I’ve noticed that the sink area is one of the hardest spots to keep looking tidy. No matter how much you clean, it somehow attracts clutter. One small change that’s helped me is using a soap tray. It keeps everything in one place and makes the space feel more intentional, almost like part of the kitchen’s design rather than just where the dishes pile up.
In this post, I share 20 creative and beginner-friendly ways to style and organize your soap trays. Whether you love a clean, modern look or something more rustic, these ideas are all about mixing practicality with charm.
Why Use a Soap Tray at All?
I used to think soap trays were just decorative, but once I started using one, I realized how much cleaner and more put-together my sink area felt. Without one, bottles and bars of soap slide around, leave little puddles, and make the counter look chaotic. With one, everything stays contained, and it feels like part of the kitchen’s design instead of an afterthought. 
There’s also a practical side. Soap trays prevent water damage to countertops, especially wood or stone that can stain easily. They keep bar soap from getting mushy, and they make it easier to grab what you need without knocking over everything else. In open-concept kitchens, they even help define zones so the sink area feels separate from your prep space. Such a small thing, but it makes a big difference.
How to Choose the Right Soap Tray for Your Kitchen
Finding the best kitchen sink soap tray depends on a mix of material, size, and style.
- Materials: Bamboo or wood adds warmth and looks beautiful in rustic or natural kitchens. Marble feels luxurious and works well if you want something heavy and stable. Acrylic is perfect for small spaces because it practically disappears. And concrete? That’s your go-to for modern or industrial vibes.
- Size: If you just use a single soap pump, a small tray will do. But if you like having hand soap, dish soap, and a sponge all in one place, look for something a little longer or even tiered. Soap trays for small kitchens can be compact or vertical to save counter space.
- Style: Match it to your kitchen’s look. Farmhouse kitchens shine with galvanized metal or enamel. Coastal spaces feel breezy with rattan. Minimalist setups love clean lines in black, white, or glass.
Think about how you use your sink area, then pick a tray that makes your daily routine feel easier and more intentional.
20 Kitchen Sink Soap Tray Ideas
Below we have listed 20 cute and clever ways to use your soap tray to keep your kitchen counters tidy and clean.
1. Use a Wooden Bamboo Tray for a Spa-Like Vibe
A bamboo tray instantly softens the look of a stainless steel sink. Bamboo is naturally water-resistant and gives off a calming spa-like feel, making it perfect for kitchens that lean toward natural textures. Try placing a slim rectangular bamboo tray with your soap pump and scrub brush neatly arranged on top. Have you noticed how wood warms up an otherwise cold space? This small update can instantly change the vibe of your sink while keeping everything in one organized spot.
2. Opt for a Clear Acrylic Soap Tray for a Sleek Look
Clear acrylic trays are ideal if you want something that disappears visually while still doing the job. They create the illusion of more counter space because they don’t block the view of your countertop. Plus, they’re easy to wipe clean, which is a must for high-traffic kitchens. Imagine pairing it with a glass soap dispenser to keep the entire area feeling streamlined and modern.
3. Choose a Small Ceramic Dish for a Classic Touch
A white ceramic dish never goes out of style. It’s sturdy, elegant, and blends seamlessly with almost any kitchen design. I love using a shallow ceramic tray that holds both a bar of soap and a mini bottle of hand lotion. The weight of ceramic also keeps it from sliding around, which is a bonus if you have kids who tend to splash water everywhere.
4. Add a Tiered Soap Tray for Extra Organization
If you’re always juggling multiple items, dish soap, hand soap, sponges, a tiered tray might be your best friend. A small two-level design keeps things separated but still compact. Use the top tier for decorative items like a tiny plant, and the bottom for your soaps. Doesn’t it feel more intentional when everything has its own spot?
5. Try a Marble Slab for a Luxurious Feel
A marble soap tray instantly elevates the look of any sink area. The weight of marble keeps it firmly in place, and it’s surprisingly easy to clean. Plus, the natural veining adds subtle texture. Pair a marble tray with brass soap dispensers for that timeless, high-end look you see in design magazines, without needing a full kitchen remodel.
6. Go for a Vintage Metal Tray for Rustic Charm
A small galvanized metal tray or enamel dish brings a farmhouse vibe to your kitchen sink. These trays are usually lightweight but sturdy enough to hold all your essentials. Add amber glass soap bottles and a natural bristle brush, and suddenly your sink looks curated instead of cluttered. Wouldn’t it be nice if even dishwashing felt cozy?
7. Use a Slate Soap Tray for a Modern Edge
Slate trays are sleek, dark, and perfect for adding contrast to a light countertop. The slightly rough texture keeps bottles from sliding around, and they give off a modern, minimalist look. Pair it with black or stainless steel accessories to create a cohesive setup that feels intentional without being fussy.
8. Incorporate a Mini Lazy Susan for Easy Access
A small spinning tray makes grabbing your soap and scrubbers effortless. This idea works especially well if you have a corner sink or limited reach. Look for a compact version made of wood or acrylic so it doesn’t overwhelm the space. A quick spin and everything is right at your fingertips – how satisfying is that?
