Decorating with Dough Bowls: Beautiful Styling Ideas
Looking for a way to give your home a fresh new look through your home decor? Try decorating with dough bowls!
I discovered the joy of decorating with dough bowls and am sharing some ideas with you today. These easy dough bowl decorating ideas will add a touch of personality to your home decor. So grab a dough bowl and let’s get creative!
The Sonata Home Design blog sometimes contains affiliate links. This means that I earn a small commission if you make a purchase by using this link. The price you pay will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link. My retirement fund thanks you!
Confession time…
A few years ago, I had no idea what a dough bowl was.
Now I see them in all sorts of places and have learned to love decorating with dough bowls!
It’s funny how that works, isn’t it? Once I knew what a dough bowl was, I started seeing them everywhere – like they were popping up out of thin air!
It’s like the Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon, where you suddenly notice something you’ve never noticed before because your brain is now primed to look for it.
So, if you’re new to the dough bowl world, get ready to spot them in the most unexpected places. Trust me, it’s a fun treasure hunt!
So, what exactly is a dough bowl?
Well, it’s basically a shallow bowl used for kneading dough. Think of it as the bread-maker’s best friend. They’re usually made of wood and sometimes have handles on either side.
I have visions of myself kneading dough like a pro, thanks to the Great British Baking Show. Unfortunately, my baking skills have yet to reach that level. But that doesn’t stop me from admiring dough bowls!
A Brief History of Dough Bowls
Dough bowls have been around for centuries, dating back to the days when bread-making was a daily chore. Immigrants brought European dough bowls to colonial America, where they were used to make traditional bread dough for breads like challah and brioche.
Today, dough bowls are still used by bakers, but they’ve also found their way into homes as decorative objects. And let me tell you, they can add a touch of rustic charm to any room.
Where Can I Find Dough Bowls?
Dough bowls are becoming more popular than ever! You can find them at vintage shops, antique stores, and online marketplaces like Etsy.
But if you’re lucky, you might even stumble upon a vintage dough bowl at a local flea market or thrift shop.
And for those who prefer a more modern touch, some home decor stores like Pottery Barn and even Amazon now carry new dough bowls in different sizes and styles.
I love seeing a new dough bowl that looks like it just came from a local antique store!
So keep your eyes peeled, and you’re sure to find the perfect dough bowl for your home.
How to Decorate a Dough Bowl
The possibilities are endless! Here are a few simple ways to get you started decorating with dough bowls.
Natural Elements
- Moss and Greenery: Create a beautiful display by filling your dough bowl with moss balls, ferns, or small plants. For a touch of color, add in some fresh flowers or colorful leaves. (Faux flowers work too!) Using floral foam is a great way to elevate bowl fillers and keep flowers looking fresh.
- Driftwood and Seashells: Bring the beach indoors by filling your dough bowl with driftwood, seashells, and starfish. This is a great option for coastal-themed homes.
- Pinecones and Nuts: A classic combination that’s perfect for fall. Arrange pinecones, acorns, and chestnuts in your dough bowl for a natural and rustic look. We always have oodles of pine cones in our yard each summer. So I bleached the pine cones and created a simple but beautiful display for the front porch.
Seasonal Decor
- Summer Vibes: Bring the sunshine indoors with summer-themed decorations. Fill your dough bowl with seashells, starfish, and beach sand. You can also add a few colorful starfish or seashells for a pop of color.
- Pumpkins and Gourds: For the fall season decorating, create a dough bowl centerpiece with a variety of real or faux pumpkins, gourds, or wheat stalks. Have fun experimenting with color. Orange pumpkins are fantastic. But so are white pumpkins, plaid pumpkins, or even pink pumpkins!
- Holiday Cheer: For the holidays, fill your beautiful dough bowl with festive decorations. Fill your house with Christmas cheers by using fresh greenery, pine cones, ornaments, and candy canes.
- Spring Decor: Add colorful Easter eggs, bunnies, and spring flowers. Any of these seasonal displays would be great options for decorating a kitchen countertop or kitchen island!
Unique Dough Bowl Styling Ideas
I thought I would share some of my favorite, unique ways that I have used dough bowls in my home decor.
