Mirror Tray (Round): 28cm across, and round against square

The Mirror Tray (Round) is listed with a single figure: 28cm, written in the listing as a diameter. One number is all a circle needs, which makes this the easiest piece in the Mirror Ornaments range to check against a surface, and the hardest to judge for capacity.

28cm across, and what that holds

A 28cm circle is roughly the size of a dinner plate, so hold one against the spot and you have your answer about footprint immediately. Capacity is the part worth thinking through, because a circle holds less than a rectangle of the same width. Objects with square bases leave four empty curves at the edges: on the arithmetic, a square sitting inside a 28cm circle can only be about 20cm along each side, and that is the figure to plan with. A candle and a small dish fit comfortably; three or four objects in a row do not.

Round against rectangular

Shape is the real decision here, not size.

• On a round table. A circle repeats the table's line. A rectangle set on a round top always looks slightly off unless it is lined up with something, and there is nothing to line it up with.
• Approached from all sides. A circle has no front. On a coffee table in the middle of a room, or an island, that is one less thing to keep straight.
• Against a wall or on a console. This is where a rectangle wins, because it follows the edge of the furniture. The larger rectangular Mirror Tray at 45 x 32cm is the piece for that job.
• In a tight corner. A circle gives up its corners, so a 28cm round tray takes less visual space than a 28cm square one.

The figures the listing does not give

The listing records the diameter and nothing else dimensional. There is no height, so there is nothing to tell you whether the piece has a raised rim that will hold a bottle upright or whether it is essentially a flat mirrored disc. There is no thickness, no weight, no statement of what sits behind the mirror, and nothing about the underside, which is what matters if the tray is going on a polished or lacquered top. The description mentions two sizes while a single diameter is recorded against the product, so if you want a different size of this tray, ask us rather than assume.

The product page carries four photographs, which are worth a close look before you decide. Anything they do not show, we can measure on the piece for you. That is a better outcome than a guess printed on a blog.

Grouping objects on a circle

The old advice about odd numbers exists because a circle has no axis to balance against. Three objects of different heights sit well on 28cm; two of the same height look like a pair of eyes. A low lettered piece such as the 4H Home Tealight Holder is too long for this tray at 30cm, so keep it beside rather than on it, and put something upright like the 1H Candle Holder in the group instead.

The diameter and the photographs are on the Mirror Tray (Round) page. Delivery is free within 50 miles of our Glasgow store and £50 beyond.