I Have Almost No Bathroom Counter Space, So I Tried the “Sink Tray” Method

As someone who lives in a studio apartment, I understand the luxury of counter space and I’m well-practiced in making the most of the little room I have. That’s why when I find a creative home hack — like this chic makeshift vanity using a simple tray — that accommodates my small bathroom without compromising my routine, I’m happy to give it a go.

My daily routine consists of a multistep skincare process, spritzing perfume each night, and, if the craving calls for it, a cup of tea or coffee in the morning. This makes my bathroom a busy spot to be in, and I don’t have a lot of room to set everything down. That’s the beauty of the “sink tray” method, popularized by TikTok lifestyle creator Kristin Lundeen. Setting a portable tray over the sink while you get ready not only maximizes your space for the things, like cosmetics or skincare, but also creates a spot to set down your cup of morning coffee or light an evening candle. 

Here’s how I tried the “sink tray” method and how it optimized my routine.

The “sink tray” method involves — you guessed it — a serving tray that you put over your bathroom sink basin, when you aren’t using your sink faucet. Take everything you need to get ready for your day or night, like your coffee, makeup brushes, skincare products, and any other staples. You can set down as many essentials as the tray can fit, which is truly a game-changer for those who lack the space but not the taste for quiet luxury.

The good news is you don’t have to splurge on a tray (although I picked mine up from Target for $30). You can use one that you already have on hand in your kitchen or make a visit to your local thrift store for a used or vintage one — just make sure to measure your sink and pick up one that’s wider than the basin. The dimensions of my tray are slightly higher than my sink spout, which wasn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s worth noting that a tray with a lower rim may make it easier to put on and take off the sink. 

I tried the “sink tray” method for a few days, and for the rest of the week I went about my night and morning routines as I normally would, working out of my medicine cabinet (which surprisingly has more space than I had in previous apartments), so that I could compare the two methods. 

Before trying this method out, I was skeptical. Where would I put the tray once I needed access to the sink? What would I do once I washed my face? What if something fell down the drain and affected the plumbing? These are valid concerns, but with a little planning ahead of time, like putting the tray on the sink after washing my face, they weren’t as devastating as they first seemed. 

That said, the “sink tray” method only worked after I washed my face. Beforehand, I would set the tray down on top of my toilet seat, which made the experience feel a little less luxe, to be honest. I did love the idea of having my iced coffee in hand while getting ready to make most of my time (though I prefer honoring the “Fika method” during coffee breaks). Deconstructing the tray was easy enough, too; when I was finished with my makeup or skincare routine, I placed my products back into my cabinet, slipped the tray off the sink, and went on about my day.

I can’t say that the “sink tray” saved me much time, but it is a cute, clever, and efficient way to get your day started and end your evenings with a peaceful wind-down routine. If I were to lean into it even more, I could see placing a portable speaker and a candle on the tray to turn it into even more of a self-care station than simply an extended counter space hack. 

In trying it out, I found the “sink tray” method required a little more effort than getting my items out one by one from my cabinet. But for someone with an extra leisurely getting ready routine or more limited cabinet space, this could be a game-changer.  

If you’re willing to go the extra mile to add a little aesthetic oomph or a dose of self-care to your daily ritual, I’d highly recommend bringing a tray into your bathroom. If you’re content with the space you have and your system already works for you, though, I don’t think you’d be missing out.