What it does
A fitted insert that drops into an existing tray or safe drawer, turning a plain surface into seats for specific pieces.
Microfibre suede on a tray insert, specifically
Suede inserts survive being taken in and out of a tray, which is what inserts are for. Velvet inserts wear at the edge where they are gripped.
Getting the proportion right
The insert is cut to the tray, so the tray dimensions come first. A standard insert in a non-standard tray leaves gaps where pieces travel.
How microfibre suede is applied to a display form
Microfibre suede has a short, even nap and no grain direction to match, so it wraps a compound curve more cleanly than velvet and shows fewer joins. That makes it the default on shaped forms.
Where it is used
Safe drawers, counter trays and existing display furniture.
Suede under case lighting
Suede reads matte and even, with none of the sheen shift you get across velvet as you move around a case. Under LED spots it holds one tone from every viewing angle, which is why window dressers ask for it.
The mistake to avoid
Inserts for safe drawers have to allow for the drawer runner clearance, which is easy to forget when measuring the opening.
Why microfibre suede
Microfibre suede is the working surface of most modern counters. Short nap, matte, and it does not shed onto a polished piece.
Brush with the nap. It recovers from handling better than velvet and is the safer choice for display that is moved every day.
What we need from you
| What we need | Why |
|---|---|
| Height and footprint | The insert is cut to the tray, so the tray dimensions come first. |
| Microfibre suede colour | Matched to a Pantone reference or a swatch |
| Microfibre suede on this form | Suede inserts survive being taken in and out of a tray, which is what inserts are for. |
Frequently asked questions
Can tray inserts be made in our brand colour?
Yes — the microfibre suede is matched to a Pantone reference or a physical swatch, and confirmed on a sample.
What sizes do tray inserts come in?
They are made to your dimensions. The insert is cut to the tray, so the tray dimensions come first. A standard insert in a non-standard tray leaves gaps where pieces travel.
Is microfibre suede a good choice for a tray insert?
Suede inserts survive being taken in and out of a tray, which is what inserts are for. Velvet inserts wear at the edge where they are gripped.
What goes wrong most often with tray inserts?
Inserts for safe drawers have to allow for the drawer runner clearance, which is easy to forget when measuring the opening.
Can tray inserts be made to match our boxes?
Yes — the same microfibre suede and the same colour across boxes and display, ordered in one run.
Specify your tray inserts
Tell us your case or window height, what the tray inserts have to show, and your brand colour. We’ll send photos of our work and one clear, all-in quote.