We all know and love the coconut bowl. It’s the darling of Instagram, the best friend of the smoothie, and the ultimate way to bring a touch of tropical paradise to your breakfast table. At Ecoleaf Products, our reclaimed coconut bowls are famous for their durability. Crafted by nature and polished by artisans, they are designed to last for years of breakfasts, salads, and snacks.
But what happens when a bowl reaches the end of its life in the kitchen? Perhaps one dropped on the floor and developed a hairline crack? Or maybe you’ve simply collected so many that your cupboard is overflowing, and you want to give a few a new purpose?
In a true zero-waste lifestyle, the bin is always the last resort. The beauty of a coconut shell is that it is a thick, woody, and incredibly versatile material. It begs to be reused.
If you’re feeling crafty, here are 5 stunning ways to upcycle your old coconut bowls, transforming them from kitchenware into beautiful, boho-chic home decor.
1. The "Tropical Spa" Candle Holder
There is something undeniably cosy about the warm glow of a candle against natural wood. Coconut shells make exceptional vessels for homemade candles, creating a rustic, spa-like vibe in any bathroom or living room.
The DIY:
- Clean & Dry: Ensure your bowl is completely clean and bone dry.
- Secure the Wick: Use a little hot glue or a wick sticker to place a candle wick in the dead centre of the bowl.
- Melt & Pour: Melt your favourite eco-friendly soy wax (perhaps adding a few drops of coconut or lime essential oil for the full effect). Carefully pour the wax into the shell.
- Set: Use a couple of pencils or chopsticks to hold the wick upright while the wax hardens.
- Style Tip: These look incredible grouped in threes on a coffee table.
- Safety Note: As with any candle, never leave it unattended. Because the shell is natural wood, stop burning the candle when there is about 1cm of wax left at the bottom to prevent the shell from scorching.
2. The Hanging Succulent Planter
Coconut bowls and greenery are a match made in heaven. The dark, rich colour of the shell contrasts beautifully with the vibrant green of succulents, cacti, or trailing ivy. They are the perfect size for a windowsill pot or a hanging planter.
The DIY:
- Drainage is Key: If planting directly, carefully drill a small hole in the bottom of the shell using a standard drill bit. This stops the roots from rotting.
- The Mix: Fill with a gritty, well-draining potting mix (succulents hate sitting in water!).
- Plant: Pop in your favourite succulent or a small spider plant.
- Hang it Up: For the ultimate boho look, create a simple macramé hanger using jute or cotton cord, and hang your floating coconut garden near a sunny window.
3. The "Catch-All" Trinket Dish
Do you have a habit of leaving your keys, rings, or loose change scattered on surfaces? A polished coconut bowl is the perfect organisational solution that actually adds to your decor rather than cluttering it.
The DIY:
- Polish: Give your bowl a fresh rub with coconut oil to make it shine.
- Position: Place it on your bedside table for jewellery, or on the hallway console table for keys.
- Customise (Optional): If you’re feeling artistic, you can paint the outside of the shell with geometric patterns using white or gold acrylic paint. The contrast between the rough husk and the metallic paint looks high-end and stylish.
4. The Garden Bird Feeder
Give back to nature by returning the coconut to the outdoors. The natural shape of the bowl is perfect for holding seeds, nuts, or fat balls for your garden birds. Because it’s a natural material, it blends seamlessly into the trees, unlike bright plastic feeders.
The DIY:
- Drill Holes: Drill three small holes evenly spaced around the rim of the bowl.
- Thread Twine: Thread a robust piece of garden twine or jute through each hole and knot them together at the top to create a hanger.
- Fill & Hang: Fill with a mix of sunflower seeds and mealworms, and hang it from a sturdy branch. The Robins and Blue Tits will love perching on the rim!
5. The Rustic Salt & Spice Cellar
Sometimes, an upcycled item can still live in the kitchen—just not for cereal. If a bowl has a small crack near the rim that makes it unsuitable for milk, it can still be a perfect dry container.
The DIY:
- The Setup: Place the coconut bowl next to your stove or on your dining table.
- The Fill: Fill it with high-quality sea salt flakes, whole peppercorns, or dried chilli flakes.
- The Look: The open, wide mouth of the bowl makes it easy to pinch a bit of salt while cooking, exactly like a professional chef. It adds a lovely, earthy texture to a modern kitchen counter that glass jars just can't match.
A Cycle That Never Ends
The philosophy of Ecoleaf Products is that waste is a design flaw. By upcycling your coconut bowls, you are proving that sustainable living isn't just about buying "green" things—it's about valuing materials and keeping them in use for as long as possible.
From a breakfast bowl to a bird feeder, to (eventually) compost for your garden, the journey of a coconut shell is a beautiful circle.
Have you upcycled your Ecoleaf Coconut Bowls? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @EcoleafProducts so we can share your creations.