5 Types of Bowls Everyone Should Have
There’s beauty in owning fewer things—especially when those things do more. Bowls are some of the hardest-working objects in a home. They prep, serve, and quietly make your space look more intentional without asking for attention.
These are the five types of bowls worth making room for.
1. The Everyday Bowl
Your default. The bowl you instinctively reach for—morning, noon, or late-night. It’s perfect for oatmeal, pasta, leftovers that don’t need an upgrade, or anything eaten over the sink in silence. It’s not fancy. It’s just right.
Go for: A mid-size bowl (6–7 inches), not too shallow, not too deep. Dishwasher-safe. Feels good in your hand. Looks good on open shelving.
2. The Statement Serving Bowl
This one shows up when you’re feeding people—even if “people” means just you and a very large salad. It’s wide, a little dramatic, and totally okay with being left out on the counter because it doubles as décor.
Think: Stoneware, organic shape, maybe even hand-thrown. A piece that makes you want to toss greens just to use it.
3. The Nesting Prep Bowls
Tiny but mighty. These are the bowls that hold minced garlic, olive pits, nuts, dips, or the scraps you save for compost. Nesting bowls save space, sure—but they also streamline your cooking flow in a deeply satisfying way.
Pro tip: Choose a set in ceramic or glass. They’ll age better, and they’re more likely to moonlight as snack or sauce vessels when needed.
4. The Wide Snack Bowl
This is your casual entertaining go-to. It holds popcorn for movie night, chips for last-minute company, or cut citrus because hydration is a lifestyle. Not so large that it dominates the table, but substantial enough to feel like a centerpiece in the moment.
Best in: Glazed ceramic or reactive stoneware. Something with personality, but not pretension.
5. The Everyday Fruit Bowl
Less about the fruit, more about the vibe. A fruit bowl earns its place by doing two things: keeping produce within reach and acting as an always-there centerpiece. It’s the still life of your countertop—constantly changing, always grounding.
Ideal style: Breathable (open or shallow), weighty enough not to slide around. A mix of sculptural and useful. Bonus points if it inspires you to eat more oranges.
You don’t need an overflowing cabinet. Just five really good bowls—chosen with care, used often, and left out unapologetically.
