decor elements perfectly, like crystal decanters and glasses, brass accents, and polished, dark wood furniture.
There are leather bar trays on the market at all price points, from the ultra-high end to budget on Amazon.
4. Classic Silver Serving Tray
Classic silver serving trays can be a great option if you’re going for an old-world elegance aesthetic. They look great styled with some classical artwork, candles, and pretty porcelain vases. You can further up the glamour by choosing classic drinks for your bar tray, like martinis and whiskey based drinks.
Modern Minimalism:
5. Glass Bar Tray
A minimalist glass bar tray with metal handles looks good with almost anything and is very easy to style. It offers a neutral base that you can pair with different accessories to achieve different looks. Add some warm mood lighting and cool wall art for a sophisticated look, or add plants with clay vases for a more rustic, countryside vibe.
6. Simple Brass Round Bar Tray
A simple round bar tray made out of brass or some other metal is an elegant, minimalist option. It looks good with every modern leaning interior design style, from minimalist, to Japandi, to mid-century modern.
These trays are really easy to style also because they look good with anything. You could pair them with warm wood furniture, or decorative mirrors with metal rims, or any decorative art pieces you may want to add. If you want a foolproof option, this bar tray is a versatile and safe choice.
7. Wood Bar Tray
A wood tray with clean lines exudes luxurious, sophisticated modernity. A minimalist design allows the natural grains and texture of the wood to take center stage. High quality wood also tends to age well over time, in classic wabi-sabi fashion. Just be sure to wipe off any liquids to avoid leaving water marks on the wood. Its sleek lines and neutral color will complement any modern minimalist interior design perfectly.
8. Acrylic Bar Tray
Acrylic trays are a versatile, affordable option that match the modern, minimalist aesthetic perfectly. The great thing about these trays is that you can find them in virtually every color, shape and size.
You can choose a basic, clear acrylic trays like these $33 ones from Amazon to keep things simple. Dress it up with accessories like lighting, paintings, or flowers. Or, if you’re going for a more funky, maximalist vibe, you can also find neon green and orange acrylic trays for a pop of color.
Bohemian Chic:
9. Rattan, Woven Bar Tray
The rattan, woven-basket style tray is a super chic, bohemian option. They bring an effortless Parisian charm to your home. Accessorize with some classic, framed oil paintings and some fresh flowers, and your bar nook will look like something plucked straight out of a quaint Montmartre bistro.
This style of tray would look great with a variety of interior design styles, such as rustic French countryside, coastal, bohemian, eclectic or even mid-century modern.
Another huge plus of this style of bar tray is that they tend to be super affordable. Check out these two cute but ultra affordable examples from Etsy and Amazon below!
10. Silver Bucket Bar Tray
A silver serving tray shaped like a small bucket can add a great rustic, nautical touch to your decor.
This type of tray looks like something straight out of a New England beach town’s seafood restaurant. They would look great in a coastal themed interior, like in a beach house for example. Time to stock up some ingredients for a strong Bloody Mary, to go with your oysters!
11. Colorful Patterned Bar Tray (Mother of Pearl, Bone Inlay or Resin)
A colorful tray with an intricate pattern, whether crafted from mother of pearl, bone inlay, or resin, epitomizes the bohemian chic aesthetic. This kind of tray is definitely a statement piece that will draw attention in and of itself, like a functional work of art. They can complement an eclectic, bohemian interior design style perfectly.
These trays can often be localized to a particular culture or geography, such as bright blue patterns from Morocco or beautiful, iridescent Mother of Pearl trays sourced from the Philippines. You can pick up one of these trays as a souvenir when you visit a new country. Or, if you’re looking for a more convenient and practical option, just find one from Amazon or Etsy.
12. Structured Woven, Perforated Cane Boxes used as Bar Trays
I LOVE the bohemian look of these structured, wood and woven cane boxes with glass or mirrored lids. They can make stunning bar trays if you keep the lid propped open. Or, you can re-purpose them as neat, stackable, organization boxes for your bathroom, vanity, or anywhere else in your home.
The woven, rattan cane really gives them a bohemian, “island” vibe, while their structured form renders them incredibly functional and useful. Add some ingredients for a piña colada and a mai-tai and you’ve got yourself a super chic, tropical themed home bar.
Vintage Revival:
13. Vintage Suitcase as a Bar Tray
A vintage suitcase used as a bar tray is such a unique way to add cheeky, eclectic charm to your space. These classic, structured vintage suitcases with smooth leather and brass buckles look like a prop straight out of an adventure movie. They can be a great way to showcase a curated spirits collection, while adding an adventurous, stylish flair to your space.
Etsy is a great marketplace to treasure hunt for vintage finds, and there are lots of unique, vintage suitcases on there. Check out this PERFECT suitcase below currently listed for just $60 on Etsy! I can already picture it being styled to perfection as a bar tray in a chic, adventurous global traveller’s home.
14. Vintage Printed or Painted Bar Tray
Etsy is a treasure trove for eclectic, unique vintage bar tray finds. They come with all sorts of unique poster-like prints, or colorful cheeky drawings with humorous one-liners. Choose one that fits your unique taste and sense of humor to add some personality to your home decor.
These trays are usually truly one-of-one, so they can be great conversation starters and become treasured keepsake pieces in your home. Take your time looking for one that really checks all your boxes!
15. Vintage, Ornate, Metal Serving Tray
An ornate, detailed vintage metal serving tray is such a beautiful way to add some classic elegance to your home. The etched or carved metal details make these pieces look luxurious and timeless. They can be passed from one generation to the next as heirlooms, or make great luxury housewarming or wedding gifts. These bar trays will complement classic, elegant interior design styles perfectly.
I would recommend Etsy, Chairish, Ebay or other online vintage marketplaces to treasure hunt for these rare finds. Take your time choosing these trays because you can find a 1 of 1, rare gem made of a high quality material like silver for a great price if you really dig online. Vintage items from a bygone era can also exhibit a level of craftsmanship and quality that no longer exists in the modern age of planned obsolescence.
16. Mirrored Vintage Bar Tray
These glamorous, mirrored vintage trays are perfect for catching light being reflected against pretty glass bottles and metal bar tools in your bar tray. Add vintage decanters, fancy drink bitters, and flowers to play up with nostalgia and old world glamour of a bygone era. These trays would look charming in a classic, elegant interior design scheme, but can also add character as a standalone piece in more modern interiors as well.
I hope you got some inspiration for what bar tray to buy for your own home bar! If you end up creating and styling a home bar nook, please share a picture of your setup in the comments 🫶🍸.
