How to Style a Vintage Printers Tray: Creative Display Ideas for Your Home

A vintage printer’s tray is more than just an old-fashioned relic it’s a charming piece of history that can be transformed into a stunning décor feature in any modern or traditional home. Originally used to organise typesetting blocks in printing presses, these wooden trays with multiple small compartments are now a favourite among interior design lovers and vintage collectors.

Whether wall-mounted or placed on a shelf, a well-styled printer’s tray adds texture, personality, and character to your space. In this article, we’ll explore creative and stylish ways to repurpose and style a vintage printers tray, with a particular focus on UK homes.

1. Understand Your Tray’s Style and Condition

Before diving into decorating, take a moment to assess your tray:

• Original finish: Keep the aged wood for rustic charm or lightly sand and wax it for a polished vintage look.
• Size and compartment shape: Smaller compartments are ideal for miniatures, while larger ones can hold bigger decorative objects.
• Wall-mount or tabletop: Decide whether you’ll hang it on the wall or rest it on a sideboard, mantelpiece, or shelf.

You can often find these trays at UK antiques fairs, boot sales, Etsy, or vintage stores across London and beyond.

2. Choose a Theme That Reflects Your Personality

Styling a vintage printer’s tray is all about curating a tiny world of objects that tell a story. Consider themes such as:

• Coastal charm: Fill it with seashells, driftwood, and pebbles from UK beaches like Cornwall or Brighton.
• Travel mementos: Display mini souvenirs from trips—tiny Eiffel Towers, local coins, or old postage stamps.
• Nature-inspired: Dried flowers, feathers, tiny pinecones, or acorns add an organic touch.
• Vintage treasures: Antique buttons, thimbles, or watch parts offer a nostalgic and tactile feel.

Stick to a unified colour palette for a more cohesive look—think soft creams and greens for a calm countryside vibe or bold jewel tones for an eclectic mix.

3. Incorporate Mini Artwork or Photos

One of the most personal ways to style your tray is by adding:

• Miniature family photos in black-and-white or sepia.
• Tiny hand-painted artworks, such as floral watercolours or sketches.
• Old matchbox covers or labels with vintage typography.

For a UK twist, include mini portraits of royalty, classic London scenes, or vintage postcards from places like Bath, York, or the Lake District.

4. Mix Textures and Materials

To keep the display interesting, combine various textures:

• Glass: Mini bottles, vials, or domes.
• Metal: Small brass keys, watch gears, or military badges.
• Fabric: Bits of lace, linen-wrapped buttons, or embroidered patches.
• Ceramic: Tiny plates or fragments of patterned china.

This mix of materials adds depth and tactile appeal, especially if the tray is within arm’s reach on a hallway console or living room shelf.

5. Create a Seasonal Display

Your vintage printer’s tray can evolve throughout the year:

• Spring: Pastel miniatures, tiny birds’ nests, and dried blossoms.
• Summer: Beach finds, floral buttons, or pressed lavender.
• Autumn: Acorns, amber glass, mini pumpkins, or warm-toned papers.
• Winter: Tiny baubles, miniature trees, or sparkly snowflakes.

This approach keeps your décor fresh and seasonally appropriate, making the tray a living, changeable artwork.

6. Add Subtle Lighting

Enhance the beauty of your styled tray with soft lighting. Try:

• Fairy lights: Drape micro-LED lights around or behind the tray for a warm glow.
• Picture lights: If wall-mounted, a small picture light above the tray creates a museum-like display.
• Tea lights nearby: When safely placed, candles add charm and ambiance to the overall setting.

Lighting can bring out the details in each object, especially during darker UK evenings in autumn and winter.

7. Mount It Creatively

If you’re hanging your tray, consider:

• Gallery wall integration: Combine it with framed art, mirrors, or typography prints for a mixed-media effect.
• Above a console or sideboard: Add plants, books, and ceramics below for layered styling.
• In the hallway: Give guests a personal insight into your story right as they enter.

Use heavy-duty picture hooks or command strips (for lighter trays) to ensure safe and secure mounting.

8. Turn It Into a Functional Piece

A vintage printer’s tray doesn’t have to be purely decorative. Get creative with functional ideas like:

• Jewellery organiser: Store rings, earrings, and brooches in the compartments.
• Mini herb rack: Add small potted herbs in a kitchen setting.
• Mini craft station: Store beads, threads, and buttons in a sewing or hobby room.

These uses add practical value without compromising on aesthetic appeal.

9. Give It a Modern Twist

Don’t be afraid to contrast old with new. Some modern ideas:

• Paint the back panels in bold colours or wallpaper each compartment with patterned paper.
• Use metallics: Copper or gold leaf accents around edges.
• Incorporate typography: Mini inspirational quotes, stamped letters, or scrabble tiles.

This can help the tray blend better into a contemporary setting while retaining its vintage charm.

10. Maintain and Refresh Regularly

Once styled, keep it looking its best:

• Dust regularly with a soft brush or cloth.
• Rotate items every few months to keep the look fresh.
• Update with new finds from flea markets, holidays, or nature walks.

Part of the joy is letting the tray evolve with your life and seasons.

Final Thoughts

Styling a vintage printers tray is a deeply personal and endlessly creative project. Whether you lean towards a rustic country cottage aesthetic or a quirky boho vibe, this versatile piece can adapt to reflect your story and style.

For UK homeowners, it’s also a lovely way to display keepsakes from your travels across Britain, honour family heritage, or simply bring a piece of charming history into your décor. And best of all, no two trays are ever the same.