Decorative Bowls: Ideas Beyond the Fruit Bowl

A bowl does not have to hold fruit to earn its place. Used well, decorative bowls work like small sculptures: they add shape, texture and a place to put things.

Ten things to put in a decorative bowl

1. Pinecones in autumn
2. Dried flowers or seed pods
3. Smooth stones or pebbles
4. Wooden or glass beads
5. Small candles
6. Tealights
7. Seasonal ornaments
8. Potpourri or a dried citrus mix
9. Keys and entryway items
10. Nothing at all, if the bowl looks good empty

Choosing by position

• Centre of a table: a wide, low bowl so people can see across.
• On a shelf: a smaller bowl that sits neatly beside books.
• In an entryway: a medium bowl that is easy to reach.
• On a coffee table: one bowl with a single type of filler looks more modern than a bowl with many.

A styling rule worth remembering
Fill a bowl with one kind of object. A bowl of only pinecones or only stones looks calm and intentional.

Browse the range at Serene Living if you want a few shapes to mix and compare.

FAQs

Are decorative bowls food safe?
Not necessarily. Check the product description before using one for food.

Should a decorative bowl be empty or filled?
Both work. An empty bowl is a sculpture, and a filled one adds colour and texture.

How do I style a bowl on a coffee table?
Place it on a tray or stack of books and fill it with one type of object.

How often should I change what’s inside?
Change it with the seasons, or whenever you want the room to feel fresh.