Have Some Ikea Bowls Lying Around? Turn Them into a DIY Side Table

I have a bit of a love affair with Ikea, and their Blanda Matt serving bowls are one of my favorite items. I ended up buying half a dozen last year, and now I’m left wondering what to do with most of them. Recently, I stumbled upon a fantastic DIY hack to turn these bowls into a stylish side table. It’s an affordable and fun project that adds a unique touch to your home decor.

This DIY side table uses a few simple materials: Ikea serving bowls, wood sealant, wood glue, some paint, and a thin sheet of plywood for the tabletop. With a bit of creativity and effort, you can transform these bowls into a beautiful piece of furniture that looks like it came straight from a high-end store.

What You’ll Need for the DIY Side Table

Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary materials. For a small-sized DIY side table, you’ll need four 11-inch serving bowls, wood sealant, wood glue, paint, and a thin sheet of plywood. You’ll also need a handheld jigsaw or a similar cutting tool to cut the plywood. You can leave the table in its natural wooden finish, but I decided to paint it, so if you choose to do so as well, you’ll need some paint in the color of your choice.

Preparing the Plywood Top

Take one of your bowls and turn it upside down on the plywood sheet. Use a pencil to trace a circle around the bowl. This circle will serve as your guide for cutting out the tabletop. Carefully cut along the traced line using a handheld jigsaw. Once the circle is cut out, sand the edges to make them smooth. This will ensure that the tabletop looks polished and professional.

Assembling the Bowls

Now it’s time to assemble the bowls. Start by taking the first bowl and turning it upside down. Apply wood glue to the base. Take the second bowl, right side up, and join it with the first bowl base to base. Ensure they are properly aligned before the glue sets.

Apply more glue to the rim of the second bowl and place the third bowl upside down on top of it to form a sphere. Make sure everything is aligned correctly, then apply glue to the bottom of the third bowl and place the fourth bowl right side up on top.

Attaching the Plywood Top

With your bowl structure assembled, it’s time to attach the plywood top. Apply glue to the rim of the top bowl and carefully place the plywood circle on top. Press down gently to ensure a good bond. Use a wood sealant to fill any gaps and smooth out the seam where the plywood meets the bowls. This will give your table a seamless, professional look. Allow the glue and sealant to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Finishing Touches

Once everything is dry, it’s time to paint. Choose an oil-based paint in a color that matches your decor. I opted for white to complement my bedroom. Apply the paint evenly, covering the entire surface of the table, and allow it to dry thoroughly between coats. Depending on the paint, you may need two or three coats to achieve the desired finish.

For added stability, you can attach small rubber feet to the bottom of the table. This will prevent it from sliding and protect your floors from scratches. Simply glue the rubber feet to the bottom of the first bowl and let them dry completely.

Enjoying Your DIY Side Table

With your new side table complete, find the perfect spot for it in your home. Whether it’s next to your bed, sofa, or in a cozy reading nook, this DIY project will add a touch of creativity and style to your space. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you made it yourself.

Creating a side table from Ikea bowls is not only a fun and affordable project but also a great way to upcycle items you already have. With a little time and effort, you can transform simple bowls into a functional and stylish piece of furniture that will impress anyone who sees it. So, gather your materials and get started on this unique DIY project. You’ll love the end result.