Dough bowls are amazing and if you don’t have one, you really need to get one ASAP! Dough bowl decor can be used in any room in your house to add texture and style.
Dough bowls were originally used for just what the name implies, making dough. In colonial America, they were used as a warm place to allow the bread to rise.
They were passed down from generation to generation and if you’re lucky to find an old original dough bowl you will have a treasure to keep forever.
I see a lot of dough bowls being sold at flea markets nowadays. They most likely aren’t old, but the craftsmanship on them is still amazing.
Dough bowls can be carved from cottonwood, soft maple, cherry, river birch, and many other types of wood. The wood should be free of knots and other defects. If you’re going to use a dough bowl for its intended use, but sure to coat it with a food-safe sealant.
No need to worry about sealing it if you aren’t making bread and just want to use it to decorate your home. You can find dough bowls in all sizes from small to extra-extra-large. They are great on shelves, mantles, kitchen counters, and as centerpieces.
Ready to decorate with your dough bowl? I know you’ll find an idea or two here that will inspire you!
18+ Ways to Decorate with Dough Bowls
Dough Bowl on a Living Room Shelf
Dough bowls are a great way to add decor to a living room shelf. You can fill it with seasonal decor and change it out all year long.
During the fall season, this wooden dough bowl is perfect for holding ALL of the cute mini pumpkins, scented pinecones that smell AMAZING, and some pieces of faux greenery (mostly lambs ear).
Related reading - Learn my favorite tips for how to decorate shelves here!
Dough Bowl on a Hallway Cabinet
Decorate a hallway cabinet (or any type of cabinet) by adding a dough bowl.
When you aren't sure what to add to the top of a cabinet or piece of furniture, a dough bowl is a great choice.
A little faux greenery and a hand towel help to create a serene spa-like vibe for this cabinet that is used as bathroom storage.
Dough Bowl Table Centerpiece
This may be the most commonly seen way to use a dough bowl in your home decor.
Filled with seasonal decor it makes the perfect centerpiece for your dining table. Layer in other items and add pumpkins for a great fall tablescape!
Dough Bowl on the Mantel
Dough bowls can hold all types of things and go with any design style.
In this coastal mantel it's filled with wine corks to add even more coastal texture and design.
In the center under the mirror, it draws your eyes immediately and complements the rest of the decor on this mantel.
Pretty Paper Succulent Centerpiece
Centerpieces aren't just for holidays; this dough bowl is filled with decor that could go with any season.
If you're not good with plants, consider adding paper succulents (like this) to your dough bowl for a centerpiece.
You can make them any color or style you want. Read more to learn how to make these paper succulents for your dough bowl decor.
Layering Decor in Your Dough Bowl
Decorating your dough bowl to last through several seasons can be challenging.
Faux florals are a great way to make use of that dough bowl. Greenery, moss orbs, and faux flowers layered in your dough bowl will keep you from having to change it out with every season.
Rread more to learn how to layer your dough bowl decor.
Dough Bowl Sink
Isn't this just amazing! If you're lucky enough to find a dough bowl large enough turn it into a bathroom sink!
The rustic charm of this dough bowl really transforms this bathroom.
Read more to learn how to turn a dough bowl into a sink for your home.
Feature A Dough Bowl on a Hutch
You could put this dough bowl anywhere in your home, but it looks great on this hutch.
Filled with clay pot candles, ribbon, and faux greenery it makes the perfect statement piece for spring and summer.
Rread more for tips on decorating your dough bowl.
Summer Dough Bowl Centerpiece
Decorate your dough bowl and use it as decor outside.
Who says centerpieces are only for indoor tables? Dress up your outdoor dining space with a dough bowl centerpiece for summer.
This one has a coastal theme, but you could add items that match your design style and make it your own.
Dough Bowl for Holding Books
Dough bowls aren't just for floral displays or centerpieces.
Check out this way to decorate with dough bowls. Next to a comfy chair, it can hold your favorite books.
I love this inventive idea for decorating with dough bowls.
Natural Decor in a Dough Bowl
Decorating your dough bowl can be as easy as a trip to the grocery store for seasonal produce.
Pears, persimmons, walnuts, and hazelnuts are added to this dough bowl along with birch bark-covered candles for a simple natural centerpiece.
Simple Spring Dough Bowl
This dough bowl decorating idea will see you through multiple seasons.
Faux greenery orbs in your dough bowl can be placed anywhere in your home for any season, but they really freshen up your spring home decor.
It's as easy as purchasing them and dropping them in. No fuss decorating is what a lot of us are looking for, aren't we?
Autumn Styled Dough Bowl
Style your dough bowl for autumn and it will last you all the way through until the Christmas season.
Add painted faux pumpkins and place your dough bowl on the mantle for a stylish fall decorating idea with a dough bowl.
Coastal Dough Bowl Decor
Dough bowls are great as centerpieces. They are easy enough to move if you need to and low enough that they don't block your view of others at the table.
They can be filled with all sorts of things as we have seen, but moss balls are a simple decor item that can last you through several seasons.
Dough Bowl As Wall Decor
I had honestly never thought of hanging up a dough bowl until I saw this one.
Hung with hooks, screws, and wire, it makes a creative wall display!
Read more to see how it's used to hold baskets and pictures too.
Simple Stone Crock Centerpiece
Old crocks and dough bowls are great decor items by themselves, but when you combine them you have an amazing home decor piece for anywhere in your home!
Add real or faux plants to your crocks for a stunning centerpiece that you can use for every season.
Pantry Storage
They aren't just for looks, dough bowls can also be used as storage.
Add them to your pantry shelves for a unique decor touch. They're great for storing fruits and vegetables.
Dough Bowl Decor for the Kitchen
Keep fruits and veggies easy to access by keeping them in a dough bowl on the counter.
Fruits and vegetables make great decor items, but it's an added bonus when you can have them within reach when you want one.
If you're not keen on having them out on the counter, get some faux fruit or vegetables instead.
Which is your favorite dough bowl decor idea?
Let us know in the comments below!
