What it does
A tray is the working surface of a counter. It comes out of the case, goes on the counter in front of the customer, and holds the pieces still while they are looked at.
Velvet on a display tray, specifically
A velvet tray is the traditional counter tray and it is also the one that shows wear first, because a tray is where hands go. Specify it for behind glass and use suede on the open counter.
Getting the proportion right
Slot layout is the whole decision — how many, what for, and how they are grouped. A ring tray with a row of slots serves a different sale from a mixed tray with one of each.
How velvet is applied to a display form
Velvet is glued over the form and the pile has to run the same way on every face, or one side of the same block reads darker than the other. On a curved form it is cut in panels rather than stretched, because pile flattens where it is pulled.
Where it is used
Counter selling, safe storage and trade-fair stands.
Velvet under case lighting
Pile absorbs light instead of bouncing it, so a velvet display sinks into the background and the piece on it becomes the brightest thing in the case. It also means the display itself photographs dark, which suits a shop and not a catalogue shot.
The mistake to avoid
A tray that holds too many pieces stops being a presentation and becomes storage. Trays that come out of the case should hold what you intend to show.
Why velvet
Velvet-covered display reads as traditional and formal. The pile absorbs light rather than reflecting it, so the piece on top is the brightest thing in the case.
The pile shows handling and dust. Velvet display belongs behind glass, brushed regularly; on an open counter it ages faster than suede.
What we need from you
| What we need | Why |
|---|---|
| Height and footprint | Slot layout is the whole decision — how many, what for, and how they are grouped. |
| Velvet colour | Matched to a Pantone reference or a swatch |
| Velvet on this form | A velvet tray is the traditional counter tray and it is also the one that shows wear first, because a tray is where hands go. |
Frequently asked questions
Can display trays be made in our brand colour?
Yes — the velvet is matched to a Pantone reference or a physical swatch, and confirmed on a sample.
What sizes do display trays come in?
They are made to your dimensions. Slot layout is the whole decision — how many, what for, and how they are grouped. A ring tray with a row of slots serves a different sale from a mixed tray with one of each.
Is velvet a good choice for a display tray?
A velvet tray is the traditional counter tray and it is also the one that shows wear first, because a tray is where hands go. Specify it for behind glass and use suede on the open counter.
What goes wrong most often with display trays?
A tray that holds too many pieces stops being a presentation and becomes storage. Trays that come out of the case should hold what you intend to show.
Can display trays be made to match our boxes?
Yes — the same velvet and the same colour across boxes and display, ordered in one run.
Specify your display trays
Tell us your case or window height, what the display trays have to show, and your brand colour. We’ll send photos of our work and one clear, all-in quote.