All categories
Business & Offices
Electronics & Media
Fashion & Accessories
Groceries & Essentials
Health & Personal Care
Home & Living
Kids & Family
Sports & Outdoors
Search in ZoneOffer
If you’re anything like me, little touches make a house feel like a home. Decorative bowls are one of those deceptively simple pieces that can change the mood of a room without shouting for attention. They anchor coffee tables, corrals keys and coins in the hall, and turn a shelf into a styled vignette. Think of them as the jewelry of your interior — subtle, versatile, and capable of tying an entire look together.
Nordic Nest specialises in clean lines, soft tones, and practical beauty — exactly what you'd expect from Scandinavian design. If you love muted palettes, tactile ceramics, and pieces that age gracefully, this store is a brilliant first stop. They stock a mix of established design houses and smaller studios, so it’s easy to find a decorative bowl that’s both functional and expressive.
This playful yet minimalist bowl brings a touch of whimsy to any shelf or side table. The beige finish fits into neutral schemes, and its compact footprint is ideal for holding jewelry or loose change. Picture it as a little happy accent on a dresser or windowsill.
Want something light and airy? The clear version of this bowl feels almost like glass candy — great for seasonal displays or as a little catch-all near the entrance. It’s small enough to be unobtrusive but charming enough to draw a smile.
The Chub bowl is bold without being loud. In a warm grey finish it provides sculptural interest and a modern silhouette. The large size makes it a perfect centerpiece for the coffee table or dining table when you want a simple, contemporary look.
Originally listed at 28 cm, the Fountain Bowl measures roughly 11.0 inches across, making it a versatile mid-size piece. Its off-white glaze has a soft, natural feel that looks great with wooden surfaces and dried flowers. Use it as a fruit bowl when entertaining, or as a sculptural object when you want something subtle yet elegant.
At around 8.9 inches in diameter, this bowl offers a tactile matte finish and an organic shape reminiscent of marshland textures. It’s ideal when you want a statement piece that still reads calm and collected. Try it on a console table with a single decorative orb or a few felted balls.
The Baburu bowl’s dramatic black finish and generous size — about 11.8 inches — make it a go-to for contrast and drama. It can anchor a neutral room or complement a darker, more contemporary palette. Think of it as a piece that brings depth and a designer feel to everyday spaces.
Small and refined, this taper bowl measures roughly 5.2 inches across. It’s perfect for smaller tasks like holding rings or spices on an open shelf. Its light grey tone blends into Scandinavian or minimalist schemes with ease.
Converting the listed 14 by 16 cm, this bowl is approximately 5.5 by 6.3 inches, making it a compact yet sculptural piece. Iittala’s ceramic work is known for simple craftsmanship and timeless forms, so this bowl functions beautifully as both a serving piece and a decorative object.
While Nordic Nest is an excellent choice for Scandi flair, lots of UK retailers offer a wide range of decorative bowls. Here are a few worth exploring depending on your style and budget.
John Lewis offers a broad selection from high-street brands to premium designers. If you want a safe mix of quality and variety, their online store and department stores are reliable places to compare materials, finishes and sizes.
Dunelm is a go-to for affordable, on-trend pieces. Their range includes ceramic bowls, woven bowls, and decorative metallic options that are great for seasonal updates without breaking the bank.
Habitat blends modern design with practical finishes. Expect sculptural shapes and colours that work well in contemporary or eclectic homes. It’s a good place for statement pieces that still feel functional.
IKEA is unbeatable for affordable basics that you can mix and match. Their decorative bowls often work well in multiplex arrangements — several smaller bowls layered on a tray can look stylish and curated.
Both Wayfair and MADE provide large online catalogues with varied price points. They’re useful when you want to shop by size or finish and compare lots of options quickly. MADE in particular leans toward design-forward pieces at mid-range prices.
Choosing a bowl is more than picking a pretty object. Think about function, scale and the mood you want to create. Are you aiming for calm minimalism, warm rustic, or modern drama? Those decisions will guide your material and size choice.
For coffee tables, larger bowls work best — something around 10 to 12 inches to match the scale of the table. Use them as a centerpiece with seasonal decorations, a small stack of books, or a few carefully chosen natural elements like pine cones or citrus for a pop of colour.
