Swap your decorative tray holders for a practical 'purse bowl' to alleviate persistent entryway clutter - my endorsement of this effective organization solution
In the realm of home decor, functional objects often double as stylish accents. This is particularly true for decorative bowls and trays, which have become popular choices for organizing cluttered spaces while adding charm to living rooms and bookshelves.
One such example is the stoneware bowl from Anthropologie, featuring painted fruit illustrations that add a whimsical touch to any surface. The bowl's rounded wooden knobs make it charming enough to live in the middle of a dining table, and its large size allows it to hold daily essentials, making them look more intentional and less like junk drawer essentials. In fact, these bowls can serve as a 'purse bowl', disguising clutter as decor and holding everything needed when running out the door, including keys.
People commonly use large decorative bowls or trays in living rooms and on bookshelves. On coffee tables or side tables, they hold small everyday items such as keys, remotes, or decorative fillers like stones or potpourri, combining function with aesthetics. On bookshelves, decorative bowls serve as both attractive objects and storage for small items like trinkets or window keys. They may be stacked or arranged by varying sizes to create visual interest and balance with books and other decor like plants or vases.
In entryways, these bowls or trays act as a "catchall" for essentials like wallets, phones, or sunglasses, adding a sculpture-like touch to the space while decluttering surfaces. Leather trays or ceramic bowls are preferred for their blend of function and design appeal.
Decorative trays and bowls can also be used in layered displays, where they are combined to create depth and texture. For example, mixing wood, glass, metal, or ceramic bowls on a shelf or table enhances a room’s style while organizing items neatly. They can also be paired with complementary decor items such as plants, books, bookends, or plates on shelves, helping to break up lines and introduce different heights and textures for a curated, balanced look.
Ideal materials and styles often depend on the room’s design but include natural wood bowls or trays for warmth and rustic charm, glass bowls to catch light and add sparkle, metal trays in brass tones for sleek elegance, and ceramic or porcelain bowls that can be rustic or modern. Sizes are selected to fit the space and intended use, and trays with handles may be chosen for ease of transport during gatherings.
A notable example is the high-shine, rust-colored CB2 number, a glamorous vessel for an entryway drop zone, inspired by the '80s Art Deco revival and crafted by Italian artisans. Another example is the stately ceramic stoneware bowl, food safe, allowing for keys to be traded for popcorn or grapes.
In conclusion, decorative bowls and trays act as both functional organizers and sculptural elements that enhance room aesthetics, helping keep living rooms and bookshelves organized while adding charm. They are a decorator's cheat code for organizing items on coffee tables and credenzas, and a small-scale decluttering solution that can develop a patina over time. A designated 'drop zone' is an essential tidying method for organized entryways, and large vessels like the 'purse bowl' provide a chic space for easy access and grab-and-go convenience.
Decorative bowls are often found on bookshelves, serving not only as attractive objects but also as storage for small items. They can be used in a designated 'drop zone' in the entryway, acting as a sculpture-like touch while decluttering surfaces.
In the home-and-garden realm, lifestyle organizers like decorative bowls and trays can be layered and paired with complementary decor items to create a curated, balanced look that adds charm to living spaces.
