IKEA serving bowls turned into a luxe console table: simple hack looks high-end

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• Materials and IKEA pieces to gather for the project
• How the bowl-based legs are formed
• Step-by-step assembly for a sturdy console
  • 1. Build the rounded modules
  • 2. Create each leg
  • 3. Prepare and attach the tabletop
• Finishing touches and styling ideas to elevate the look
• Budget breakdown and smart money-saving swaps

A clever DIYer transformed simple IKEA serving bowls into sculpted support legs and paired them with a TV-stand shelf to make a chic console table that looks far more expensive than its parts. The project blends upcycling, simple adhesives, and a steady hand to turn BLANDA MATT bamboo bowls into curved supports that read like furniture design. It’s a great example of how everyday items can be reimagined into statement pieces for an entryway or behind a sofa.

Materials and IKEA pieces to gather for the project

• IKEA BLANDA MATT bamboo serving bowls — the 11-inch size is used in the original build.
• Top piece: an IKEA LACK TV Unit shelf or a reclaimed board about 47 inches wide.
• Construction adhesive suitable for wood and bamboo.
• Wood filler and sandpaper for smoothing seams.
• Paint or clear finish to unify the appearance.
• Optional trim molding, faux gemstones, rope, or hardware for accents.

Note on sizes and cost: the 11-inch BLANDA MATT bowls retail at about $24.99 each. Smaller bowls are cheaper but may require more units. The TV-stand shelf used for the top is around $54.99 new.

How the bowl-based legs are formed

The technique relies on joining bowl rims to create rounded, stacked shapes that read as sculptural legs. Instead of cutting or carving, you build mass by bonding bowls together.

• Pair bowls rim-to-rim with strong adhesive to form a half-sphere shape.
• Repeat to create multiple spheres; the original uses four spheres total.
• Stack components in this order for each support: single bowl, two spheres, single bowl.

Tip: Fill the seam between paired bowls with wood filler, then sand smooth for a seamless look. You can also emphasize the seam with rope or decorative trim if you prefer an accented join.

Step-by-step assembly for a sturdy console

1. Build the rounded modules

1. Apply construction adhesive around the rim of one bowl and press another bowl to it.
2. Clamp or hold the pair until the adhesive sets per manufacturer instructions.
3. Repeat until you have the number of spheres needed for both legs.

2. Create each leg

1. Stack the pieces as planned: a single bowl base, two sphere units, then a top bowl.
2. Use adhesive between each layer and allow full curing time.
3. Check vertical alignment and make small adjustments while the glue is tacky.

3. Prepare and attach the tabletop

1. Test-fit the tabletop across the two legs. The original top is about 47 inches wide.
2. Adjust leg spacing until they are evenly placed and straight.
3. Secure the top to the legs with adhesive, and add screws from underneath if you want extra mechanical strength.

Finishing touches and styling ideas to elevate the look

Paint or stain will instantly disguise the bowls’ origin and make the piece cohesive. Multiple thin coats work better than a single thick coat.

• Paint color: Choose a matte neutral for a midcentury vibe or a deep hue for contrast.
• Edge trim: Add wood trim around the tabletop for a frame-like appearance.
• Lower shelf: Install a shelf between legs for storage and added stability.
• Accents: Glue faux gems or wrap rope into the seams to create intentional detail.

Consider using the smaller BLANDA MATT bowls if you want a lower table or a different silhouette. Mixing sizes changes scale and cost.

Budget breakdown and smart money-saving swaps

The build isn’t free. Using twelve 11-inch bowls at $24.99 each adds up quickly, and a new TV-stand shelf is roughly $54.99. But there are ways to lower the price.

• Use 5-inch or 8-inch bowls to reduce cost per unit and create a shorter table.
• Repurpose an old console top or glue scrap boards together as the tabletop.
• Shop secondhand bowls or look for sales at IKEA to cut material expenses.
• Skip paint and seal with natural oil for a more organic finish and fewer products.

Practical note: If you choose smaller bowls, plan for more pieces to reach your desired height and test stability before final gluing.