Wooden bowls are one of those things I see at thrift stores that always make me pause while browsing. Now, if I see immediately that they are made from bamboo or pieced together, I keep on walking by. But, solid wood or beautifully turned by a woodworking artist? I absolutely stop and almost always buy!
They are just so gorgeous and handy, even if they need a little TLC to restore or repurpose them (like this one did).
I’ve definitely upcycled and repurposed my fair share of wooden bowls in my nearly nine years of blogging! And thankfully, you aren’t quite sick of them yet. Remember this little secretive pumpkin that I made? He was one of my first blog posts using wooden bowls.
And these hat stands that I cobbled together years ago? Another early blog post that put wooden bowls to good reuse!
See what I mean, though? So versatile in the various ways to use and reuse them! Sometimes to hold things, sometimes to pair up, and sometimes to turn over. Painted or plain, or sometimes a little bit of both, like this project from my book!
I’m fairly certain I’m not the only one who loves to snatch these up from thrift store shelves. Actually, I KNOW I’m not after gathering all of these upcycling ideas for wooden bowls in the collection below! There are plenty of other bloggers who have ideas on ways to repurpose them, as well.
So, if you’ve got a beat up bowl (or maybe a few of them!) and have been waiting for the right idea to come along, maybe I can help. There’s bound to be some inspiration in this collection that is just what you’ve been looking for…
Upcycling Ideas for Wooden Bowls
I don’t know about you, but now I want to go thrifting and see if I find any more wooden bowls to add to my collection! Even if they’re more of the platter variety (like these leaf dishes were), the repurposing ideas are endless.
Whether they need just a little restoration TLC or a full makeover (DIY clam bowl, anyone?), wooden bowls are usually a steal at thrift stores. Because someone, somewhere, probably put a lot of work into carving and creating them!
I’m not sure what my next wooden bowl project will be just yet. But I definitely have a few ideas swirling around in my mind, that’s for sure.
And I hope you do, too, after perusing this collection and thinking about your own stash of bowls! Maybe it’ll be something seasonal or something you can leave out year-round. Either way, don’t mind me if I grab yet another wooden bowl while on a thrifting adventure.
You just never know when a good upcycling idea will come to mind!
Craft on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
I love DIYing with bowls! I LOVE LOVE those acorns you made!! Thank you for including some of my DIY bowl creations in your roundup!
Thank you so much!!
I loved looking at the photos and reading about your thrifting for your new home. It has given me inspiration for clearing my clutter and seeing how I can refresh my rooms and give them a facelift. You always seem to have such fun things to do. Thank you.
Susan K.
I absolutely LOVE this, Susan! Thank you so much for taking the time to share with me.