A wooden tray with gold handles can make serving easier while adding a warm, polished accent to your living room, bedroom, or entryway. The best choice depends on whether you want solid acacia wood, a darker decorative finish, raised edges for everyday use, or a tray sized for an ottoman. These five options vary in materials, dimensions, and features, so compare those details with the way you plan to use yours.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Tray | Material and finish | Size | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| S310 Acacia Wood Serving Tray | Solid acacia wood with golden-finish metal handles | 17-inch tray | Serving and catching minor spills with raised edges |
| Kate and Laurel Lipton Decorative Tray | MDF with a dark walnut wood finish and brushed metal handles | 16.5 x 12.25 x 3.25 inches | Dark, polished decor and tabletop display |
| Imara Collective Acacia Wood Tray | Acacia wood with gold-tone side handles | Check listing for dimensions | Flexible serving and display use |
| Abawi Nexus Acacia Wood Tray | Natural acacia wood with gold handles | 17 x 13 x 2 inches | A roomy serving or ottoman tray |
| Upper Acacia Wood Ottoman Tray | Acacia wood with brass-tone metal handles | 17 x 13 x 2 inches externally | Everyday serving and organized display |
Our Picks: Best Wooden Tray With Gold Handles reviews
1. S310 Acacia Tray: Best for Raised Edges
This 17-inch serving tray pairs solid acacia wood with golden-finish metal handles. Its natural grain gives it a warm, varied look, while the metal accents add a more polished touch than an all-wood design.
The raised wooden edges are a useful detail for carrying plates, cups, and bowls. They can help keep items from sliding off and catch minor spills, though they are not a substitute for carrying drinks carefully. The tray is described as suitable for serving, breakfast in bed, or arranging decor on an ottoman or coffee table.
Its main advantage over the flatter-looking options is that the raised sides provide a clear boundary around the contents. The product description does not give full outside dimensions beyond the 17-inch size, so measure your ottoman or intended storage spot before ordering. Care is simple: wipe the surface with a damp cloth.
Pros:
- Made from solid acacia wood with visible natural grain
- Raised edges help contain dishes and minor spills
- Golden-finish metal handles provide grip points for carrying
- Suitable for serving or decorative use
Cons:
- Full dimensions are not provided in the supplied product details
- Raised edges do not make the tray spillproof
Verdict: Choose this tray if raised edges and solid acacia are higher priorities than having complete sizing details upfront.
2. Kate and Laurel Lipton: Best for Dark Walnut Decor
The Lipton tray has a dark walnut-brown appearance and brushed gold metal handles. Unlike the acacia options in this roundup, its base is sturdy MDF with a wood finish, so it is better described as a decorative wooden-finish tray than a solid-wood tray.
Its outside dimensions are 16.5 inches wide, 12.25 inches deep, and 3.25 inches high. That defined size and its tall sides make it a practical choice for an entryway table, vanity, ottoman, or drink service. It arrives assembled and has pads on the bottom to help protect surfaces.
This is the most distinct choice for shoppers who want a deep brown, more formal look. If the material itself matters more than the appearance, the solid-acacia alternatives are a better match. The MDF construction is also worth considering if you expect to use the tray heavily for food and drink service.
Pros:
- Dark walnut finish pairs with brushed gold handles
- Specific outside dimensions make it easier to check fit
- Arrives fully assembled
- Bottom pads help protect the surface beneath it
Cons:
- Made from MDF with a wood finish, not solid wood
- Dark finish may not suit lighter natural-wood decor
Verdict: Pick the Lipton if you want a dark, finished look and clear dimensions, and you are comfortable with MDF construction.
3. Imara Collective Acacia Tray: Best for Flexible Display Use
This rectangular acacia wood tray has gold-tone side handles and is presented as a multipurpose piece for serving or display. Its wood-and-metal contrast can work in a living room, dining area, kitchen, or home bar.
The listed uses include carrying coffee, tea, breakfast items, snacks, and drinks, as well as grouping candles, perfume bottles, or other small accessories. It can also serve as a contained surface on a coffee table, counter, vanity, or ottoman. That range makes it appealing if you want one tray to move between practical and decorative roles.
There are a few details to confirm before buying: the supplied product information does not specify dimensions, and it advises checking the final specifications for exact size and handle material. It also does not provide specific care or bottom-pad details. Compared with the other acacia choices, this one offers similar broad uses but less sizing information to plan around.
Pros:
- Acacia wood surface with gold-tone side handles
- Designed for both serving and decorative arrangements
- Rectangular shape can suit tables, counters, and vanities
- Works for a variety of drinks, snacks, and small display items
Cons:
- Dimensions are not stated in the supplied product information
- Specific care and protective-pad details are not provided
Verdict: Consider this tray if you value flexible serving and display options, but verify the listing details and dimensions before deciding.
4. Abawi Nexus Acacia Tray: Best Roomy 17-by-13-Inch Option
The Abawi Nexus tray is made from acacia wood and measures 17 x 13 x 2 inches. Its natural finish and gold handles offer a simple way to bring a warm wood accent to an ottoman, coffee table, or serving setup.
The listed uses include breakfast in bed, snacks and drinks on an ottoman, or a display for items such as candles. Its two-inch height gives it a lower profile than the taller Lipton tray, which may suit you if you want a tray that does not visually dominate a coffee table.
One important buying consideration is availability: the supplied product information marks this listing as unavailable. Check the product page before planning a purchase. If it is not available, the Upper tray has the same stated outside dimensions and also uses acacia wood, though its details include additional features such as bottom pads and internal measurements.
