27 Affordable Ways To Fill And Style A Shallow Glass Bowl

Over the years, you may find yourself with an assortment of shallow glass containers. Don't let them sit empty when there's so much decorating potential you can achieve. While you can present your glass vessel as is, take it to the next level by filling it with ornamental items. This doesn't mean you have to drop a pretty penny on decorative filler. Instead, there are 28 affordable ways to fill and style a shallow glass bowl, from seashells to dried beans to fruit and more.

The main reason why people and designers use these bowls as adornments is because they add charm while becoming a great way to showcase antiques and collections. While pretty straightforward, the best way to fill your glass décor basin is with filler items. The best part is that just about anything can go in these glass holders. However, as you look for fillers, you'll learn that they can range in price, with some of them potentially going over your budget. Fortunately, there are a ton of affordable ways to style these glass décor pieces with items that cost barely anything or with objects you already have in your home.

One of the most obvious ways to fill a shallow glass bowl is with fruit, like apples, pears, bananas, and oranges. Since you are purchasing these produce items from the grocery store anyway to eat, you aren't spending any extra money to decorate this spot. While these items do go bad, this is a great way to create a cozy home while also having an on-the-go snack every time you pass by. You'll just need to keep up with removing rotting fruit, refilling, and cleaning. 

A common way people decorate these bowls is with rag balls. While you can buy them, you can easily make your own with scrap fabric you already have. For this project, you'll need scrap cloth of whatever pattern you want, styrofoam balls, straight pins, and glue. Rip your textile into even-sized strips. Adhere a pin at the end of one of your fabric pieces to your foam ball and wind it around until covered. Glue the last part down and then stick a pin in place until it fully dries.

Fill your glass vessel with potpourri as an old-school way to keep your home smelling fresh. Typically, this home air freshener consists of dried natural elements like leaves, flowers, herbs, fruit, and spices. Essential oils can also be added. Depending on the scent you prefer, there are many different recipes out there for you to try. Just follow the directions before setting it out. Arrange your glass bowl on a counter in any room. However, handmade potpourri only lasts for a few months, so you'll need to consistently replace it.

Have an entertainment room or man cave that you want to decorate? Look no further than placing pool balls into the shallow glass. This is a great way to show off your vintage billiard balls that you may have laying around or sitting in a box. To give this accessory some shine, make sure to clean them with either a vinegar solution or baking soda. You also can also rub them with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth any scratches.

Grab your saved seashells to use as décor by setting them in a transparent bowl. This is the perfect way to finally do something with those momentos that you keep picking up off the shore. Since you'll be using it for display purposes, it's best to choose shells that are fully intact. You can place them in the vessel as is or add sand and other nautical elements to take it to new heights. Position it as a centerpiece on a table or set it in a room that has coastal vibes.

Bring nature indoors by setting rocks in your shallow bowl. This decorating material can be one of the cheapest options, especially if you already have rocks outside your home. Since rocks come in all shapes and sizes, you can find just about any color and look you want. You even can utilize those glossy, polished rocks to add some shine to your space. If you do plan on using rocks you find, just make sure to wash off any dirt before positioning them.

Create a stunning and spiritual glass table centerpiece by tactfully decorating your home with crystals. Integrating these beautiful stones in your décor doesn't only look good, but it also can potentially benefit you. Many people place them out to help keep negativity away and provide protection, healing, positivity, and prosperity to their homes. If you're just starting your collection, go with crystals like rose quartz, black tourmaline, shungite, and citrine.

Displaying fruit can improve your kitchen's feng shui, so this is a clever way to decorate that reflective bowl you have. Create a homey environment without having to worry about real fruit rotting, smelling bad, or attracting pests by using faux fruit. You can find many different fake fruit options from pears and apples to berries and bananas. Once you set it in the container, position it on a kitchen island, table, or counter.

A simple way to stuff your glass basin is with wrapped candy or other snacks and sweets. This is an easy solution to clean out your pantry, especially when you have children and the holidays bring too many sweets for one household to consume. Stick them in a bowl and watch as your guests help you decrease your candy stockpile. While most candies take a long time to become unsafe to eat, it is best to toss out candy after some time, especially if it has been sitting there for over a year.

Don't toss out that cork every time you pop open a bottle. Instead, keep them to use as a bowl filler. It's an easy and budget-friendly way to decorate a bar cart or cabinet. You also can adorn the container with twine or other decorative elements to match your home's theme. This can also be a great tracking system to remember all the wine you've enjoyed.

Incorporate the smell of your favorite brew by placing coffee beans in your shallow glass container. This is a useful idea, especially if you have some whole-beans that have been sitting in your pantry for half a year or longer. While you can still use those beans to make coffee, most of its delicious flavor is likely gone, so it's an excellent bowl filler instead. Situate it at your coffee station to bring the whole look together.

