We searched high and low to find high-quality, aesthetically pleasing pieces for every space. Our top choice for a catchall and valet tray is the Blomus Sono Oval Tray, a sleek and simple dish that comes in seven neutral hues. It has rounded edges and overall a very versatile design that would fit a range of homes. Here, the best catchall and valet trays. Though the catchall tray only comes in one size, it’ll fit pretty much anywhere—on a floating shelf, countertop, nightstand, or side table. You can use it to stash your keys, jewelry, reading glasses, candles, change, compact toiletries—you name it. It’s available in several neutral hues, ranging from cream to taupe to charcoal. Now, this catchall tray isn’t dishwasher safe, but it’s a breeze to wipe clean. Plus, unless you’re placing it in a bathroom, you shouldn’t have to clean it very rigorously or often. Its price is also super reasonable, especially considering the brand’s two-year warranty. This combined with stunning color options, materials, and design make this catchall tray our absolute favorite you can buy. Price at time of publish: $27 This valet tray comes in two sizes and four classy, versatile hues. While it has a slightly flimsy feel, this is partly by design. Made with portability in mind, you can flatten it out by unsnapping the corners and bring it with you for on-the-go use. Price at time of publish: $15 for pack of two Though the catchall tray is not vegan-friendly, the materials are biodegradable, renewable, and Oeko-Tex certified for chemical safety. The tray is also naturally resistant to heat and odors. Keep in mind: it’s one of the priciest options we found, but you can definitely count on quality. Price at time of publish: $124 This catchall tray is made of glazed ceramic and comes in four chic colors. While it’s not dishwasher safe, you can wash it by hand or wipe it down as needed. The wallet-friendly price tag is a real bonus, too. Price at time of publish: $10 Since they’re all different materials and colors, this set doesn’t quite qualify as a matching set. However, each tray’s rounded corners and complementing tones are undoubtedly cohesive. In addition, the four color options are pretty chic, too, and the price point of these trays is reasonable given their quality and long-lasting design. Price at time of publish: $48 While the price is high, the upscale design might be worth splurging on for yourself or someone special, too. A stone catchall tray also adds an upscale appeal to any shelf, bookcase, or dresser. Not to mention, it’s going to be more durable than some other catchall trays made of leather or even wood. At 2.3 pounds, it’s also going to weigh more, so you’ll want to plan to keep it one place. Price at time of publish: $99 You can buy them individually or get a set of three nesting trays (including a small, medium, and large). Just a heads up: since they’re made to order, they’ll take about two weeks to ship out. These catchall trays are pretty expensive, too, but they’re reasonable for handmade, genuine leather. Price at time of publish: $32+ The wood is easy to clean with warm, soapy water, and can be refinished as needed with cutting board oil. This makes it relatively easy to care for, despite the product not being dishwasher safe. Now, the tray is technically labeled as a serving tray. However, it’s pretty small, at just 9 by 5 inches, so we think it makes a better catchall tray. You could use it for entertaining purposes in your home down the road, though. Price at time of publish: $34 The designs available are very on-brand for Rifle Paper Co. We realize they’re not everyone’s style, but if you’re drawn to florals and woodland patterns, this tray is right up your alley. Although it comes in only one size, it’s a perfect bedside catchall because of its smaller dimensions that are made for earrings, rings, and all the tiniest items you love and use on a daily basis. Price at time of publish: $26 This tray only comes in one size and color. However, the curved design is ideal for housing your sunglasses, wallet, and spare change. And the natural golden-brown tone will complement traditional, modern, and mid-century decor schemes alike. You can put it on the edge of your shoe rack, a shelf of your hall tree, or on the entryway table you’ve set up. Price at time of publish: $38 It comes in eight colors, ranging from cognac to black onyx to scarlet. Though this valet tray is beautiful as-is, the personalization options are very enticing, especially if you’re looking to treat yourself, or someone else, to a thoughtful gift. You can opt for lettering in various fonts, a quilted decal, or a hand-painted monogram. We also appreciate that it comes in a box that’s ready to be wrapped. Price at time of publish: $80 Vegan leather can be wiped down as needed, whereas full-grain leather is less moisture-resistant, but longer-lasting. Then, there’s self-repairing cork, which is ideal for organizing keys and those heavier knick-knacks that could leave a dent. Our “best for entryways” pick, the Little Cloud Tray by Craighill, is made of cork and is perfectly durable for collecting sharper objects. Beyond durability and care requirements, material plays into a tray’s style. “You can add personality to your space by showing off your design aesthetic with a classic brass tray, a leather-wrapped valet tray, or something even funkier with inlay marble,” says interior designer Christina Manzo. A more fun pick on our list on the design front is the Rifle Paper Co. Catchall Tray that comes in several floral and woodland themes, and is perfect for organizing items on your nightstand.
Color and Customization
While catchall trays are functional, Manzo says they’re just as much for decoration. With this in mind, don’t overlook the color. Choose something that complements the rest of your space—whether in a similar shade or a contrasting tone that pops. Some trays are customizable with monograms and personalized decals, too, such as Leatherology’s Square Valet Tray. This is a great option when gifting a catchall tray—or buying designated trays for multiple members of your household. Each person knows where to put their belongings, since a tray has their initials on it or sports their favorite color.
Size
Lastly, consider what size you need when purchasing a catchall tray. Catchall trays are often much smaller or larger than they appear online. Check the dimensions before buying one to make sure it’ll not only hold what you need it to, but also fit on the intended surface. Small options can be great for holding earrings and rings, while larger options can house headphones, keys, chapstick, and more. It may also be worth your while to look into a set, like Open Spaces’ Nesting Trays, so you have multiple sizes at your disposal for all of your organization needs.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer and product tester for The Spruce, specializing in home decor, organization, and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed interior designer Christina Manzo of Decorist, who offered insight into usage, placement, and selecting styles of catchall and valet trays. She also considered dozens of catchall trays, valet trays, and trinket dishes from various brands, narrowing the final list down to designs that stood out in terms of quality, versatility, and an overall aesthetic. “A valet tray is similar to a catchall tray, but this type of tray is more where you would store your phone, wallet, keys,” says Manzo. She explains that people use them to stash and organize things you’d grab when heading out the door, and take off or remove from your pockets when you get home. You can also wrap a small box with wrapping paper or wallpaper. Things like old candle jars and ceramic bowls can be repurposed as trinket trays, too.