Pros:
- Acacia wood construction with a natural finish
- Stated 17 x 13 x 2-inch dimensions
- Suitable for serving and tabletop display
- Gift-ready packaging is noted in the product description
Cons:
- The supplied product information marks it as unavailable
- Details about surface care and protective pads are not specified
Verdict: This is a sensible size and material match if the listing is available, but check availability first and compare it with the Upper tray.
5. Upper Acacia Ottoman Tray: Best for Everyday Organization
Upper’s rectangular tray is made from acacia wood and measures 17 x 13 x 2 inches externally. The product details also give internal dimensions of 16.25 x 12.25 x 1.625 inches, which can help you judge how much usable space is available. Brass-tone metal handles and rounded edges complete the design.
This model stands out for its practical details. It has anti-skid pads on the bottom, a finish described as helping resist stains, and a smooth surface intended for wiping clean. It arrives assembled and is described for uses ranging from serving drinks and snacks to organizing decor, books, or vanity items.
Its listed exterior size matches the Abawi Nexus tray, but Upper provides more detail about the interior area and bottom pads. Keep the stated internal measurements in mind when planning a serving arrangement, since the raised edges take up some of the overall footprint. As with any wood tray, follow the care instructions supplied with the product.
Pros:
- Acacia wood construction with brass-tone handles
- Both outside and inside dimensions are provided
- Anti-skid pads help with stability and surface protection
- Arrives assembled and has a wipeable finish
Cons:
- Interior dimensions are smaller than the outside measurements
- The 2-inch height may not suit shoppers who want especially tall sides
Verdict: Choose the Upper tray if you want a solid-wood option with useful sizing, bottom-pad, and care details for regular serving or organization.
How to Choose a Wooden Tray With Gold Handles
Check the material, not just the finish
A wood-look surface and a solid-wood surface are not the same thing. The S310, Imara Collective, Abawi Nexus, and Upper trays are described as acacia wood. The Kate and Laurel Lipton uses MDF with a dark walnut wood finish. If solid wood is important to you, compare the material description rather than relying on color or product photos alone.
Measure your ottoman or table
Measure the flat area where you plan to set the tray, and leave enough room for the handles and for items to sit safely. The Abawi Nexus and Upper trays are listed as 17 x 13 inches across, while the Lipton measures 16.5 x 12.25 inches across. The Imara Collective and S310 listings provide less complete sizing information in the supplied details, so check their product pages before ordering.
Consider the height of the edges
Raised sides can help keep dishes and small objects within the tray’s boundary, and they may catch minor spills. They do not make a tray spillproof or keep items secure if it is tilted. Compare the listed height with what you plan to carry: the Lipton is 3.25 inches high, while the Abawi Nexus and Upper trays are 2 inches high.
Choose handles for both look and use
Gold, brass-tone, and brushed-gold finishes can look different in person and may pair better with some hardware than others. Also think about how you will grip the tray when it is loaded. The product details describe side handles on several models, but do not give precise handle dimensions, so look closely at the listing images and specifications if grip clearance matters to you.
Match the tray to its main job
If you mostly want to carry breakfast, coffee, or snacks, focus on usable interior space, sturdy handles, and raised edges. For coffee-table decor or vanity organization, appearance and a size that fits the surface may matter more. If you plan to use one tray for both, prioritize a shape and finish that works in each room and is easy to wipe clean.
Review the care and protection details
Wood trays should be cared for according to the manufacturer’s directions. The S310 description recommends wiping with a damp cloth, and Upper describes a wipeable surface and bottom pads. Other listings provide fewer care details. If the tray will sit on a delicate table or be used around food and drinks, confirm the recommended cleaning method and whether the underside is protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all of these trays made from solid wood?
No. The S310, Imara Collective, Abawi Nexus, and Upper options are described as acacia wood. The Kate and Laurel Lipton tray is made from MDF with a dark walnut wood finish.
Which tray has the most clearly stated dimensions?
The Kate and Laurel Lipton has stated outside dimensions of 16.5 x 12.25 x 3.25 inches. The Upper and Abawi Nexus trays are listed as 17 x 13 x 2 inches; Upper also provides internal dimensions.
Can I use a wooden tray on an ottoman?
Yes, several of these trays are described for ottoman use. Before buying, measure the ottoman’s top and compare it with the tray’s outside dimensions. A tray can offer a firmer surface for items, but it should sit flat and remain stable.
Do raised edges prevent spills?
Raised edges can help contain minor spills and keep items from sliding off as easily, but they cannot prevent every spill. Carry the tray level and take extra care with open cups or other liquids.
How should I clean a wooden serving tray?
Follow the care directions for the specific product. The S310 description recommends wiping with a damp cloth, while the Upper description notes a smooth, wipeable surface. Avoid assuming that every wood finish can be soaked or cleaned in the same way.
Which option is best if I want a dark brown look?
The Kate and Laurel Lipton is the clearest match, with a dark walnut-brown wood finish and brushed gold metal handles. Keep in mind that its base is MDF rather than solid wood.
Is the Abawi Nexus tray available?
The supplied product information marks the Abawi Nexus listing as unavailable. Availability can change, so check the product page before deciding. The Upper tray has the same stated outside dimensions and is another acacia option to compare.
Final Recommendation
For a well-detailed acacia option with stated interior and exterior dimensions, bottom pads, and a wipeable finish, the Upper tray is the strongest all-around choice in this group. The S310 is a good alternative if raised edges are your priority, while the Kate and Laurel Lipton suits shoppers who prefer a dark walnut look and do not require solid wood. Before ordering, confirm the tray’s dimensions, materials, and care instructions against your needs.
