Looking for the best valet trays? Here are the most stylish and functional catchall trays you can buy right now.
If you have an EDC, then you’ve probably put some thought into your specific set of items.
And while it’s important to think about which EDC items you carry, it’s just as important to think about how you manage those items.
If you end up unloading your pockets onto a counter, side table, or shelf, you’re not getting the most efficiency out of your EDC. Sure, everything might be in one place, but it’s prone to getting mixed up or otherwise disorganized.
That’s where a valet tray can help. It provides a confined space to hold all of your EDC items without taking up too much space. It’s an easy way to stay organized, and it’s more convenient than piling your gear on a random surface.
Even though valet trays are fairly niche, there are quite a few options out there. I’ve rounded up 11 of the best valet trays in this article, and there’s something for everyone here. (For ease of browsing, they’re ordered from least expensive to most expensive.)
The 10 Best Valet Trays That Are Stylish and Functional
Here are the best valet trays in no particular order…
Main Street Forge Leather Valet Tray
The leather tray is one of the most common types of valet trays because of how simple and straightforward it is. This tray from Main Street Forge emphasizes those qualities with its wide, flared design, making it easy to unload all your items without a mess.
If you’ve got a minimal EDC that only consists of a few items, the 7.5” x 5.5” small size is probably right for you. If you tend to carry several items (or bulkier items), go with the 10.5” x 7” large.
There are six colors to choose from, so you can easily find something that matches your decor. You can pick these up for $25 to $30, which is a fantastic price for American-made craftsmanship.
Artifox Grey Valet Tray
Artifox specializes in the sort of sleek modern design you might see in an upscale coffee shop. While many valet trays can fit that aesthetic, not many are designed with it in mind, which makes this ideal if you’re after the look.
Available in grey and black, this hand-stitched leather tray provides a 5” x 8” surface for your EDC. Its more structured shape is ideal for holding several smaller items or a couple of larger items like phones and notebooks.
The soft grain interior ensures that your goods won’t get damaged, and it also helps keep smaller objects in place. At $45, it’s a pretty affordable choice that offers a distinct vibe.
DEFY Valet Tray
This tray from DEFY is a big step up from cheaper leather trays. Made of Horween leather and fitted with distressed brass snaps, DEFY’s tray is sturdy and durable.
You can choose from black, brown, or cognac leathers that each have their own texture. The tray is available in one size that measures 6.25” x 6.25”, so it’s better suited for smaller EDCs with fewer items.
This tray goes for $60, so it’s a bit more of an investment, but if you want high-quality leather, you can’t go wrong here.
DSPTCH Base Object 04
California-based design company DSPTCH wants to make objects that last a lifetime, and their Base Object 04 valet tray lives up to that ethos with its minimal yet bold design.
The tray is made of cold-rolled steel and comes in four colorways: matte black, clear coat steel, sand, and bone. The cutout allows you to store larger objects or leave devices charging without putting strain on the cord.
You can get one directly from DSPTCH for $62. It might seem like a lot for some steel, but this hard-wearing tray is built to last. It’s not for everyone, but its unique design makes it a compelling option.
CB2 Heath Cognac Leather Tray
In need of an extra-large tray for your behemoth EDC? Look no further than CB2’s cognac leather tray that provides a massive 18” x 12” surface for even the biggest of carries.
And unlike the other leather trays on this list, the CB2 has a traditional tray form, so you can store things like paper or stationery items in addition to your EDC. Underneath the leather is engineered wood that provides support and structure.
As a multipurpose tray, it can do a lot more than your average valet tray, so the retail price of $80 makes sense. There aren’t that many trays of this size, so the CB2 is worth a look if you need the space.
Tanner Goods Valet Tray
More people are realizing the value of high-quality essentials that last, and that nicely describes this tray from Tanner Goods.
This classic tray is made from two pieces of English bridle leather and topped off with brass rivets. However, it is on the smaller side, measuring only 5” x 5”, so it’s best for smaller carries.
$85 might seem like a high price to pay, but this tray is consistently ranked as one of the best due to its build quality and longevity.
Craighill Nocturn Catch Valet Tray
If you’re not a fan of leather, how about a nice wooden tray? This handsome piece from Craighill is a refreshing, understated take on the valet tray.
The Nocturn is available in American black walnut and maple, both of which are finished for an elegant look. With dimensions of 11” x 7.5”, it has ample space for all sorts of items, and the central ridge aids in organization.
This is the sort of valet tray that makes you want to deliberately display your EDC items instead of just dumping them all out. You can grab one via Gallantry for $88.
Nomad Goods Base Station Apple Watch Mount Edition
Now for an entirely different sort of valet tray: the Base Station from Nomad Goods. While this isn’t technically a tray, it offers a resting place for the most obvious parts of your EDC: your electronic devices.
Designed for people in the Apple ecosystem, the Base Station can charge an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at the same time. An ambient light sensor dims the LEDs at night, which is great for overnight charging.
Nomad offers a few versions of the Base Station with varying specs, so you can choose the one that’s right for you. They range from $100 to $150 (this particular model is $130).
Grovemade Wood Catch-All
Here’s another option that’s technically not a tray but nonetheless offers some useful advantages.
The Catch-All from Grovemade is a wall-mounted shelf that functions the same way as a valet tray. The sculpted wood (walnut or maple) is lined with Merino wool, and there are three hidden brass hooks for keys and other dangle-friendly items.
At $150, it’s undoubtedly a premium option that will add a nice touch of nature to your entryway. If you’re a fan of wall-mounted shelves, the Catch-All will not disappoint.
Courant CATCH:3 Classics
The CATCH:3 from Courant is an alternative to the Base Station that offers a lot of the same functionality in a slightly different package.
This single-coil charger is wrapped in pebble-grain Italian leather and features dedicated phone and accessory slots. Unlike the Base Station, the CATCH:3 can charge both Apple and Android phones (though it does have limited compatibility with iPhone 12 and iPhone 13).
This snazzy tray will run you $175, but if you don’t need a luxury experience, you can opt for the $100 Essentials version that uses Belgian linen instead of leather.
Time To Choose a Valet Tray
At first, the valet tray may seem like an unnecessary add-on, but it can be a useful tool for keeping your EDC organized and available.
After all, having an EDC means you’ve thoughtfully considered what to carry on a daily basis, so why not also thoughtfully consider where those items go at the end of the day?
Questions? Comments? Leave them below!
