A DIY Tray That'll Bring A Natural Touch To Your Living Room Decor

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Mosaics are part of a stunning trend for 2026. Granted, it's mosaic flooring that has earned special mention this year. If you haven't the need, time, or budget for a DIY mosaic tile floor, dip your toes into this art form with a decorative tray inlaid with river rock and fitted with handles. This ancient method of covering large surfaces with many small pieces is a fun and meditative process that requires few specialized tools, if any. A wood circle overlaid with tumbled stones and grout join forces to make a tray with a gorgeous natural look for your living room.

To make your own decorative river rock tray, source a large, thin wooden circle meant for crafting; one that's between 12 and 16 inches in diameter is ideal. Gather up a collection of relatively flat-sided river rocks or purchase them in bulk from a craft store. You'll also need a drill, white grout, a putty knife, mosaic sealant, a paintbrush, a few rags, and two bar-shaped drawer pulls like these 5-inch Ravinte Cabinet Pulls. (If you are using a smaller wood circle, shoot for handles that aren't as long so that they don't occupy too much space on the tray.)

Using the putty knife, spread a layer of grout about 1-inch thick onto the wooden circle. Press stones into the layer of grout, leaving about ¼ to ½ inch between each stone on all sides. To make sure your tray has the most even surface possible, concentrate the flattest stones in the center of the circle. As you're applying the stones, sink them into the grout evenly to create a relatively flat surface. Let this layer dry and cure for 24 to 48 hours.

Top the layer of stones with a thick coating of grout, smoothing the material evenly between the stones. Dampen a cloth, and wipe away the bulk of the excess grout from the stones' faces. Let the material dry slightly for 10 minutes before wiping the stones a second time. After 30 minutes, polish the surfaces by wiping away any remaining grout from the tops of the stones. You shouldn't see much or any grout residue on the exposed stones after the polishing step. Let the piece rest for at least 48 hours to ensure a strong bond.

Once you're confident that the grout will hold, coat the stones and grout with a mosaic sealant and paintbrush. After 30 minutes, you can add a second layer of sealant (optional). Let the sealant dry for four to six hours. Along the edges of the circle, find spots between the stones with the right spacing to fit the handles. Measure, mark, and drill two holes for each handle. Attach the handles, and style your tray as a way to decorate with nature in your home.