On a recent girls’ weekend adventure, exploring quaint antique stores filled with hidden treasures, I stumbled across an incredible find that instantly made my graphic designer heart flutter: two authentic printer trays, still adorned with their original font labels! As a lover of typography and vintage collectibles, this felt like the perfect intersection of all my passions.
A Brief History of Printer Trays
Printer trays, or type cases, have their roots in the history of printing. Dating back to the invention of movable type by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century, type cases became essential for organizing and storing individual metal type pieces used in printing presses. Each compartment within a tray held a specific character or symbol, allowing typesetters to quickly assemble text for printing newspapers, books, posters, and other printed materials. This meticulous organization system was vital in ensuring efficiency in the labor-intensive printing process.
These trays were typically made from hardwood, built to withstand years of daily use in busy print shops. Today, authentic printer trays are cherished by designers, collectors, and enthusiasts alike for their historical significance and unique aesthetic appeal.
What Makes These Trays Special?
Finding trays that still have their original typeface labels intact is a rare and exciting discovery, offering a tangible connection to the rich history of typography. Each label corresponds to a specific typeface, size, and style, making the trays both a decorative piece and a fascinating historical artifact.
Vintage printer trays, beautifully preserved with original metal handles and font labels.
Detailed glimpse of the original typeface labels on a vintage printer trays, highlighting typography history.
Prepping the Trays for Their New Life
Before transforming my finds into display-worthy wall art, a little cleaning and care are necessary:
- Gentle Cleaning: Start by dusting the trays with a soft brush or cloth. For stubborn dirt, lightly dampen a microfiber cloth with a gentle wood cleaner or mild dish soap diluted in warm water. Avoid overly saturating the wood to prevent warping.
- Inspect and Repair: Check each compartment carefully for splinters or loose pieces. Use wood glue for minor repairs, ensuring everything is stable and safe for display.
- Condition the Wood: Once clean and dry, condition the trays with beeswax or a specialized wood conditioner to restore the wood’s natural beauty and protect it over time. I like to use a product called Feed-N-Wax.
Using Howard Feed-N-Wax to restore and condition vintage printer trays for display.
Decorating: Creating Your Own Cabinet of Curiosities
My favorite way to decorate with printer trays is to embrace the “cabinet of curiosities” aesthetic, arranging small, meaningful items that reflect personal interests and natural elements:
- Vintage Bottles: Small antique apothecary bottles add charm and authenticity.
- Natural Finds: Unique rocks, shells, dried botanicals, or feathers bring nature indoors.
- Typography and Design Ephemera: Vintage letterpress blocks or antique keys resonate with the tray’s original use and add character.
I recommend playing with arrangements, mixing textures, and varying heights to create visual interest. Each compartment becomes a tiny showcase, collectively forming a stunning piece of wall art that tells your personal story.
Transforming a vintage printer tray into a curated cabinet of curiosities with charming collectibles and natural elements.
Displaying Your Masterpiece
Hang your curated printer trays on the wall as a focal point in your workspace, living area, or entryway. Consider these tips to enhance the visual impact:
- Lighting: Install soft spotlights or small LED strips to highlight individual compartments, emphasizing textures and colors of displayed items.
- Grouping: If you have multiple trays, group them in clusters of two or three for a dynamic, gallery-like feel.
- Balance and Symmetry: Mix larger and smaller items strategically to maintain visual balance. Alternate textures and colors for harmonious contrast.
- Thematic Displays: Change the displayed items seasonally or according to special occasions. It keeps the display fresh and continually engaging.
Printer trays are not only aesthetically pleasing but also conversation starters, inviting guests to explore and discuss your carefully chosen collectibles.
Alternative Ways to Display
While my personal style favors a more natural, vintage aesthetic, printer trays can also be adapted to various decorating styles:
- Colorful Craft Displays: Paint each compartment in different vibrant colors for a playful, eclectic look perfect for craft rooms or children’s spaces.
- Jewelry Organizers: Mount trays horizontally on a dresser or vanity to organize and display jewelry and accessories.
- Modern Minimalism: Paint the trays white or a neutral tone, displaying only a few carefully selected items for a sleek, minimalist effect.
- Functional Storage: In home offices or workshops, printer trays can organize and showcase craft supplies, small tools, or office essentials practically and stylishly.
Discovering these trays was an exciting reminder that treasures often hide in unexpected places. Have you decorated with printer trays or created a similar display? I’d love to hear about your own antique adventures!
Happy treasure hunting!
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