The $30 Item That Has Transformed My Home

My home, as it is for many, is my respite from the rest of the world. It’s the thing I come home to pretty much every night, and it’s important that it be a safe haven and damn cozy. But because I live in a small studio, I try to keep things interesting by switching out items to create new moments of interest. And as I move about in this universe, collecting items to create a home in my small, studio apartment, I am always surprised at what ends up being one of my favorite things–the thing that I keep using over and over and over again. And this marble tray is no exception.

It quickly became my favorite item the second I put it in my studio. First making its home in my bathroom, the tray collected all my random face oils and scents. It then made its new home on my rustic coffee table, adding an unexpected element of contrast and creating a new space for my (expensive, but worth it) candles. It perfectly fits three standard size candles to create a moment of “ahh” just by looking at it. (Though I would recommend lighting the candles, that will definitely help with the “ahh” bit.)

The thing that makes this tray truly transformative is that it elevates whatever you put on it. It creates a sort of shadowbox-effect, showcasing items that aren’t particularly noteworthy or special and making them look sleek and chic and clean.

I can always appreciate something that pulls together a room or an area, and trays tend to do just that. But this one in particular, with its marble finish and long dimensions, takes it to the next level and looks great on any surface–from mantels to coffee tables to even the tops of toilets. It’s pretty much the perfect finishing touch.