Near the door, smaller bowls of 5 to 8 inches are perfect for keys, spare change, and sunglasses. Choose something durable and easy to wipe clean, especially if it’ll see daily use.
On a bedside table or dresser, pick delicate forms or textured ceramic bowls that hold jewelry or small essentials. A bowl around 4 to 6 inches offers just enough space without overwhelming the surface.
Material affects both function and style. Let’s break down the most common materials and when to use them.
Ceramics offer warmth and colour variety. They’re excellent for interiors that favour tactile surfaces and hand-crafted looks. For bowls you plan to use with food, make sure they’re food-safe. For decorative-only pieces, textured glazes add character.
Glass brings lightness and translucency. Clear or coloured glass bowls can act as jewel-like accents. They’re best in low-traffic areas unless you love frequent cleaning and careful handling.
Metal bowls can be modern and reflective, adding a touch of glamour. A blackened or brushed finish reads contemporary; polished brass adds warmth. Metals are durable but can scratch, so pair them with a soft cloth base if you’re worried about marks.
Natural materials lend an organic, lived-in feel. Wooden bowls warm up cool spaces, while stone and marble provide heft and a luxurious presence. These are great when you want a tactile contrast to textiles and smooth surfaces.
Decorative bowls look best when they’re part of a composition. Here are some practical styling tips that are easy to try.
Layer different heights and shapes for a curated look. Try pairing a low, wide bowl with a taller vase and a stack of books. The mix makes the bowl feel intentional rather than an afterthought.
Odd numbers, especially three, tend to look more natural. Group three bowls of similar tones but different sizes, or try one large bowl flanked by two smaller ones for balance.
Shallow ceramic or glass bowls work beautifully as homes for succulents or air plants. Line them with a little gravel or moss and you’ll have a living, low-maintenance accent.
Different materials need different care routines — a little attention goes a long way in preserving the finish and feel.
Most glazed ceramics are wipe-clean friendly and can handle mild dish soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can dull glazes. If it’s food-safe, handwashing is often the gentlest option.
Use a soft cloth for polishing and avoid harsh chemicals that can strip patinas. If a metal bowl develops a patina you don’t like, a specialist metal cleaner will usually restore its shine.
Wood needs occasional oiling to prevent drying and cracking. Avoid prolonged exposure to water and direct sunlight, which can warp or fade the grain.
Prices for decorative bowls vary widely depending on brand, material and size. Here’s a rough guide to what you might pay on UK retail sites.
From about £10 to £30 (roughly small decorative bowls and simple designs), you’ll find plenty of inexpensive options at retailers like Dunelm and IKEA. These are great for seasonal swaps or casual areas.
Around £30 to £100 covers higher-quality ceramics, designer-inspired shapes, and sturdy metal pieces. Many John Lewis, Habitat and Wayfair listings fall into this bracket.
From £100 upwards, you’ll find pieces from established designers and handcrafted artisans. Brands like Normann Copenhagen, Iittala, and certain Scandinavian makers typically sit here, offering unique forms and lasting finishes.
Want a bargain or a one-of-a-kind piece? Combine online browsing with a few offline tactics to uncover the best decorative bowls for your home.
Keep an eye on sale sections from John Lewis, Wayfair, and MADE for seasonal discounts. Sign up to newsletters for early access to promotions and exclusive offers.
Local boutiques and artisan markets are treasure troves for unique bowls. You might pay a bit more, but you’ll often get handcrafted pieces with more personality than mass-produced items.
Before clicking “add to basket,” run through this quick checklist: does the scale match your surface? Is the material suitable for its intended use? Will the colour complement or contrast the surrounding palette? If the answers feel right, you’ve probably found a winner.
Decorative bowls are a small investment with a big payoff. Whether you’re after minimalist Scandinavian calm from stores like Nordic Nest, a budget-friendly find at Dunelm or IKEA, or a statement designer piece from Normann Copenhagen or Iittala, there’s a perfect bowl out there for every corner of your home. Mix materials, play with scale, and don’t be afraid to let a bowl do double duty as a functional object and a decorative focal point. After all, it’s the little things that make a space feel considered and lived-in.
| Decorative Bowls | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Dbkd Walnut Bowl With Lid Dust | £ 8,99 | |
| Dbkd Walnut Bowl With Lid Shiny Mole | £ 8,99 |
