A breakfast tray in bed has become an everyday item in our country recently. The main purpose of such a stand (as follows from the name) is to eat without getting out of bed.
It is used as follows:
- As a table, it is also a tray for eating in bed on a daily basis (breakfast or dinner).
- To enable bedridden patients and people on strict bed rest to eat.
- As a functional device with storage system elements (baskets or drawers on the side).
- As a laptop stand or portable desk, and also as a breakfast table.
- As an interior element.
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Types of bed trays
The tray usually consists of the tabletop itself, legs-supports, and optionally - handles. Such stands come in different types.
- Classic tray. It differs from the usual serving tray by having high sides. They serve to prevent accidental spillage of food or drinks on the bed. In size, it is usually larger than the above types of trays and has convenient handles.
- Soft tray. It uses a cushion base, and the tabletop is usually thick glass or transparent plastic in a frame. This type of food stand is both convenient and not. It does not press with its weight and hard surface. But such a tray is also unstable. It is also impractical to care for, since the soft part has to be removed and cleaned with special products. Such a tray usually does not have handles.
- Tray-table. Most often with legs that can be foldable. A table for eating in bed, on non-folding supports, also serves as an element of the room's decor. But in everyday life, a tray with supporting legs that can be raised or lowered if necessary is more convenient.
- A stand table with a work surface. This is a type of tray table. You can not only have breakfast or dinner on it, but also work fully. Some models have a separate place on the side for a computer mouse and pull-out drawers for storing papers.
Please note! There is a "hybrid" of a tray and a computer desk. Such a stand usually has legs and a tabletop divided into two parts. The half on which you can put a laptop is held on hinges. It can be raised or lowered as desired. Holes are made in the tabletop for air circulation and to protect the laptop from overheating. This creates a kind of cooling stand. The part that is used for dishes is stationary (attached directly to the base) and smaller in size.
Types of trays by shape
Basic types of tray forms:
- Rectangular. As with the serving tray, this is the basic shape for the bed stand.
- Square. Typical for tables, both with and without legs.
- Round or oval. It has the advantage of having no sharp corners.
These are the most common options. However, stands of rarer types are also made - for example, hexagon, octagon, combined or irregular shape. As a rule, they are made to order.
What materials are trays made of?
Plastic. This is the most accessible and cheapest material. Plastic with a smooth surface is easy to maintain. But it will not last long. The plastic surface quickly becomes covered with scratches or cracks, and the paint may fade.
Wood. Wooden tables are usually made of light wood species covered with varnish. Therefore, metal legs are used to make the tray heavier. But there are also stands made of heavy solid wood.
Glass, usually tempered. Serves as a tabletop for a cushion tray. Plus - easy to clean tabletop.
Forged trays. They are not functional due to their weight, they cost a lot, and they perform more of an interior function.
Interesting fact! Forged trays painted by Zhostovo masters are especially highly valued. Having started with painting traditional trays, Zhostovo artists now also paint round trays, which are used to serve food in bed. Artistic painting is done by hand on a black background. These are compositions of flowers and fruits with a play of light and shadow. In Zhostovo, they began painting dishes and kitchen utensils back in the 19th century, and today's masters are descendants of entire artistic dynasties.
Porcelain. Like forged metal, this is more of an interior decoration item. However, such a breakfast tray will cost a considerable price, which puts it on par with luxury items.
Tray colors and decors
White – considered the most hygienic because any stains are visible on it, and it is easier to clean. Both plastic and wooden trays (for example, ash) can be white.
Wenge is most often a dark varnish used to cover wood. But the colors of the varnish can vary from dark wenge to almost transparent, which preserves the natural shade of the wood.
Drawing on a tray. In this case, the options are very different - from a standard or custom-made stamping to highly artistic painting.
Attention! Zhostovo painting is often confused with Tagil painting, which is not as well known. Tagil painting is distinguished by a special composition of varnish, which serves to fix the drawing, and its own techniques for the play of light and shadow.
Wood carving. Depending on the quality of the carving, such trays are valued as works of decorative and applied art.
This is not a complete list of options for decorating a tray table. For example, there is an option to decorate a table in an oriental style in the form of a straw mat, or in a military style. Breakfast trays in the Provence or classic style are popular.
Recommendations for the care of trays
All care recommendations are also valid for regular tables or trays. In short, they boil down to hygiene. There are no specific care rules for breakfast trays. However, the following requirements must be taken into account:
- After each meal, remove any food remains and crumbs that have fallen onto the tray.
- Wipe the countertop with a damp sponge or cloth, then wipe dry.
- For a wooden table, even if it is varnished, excess moisture is dangerous. Therefore, it is necessary to protect it from water.
- Handle glass with care if the table top is made of it.
- The tabletop, regardless of the material, should not be overloaded with weight.
VIDEO: Provence style breakfast tray table.
50 Breakfast Tray Table Design Ideas:
