Vintage Oval Metal Tray with Floral Centre and Pierced Handles, 20th Century

This vintage oval tray is a decorative piece with elegance and charm. Measuring 35.5 x 21 x 2.5 cm, it is crafted from metal with pierced gallery sides and twin handles, giving it both practicality and refinement. The base features a floral spray at the centre, set against a patterned ground that enhances its delicate detail.

The surface shows light age-related marks consistent with its vintage condition, but the design remains clear and attractive. The pierced edges not only provide decoration but also make the tray easy to carry and stable when holding glasses or small dishes. Its manageable size makes it as suited to daily use as to display, bridging the gap between functional object and decorative accent.

Trays of this type were popular in the mid 20th century and are admired today for their adaptability. While many modern trays are plain and mass produced, vintage examples like this one offer individuality through their detail, patina, and presence. The pierced gallery sides in particular are a sought-after feature, adding both texture and craftsmanship to the form.

Styling wise, the tray works beautifully on a sideboard or drinks trolley, where its floral centre brings a gentle decorative note. It can also be placed on a coffee table as a base for candles, ceramics, or seasonal arrangements, giving structure and focus to a vignette. In the bedroom or bathroom, it serves as a pretty surface for perfume bottles, jewellery, or folded linens. Its size makes it endlessly versatile, small enough to move easily yet large enough to make an impact.

Compared to other decorative trays on the market, this example stands out for its combination of pierced metalwork and floral decoration, a pairing that feels both classic and distinctive. Pieces with this level of detail are often priced higher in specialist antiques shops, which makes this a more approachable way to introduce vintage refinement to the home.

Overall, this is a tray that balances function with beauty, offering not only everyday usefulness but also an enduring decorative charm that continues to appeal to collectors and interior stylists alike.