9. Style a Woven Rattan Tray for Coastal Vibes
Rattan trays bring a soft, airy texture that feels relaxed and coastal. They also add warmth to kitchens with lots of white or neutral tones. Use a round rattan tray to hold soap pumps, a dish brush, and maybe even a candle for a touch of charm. The natural weave allows for airflow, so things dry out faster too.
10. Select a Foldable Wire Tray for Small Spaces
If you’re tight on counter space, a foldable wire tray can be a game changer. It’s lightweight, dries quickly, and can be tucked away when not in use. Opt for a black or brass finish to match your hardware, and suddenly it feels like a design choice rather than just a storage solution.
11. Add a Glass Soap Tray for a Touch of Shine
Glass trays reflect light beautifully, which can make your kitchen feel brighter and more open. Choose one with beveled edges for a bit of sparkle, or go with frosted glass for a softer look. Pair it with a matching glass soap dispenser to create a cohesive and elegant style.
12. Use a Repurposed Cutting Board as a Soap Station
A small wooden cutting board doubles perfectly as a soap tray, especially if you like a rustic look. It’s easy to move around and can hold multiple items without feeling cluttered. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly option you probably already own. Doesn’t it feel good when something practical turns into decor?
13. Create a Mini Tray Set for Each Family Member
If your household is constantly mixing up hand soap and dish soap, designate separate mini trays for each person. Use different colors or patterns to keep things clear. This works especially well if you also store personal sponges or brushes in the same area, making the whole setup feel organized and intentional.
14. Try a Soap Tray with Built-In Drainage
A tray with small ridges or holes helps keep your bar soap from getting mushy. These are especially handy if you prefer solid soap over liquid. Look for ceramic or stainless steel designs that fit neatly beside your sink. A small detail like drainage can make your daily routine feel cleaner and more efficient.
15. Style a Minimal Concrete Soap Tray
Concrete trays are perfect for modern or industrial kitchens. Their matte texture and muted tones make them versatile, and they’re surprisingly durable. Use one to hold a single soap pump and maybe a scrub brush to keep the look simple. Isn’t it amazing how raw materials can still feel polished?
16. Use a Mini Cake Stand for Elevated Style
A tiny cake stand brings height and visual interest to your sink area. It also keeps your soap tray slightly raised, which helps with water splashes. Choose a ceramic or glass stand for a more delicate feel, or metal for a bold statement. This little trick can make even everyday dish soap feel fancy.
17. Add a Patterned Tile as a Soap Tray Base
A leftover tile from a past project can make an excellent soap tray. Tiles are naturally waterproof and come in endless patterns and colors. Set a Moroccan or subway tile under your soap bottles, and suddenly it looks like a custom design feature rather than a random accessory.
18. Incorporate a Leather Catchall for a Warm Look
A small leather tray (treated for water resistance) adds a unique texture you don’t often see near sinks. Over time, the leather develops a patina, giving it character. Pair it with amber glass bottles or copper accessories for a cozy, curated setup that feels elevated yet approachable.
19. Use a Clear Tray with Dividers for Ultimate Organization
If you like everything perfectly separated, go for a clear acrylic tray with built-in sections. Assign a spot for each item – soap, sponge, scrub brush – so nothing slides around. It’s a simple upgrade that makes the whole area look intentional, almost like a drawer organizer for your countertop.
20. Go Bold with a Colored Enamel Tray
A pop of color at the sink can instantly brighten the room. Choose a small enamel tray in a shade that complements your kitchen, like navy, sage green, or mustard yellow. Pair it with neutral accessories to keep it from feeling overwhelming. Isn’t it amazing how one small detail can lift the whole space?
Where to Put Your Soap Tray
Placement matters more than you think. In small kitchens, tucking your tray into a corner frees up valuable counter space. If you have a larger kitchen, try centering it under a window or next to the faucet so it becomes a focal point. Some people even set it on a windowsill to keep the counter completely clear.
Also, think about splash zones. You don’t want water constantly pooling under your tray, so keep it just outside of where the faucet spray usually lands. If you have kids, put it somewhere sturdy and easy to reach, so they’re less likely to knock it over. A little planning here saves a lot of cleanup later.
How to Style a Soap Tray Like a Designer
Want your soap tray to look like it belongs in a magazine? Follow a few simple tricks:
- Group in threes: A soap pump, a scrub brush and a small decorative item (like a mini plant or candle) instantly look curated.
- Match your metals: If your faucet is brass, pick a tray or dispenser with brass accents for a cohesive look.
- Play with color: A neutral tray with a bold soap bottle adds a pop of personality without feeling messy.
I like to think of a soap tray as a mini vignette. When it’s styled well, it elevates the whole sink area, making even everyday chores feel a little more special.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
The best part about a soap tray is how it keeps things tidy, but only if you keep the tray itself clean.
- How often to wipe: A quick wipe once a day prevents buildup. I keep a microfiber cloth under my sink and give mine a 10-second swipe while the kettle boils.
- Best cleaner: For bamboo or wood, use a damp cloth and dry it immediately. Marble and stone like a pH-neutral cleaner. Acrylic and glass shine up nicely with a spritz of vinegar and water.
- Deep clean: Once a week, lift everything off and give the whole area a quick scrub. It only takes two minutes, but it keeps your tray looking like new.
A little maintenance goes a long way. A clean soap tray doesn’t just look better, it will make your whole kitchen feel fresher.