Cherished Moments in a Dough Bowl
Do you have special photos, collectibles, or other important keepsakes?
Honor them by using them as dough bowl decor.
This dough bowl holds all of the darling little baby shoes worn by my twin daughters.
Their initials are on the bottom of each shoe.
I love the scuffs on the toes.
Now they have grown up, but I treasure the memory of their childhood through this bowl of toddler shoes.
Wouldn’t this be a beautiful centerpiece for a baby shower? Such a sweet way to celebrate a new baby and new mama!
Party Time in a Dough Bowl
An obvious use for a dough bowl is to serve food in it!
Depending on what you are serving, just make sure the bowl is food-safe and watertight. For added security, line your dough bowl with plastic liners to keep it watertight.
For this dough bowl pool party tray, I layered colored glass on the bottom of the bowl so the cupcakes and sodas would stand evenly.
Note how a rustic wood dough bowl can look festive and fun with bright, saturated colors!
Customize Your Dough Bowl with Paint
I know, I know…painting wood can be controversial.
My philosophy is…if you want to paint it…paint it!
YOU DO YOU!
This tiny dough bowl got a quick coat of white paint before I applied cut-out figures from a favorite western-themed Katie Kime wallpaper…in pink!
Now the white dough bowl has the look of toile and is the perfect citronella candle holder for an outdoor picnic!
This pink pooch looks like he is hanging out by the campfire!
Home on the Pink Range!
Dough Bowl Fillers: Even More Ideas
- Candles: Create a cozy atmosphere by placing a battery-operated candle in your dough bowl.
- Potted Plants: Add a touch of greenery to your home by planting small succulents or herbs in your dough bowl.
- Bath Salts: Use your dough bowl as a decorative storage container for bath salts or bubble baths.
- Snacks and Treats: Fill your dough bowl with snacks or treats for a festive and delicious centerpiece.
Don’t limit yourself to using your dough bowl in the kitchen. They can be used as a centerpiece on your dining room table, a decorative accent on a living room coffee table, or even a storage solution for your bathroom.
A Few More Tips:
- Size matters: Choose a dough bowl that fits the space where you plan to use it. A large dough bowl is perfect for a dining table while a long dough bowl will make a console table come alive!
- Have fun: Experiment with different fillers and styles until you find what you love.
- Don’t be afraid to mix and match: Combine different textures, colors, and materials for a unique look.
So, there you have it! Dough bowls are more than just a kitchen accessory. They’re versatile, stylish, and can add a touch of personality to any room.
So go ahead, grab a dough bowl, and let your creativity shine. When decorating with dough bowls, the possibilities are endless!
Be sure to snap a few pictures of your masterpiece so you can share them on the blog or social media pages. I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Cheers!
Don’t Forget to Pin It
Pin the image below to your decor boards on Pinterest (just click the Pin button in the top left corner). You can also follow along with me on Pinterest!
Let’s Go Shopping!
I adore how you’ve styled the dough bowls! They add such a rustic yet elegant touch to any space. The seasonal ideas are perfect for keeping decor fresh year-round.
Thank you so much! Dough bowls are so fun to decorate with! Thank you for stopping by!
I love dough bowls and wish I had more time to make them. Your photos are beautiful; thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much! I agree…I wish I had lots of dough bowls!
So many great ideas. Dough bowls are so versatile! Mine is a well used one from China. We worked there for awhile with a vintage and antique export company. I do use it differently through the seasons. Right now it is holding a variety of fall colors and print napkins in the kitchen. visiting from Turn around Tuesday #111,112,113
Oh my goodness! I’ll bet your dough bowl is beautiful! I love how your are styling it for fall!
Isn’t it funny how something suddenly seems everywhere once you’ve seen it somewhere.
Your dough bowls look amazing.
Thank you, Julie! Yes, I know exactly what you are talking about!
I’ve only been aware of dough bowls recently myself. I love seeing everything you’ve done with it. Such beautiful displays! Visiting from Gma’s Photo Generic linkup.
Thank you, Jennifer! I am fairly new to them myself and now I love them. Do you own a dough bowl? If so, I would love to know what your use it!