Have leftover fake moss from a past project? Use it to stuff your basin. If you use any real moss, keep in mind that it can have an earthy, musky smell. In comparison, fake moss can last you forever and never smell. Throw it in your glass bowl and then set out the bowl. You also can display preserved moss — while it can last you years, you'll need to care for it and maintain it.

Don't toss out those glossy glass stones used in aquariums when you can use them as an affordable bowl filler. If you are using ones from a used aquarium, make sure to thoroughly clean them before pouring in a vessel. What's great about this option is that you can choose any color and create a design that matches your home's aesthetic, whether you have a simplistic modern home or an eclectic living space.

A beautiful way to fill your glass receptacles is with flowers. There are a ton of ways to style this idea, and you can use either real or fake flowers. Just remember that real flowers will need to be replaced. You can keep it simple by placing the flowers as is or you can elevate the bowl by using other décor elements as well, like candles, rocks, water, and even resin. Then, show the bowl off in a prime area for all to see.

Similar to flowers, succulents are a gorgeous way to style and fill your bowl. You can even create a succulent garden with multiple types of these plants that have the same temperament. Make sure to follow all care instructions for the plants you pick, or keep it low maintenance by using fake succulents. Both ways are a clever method to bring a little more nature indoors.

You may already have this baking item in a drawer or cabinet — cookie cutters. You can build a décor feature many different ways, whether you go with the same shapes, colors, or sizes or mix around the different cookie cutters to make a colorful display. Then, once you need to use them, grab the ones from the container. You also can place seasonal cutters in the bowl throughout the year to match your home's vibe.

Elevate your glass bowl by placing your jewelry inside. You definitely don't want to stick out anything valuable, but this is an optimal way to repurpose your costume jewelry around your home. Display your fake pearls for a classy look or some of your pendants for a fun appearance. Take it to new heights by adding other ornamental elements.

Enjoy whimsy in a glass bowl by filling it with bells. Bells come in a variety of colors, but common colors you may find around your house from other décor items like wind chimes and holiday adornments are gold and silver. While this may appear to fit best as an ideal holiday piece, it also works well with rustic and farmhouse homes throughout the entire year.

Head over to your pantry and grab out a bag of dried beans and pour them into the bowl. Whether you prefer white chili beans or red beans, this is a cool yet affordable way to style your glass. You then can place a flower, candle, or succulent on top for visual depth. Typically, this dried food has a shelf-life of two to three years if properly stored. So this is a great, cheap option if you have dried beans that have been sitting in your pantry for years.

Easily repurpose your Christmas ornaments that don't match your updated tree style by redecorating them to complement your everyday home décor. There are many ways to create something that can sit out for most of the year. Try hand painting a floral design with acrylic paint or a simple look with chalk paint, spray paint, or milk paint. Keep it even more effortless by putting your old or extra solid colored Christmas ornaments in a glass bowl.

Keep your home festive all autumn long by filling your bowl with pumpkins. As you shop around your favorite stores, you can find many budget-friendly options whether you like felt, metal, wood, or plastic. You could also use real mini pumpkins, either store bought or home grown. These pumpkins have to be small enough to fit in the container, and in many cases they come in different shapes, colors, and designs. Then set the bowl on a side table or entryway table.

Alternate your dish filler items throughout the year by following the holiday or season. While you already know that ornaments and pumpkins are an affordable option you may already have stored away, you also can put other things in these bowls as well like figurines, streamers, garland, and more. This is a creative way to put together seasonal and holiday table pieces.

An easy way to elevate your non-jarred candles is to display them inside a glass bowl. Place any candle inside as long it fits. Whether you like real or LED ones, any type will work. Don't forget to maximize the mood of your candles with decorative touches, like turning the vessel into a floating candle station. The glass container will also act like a protective barrier, stopping melting wax from damaging the surface of your table or counter.

Whether you have a rustic vibe or want to decorate for spring, faux eggs are the way to go. Fake eggs come in all colors and sizes, making it simple for you to find some that fit your dish. You can even repurpose all those plastic Easter eggs by re-decorating them to match your current home décor. If you don't have any on hand, save even more money by shopping clearance sales after spring and Easter.

A rustic way to load your bowl on a dime is with pinecones. These natural elements can help bring nature indoors and decorate a rustic home. You can even combine pinecones with fake snow, glitter, and anything else you can think of. However, if you find some perfect pieces from your backyard, make sure to bake your pinecones before decorating with them to remove bacteria, dirt, and fungi.

If you're an avid sewer, repurpose those thread scraps, lace pieces, or fabric strips by placing them in a shallow glass container. While you may feel discouraged because this hack may take a while to collect, don't be because it will leave you with a colorful glass filler. If you feel like it needs more dimension, add other elements like buttons or spools. This could also be a way to store your sewing supplies when not in use.

Show off your beautiful or antique marble collection by pouring them into a glass bowl. With their vibrant colors and designs, these reflective balls are a stunning addition to a table centerpiece or even in a restroom. Or, arrange them near a window where you can watch the natural light refract off of them. Add other ornamental elements for more interest.