How many modern women know what a vanity tray is? Sounds rather daunting by simply incorporating the word vain into it. The name came about centuries ago because they held the items that women used to look better. Thus, the rest of the community calling them vain. Because of the invention of bathrooms and cabinets, these trays were used less and less.
Modern women may not realize that the decorate tray that holds their perfume is called a vanity tray. In recent years these have become a stylish and decorative piece. They range in size from a basic 12 inches to almost 24 inches. This can be in silver, gold, or a painted design. Some are metal, others glass and the most common type of this item is the mirrored bottom. If you’re looking for something more exclusive, there are jeweled versions that involve crystal, glass, actual emeralds or diamonds. These fall into definite status symbols.
A vanity tray is a great place to keep your perfume bottles and turn them into a decorative piece all on their own. This is especially great for all of those perfumes that you get for Christmas or birthday presents that simply do not appeal to you. If you can’t return it then turn it into bedroom art. If it has a mirrored bottom then be sure to clean it at least on a weekly basis. Just basic daily use and dust make smudges and dirt which is magnified by the mirror itself.
One more popular version of the vanity tray is to create your own using a picture frame with your favorite photo(s). This is accomplished easily with a regular wooden picture frame and two cabinet handles. Find just the right cabinet handles to match the décor of the person that the vanity tray is being made for. Attach the handles using the hardware that comes with them. If they don’t come with screws then ask the local hardware person which size you will need. After attaching the handles, insert the photo(s). This makes an original and somewhat homemade gift.
Whether you’re looking for an original type of vanity tray or something classic and bejeweled, you can find it for sale. Truly a decorative way to keep clutter organized on the bathroom counter or your dresser. If you don’t want to use it to organize tools then try hanging a larger sized tray on the wall for an ornate dressing mirror.