
Creating Boho Centrepieces from Natural Materials
A Table That Feels Like Home: The Boho Way
There’s something undeniably charming about a well-styled boho table. Whether you’re hosting friends for brunch or just adding a daily touch of beauty to your dining space, a thoughtfully crafted boho centrepiece made from natural materials adds soul and softness to your setting.
Boho style is known for its mix of textures, earthy tones, and handmade elements. It’s casual, it’s layered, and above all, it’s personal. So when you create a DIY centrepiece with a boho twist, you’re not just decorating a table—you’re telling a story. One made with wood, stone, dried flowers, clay, feathers, and more.
This blog will walk you through a host of ideas, styling techniques, and materials to build your own rustic boho tablescape that feels effortless and organic. Whether you’re crafting for a seasonal event or everyday charm, you’ll find easy, affordable inspiration that connects you with nature and nourishes the vibe of your home.
Why Natural Materials Are Central to Boho Style
A Return to Nature
Boho decor draws inspiration from the earth, incorporating elements that are raw, imperfect, and grounding. Using natural materials is more than a design choice—it’s a philosophy of connection.
These materials:
- Soften modern spaces
- Complement any colour palette
- Age beautifully over time
Think driftwood, dried palm leaves, hand-rolled clay, or foraged greenery—each adds a unique, textural story to your table.
Sustainability with Style
Choosing local, seasonal, or reclaimed items for your centrepieces is a win for both the planet and your wallet. Many natural decor pieces can be gathered outdoors, repurposed from other home items, or made by hand with minimal cost.
Because boho style thrives on mismatch and eclectic beauty, your centrepieces never need to be perfect—just authentic.
Materials That Make Boho Centrepieces Shine
Not sure where to start? Here’s a go-to list of natural materials to gather for your next centrepiece project.
- Wood: Branches, driftwood, bark, wooden bowls or candle holders
- Dried Flowers: Pampas grass, bunny tails, lavender, eucalyptus
- Clay: Handmade dishes, vases, or candle holders
- Stone: River rocks, crystals, raw quartz
- Rattan or Wicker: Chargers, coasters, or woven mats
- Shells and Feathers: Ideal for adding texture and subtle movement
- Natural Fabrics: Linen runners, cotton napkins, hemp placemats
Each item brings its own tone and texture—layer them together for a centrepiece that feels earthy and intentional.
DIY Centrepiece Ideas Using Natural Materials
Let’s explore some centrepiece compositions that are easy to create and fully aligned with boho aesthetics.
1. Dried Flower Bowl with Crystals and Clay
What you need: A shallow handmade clay bowl, a few dried stems (e.g., lavender, wheat, bunny tail), and a few small crystals or stones.
Why it works: The dried florals add height and softness, the bowl provides earthy grounding, and the crystals add a subtle reflective quality.
Where to use it: Ideal for coffee tables, round dining tables, or even bedroom dressers.
Pair this piece with your own handmade clay decor projects to personalise the setup. You can find ideas in handmade clay decor projects at home to enhance your centrepiece further.
2. Wooden Tray with Mixed Natural Layers
What you need: A low, rustic wood tray; a few beeswax or soy candles; moss; feathers; and pinecones or seedpods.
Why it works: The layering of textures—soft moss, smooth wax, rugged cones—creates interest without being loud.
Where to use it: Works beautifully for centre-aligned table decor or on a shelf for seasonal ambience.
Add or remove layers seasonally to keep the piece fresh—more greenery in spring, dried leaves in autumn.
3. Linen Runner with Vase Cluster
What you need: A neutral linen or cotton runner, 3–5 mismatched vases (ceramic or glass), and a mix of dried and fresh stems.
Why it works: The height variation in the vases creates movement, while the runner defines the space and brings softness.
Where to use it: Long dining tables, console tables, or even a breakfast nook.
You can enhance this look further by mixing in woven basket decor elements like rattan chargers or a natural fibre tray. For layering ideas, check out woven & basket decor that’s budget-chic.
Setting the Mood with Colour and Texture
Keep the Palette Grounded
Boho palettes tend to lean into:
- Terracotta and ochre
- Muted greens
- Bone and ivory
- Dusty rose and rust
- Deep charcoal or faded navy
Use these colours in your natural materials or accents (like ribbons, ceramics, or napkins) to tie your centrepiece into the room around it.
Add Layers Without Overcrowding
Use these guidelines to create interest without clutter:
- Stick to three types of materials per arrangement
- Vary height and scale
- Leave breathing room around focal pieces
- Anchor your arrangement with a tray, fabric, or board
The result should feel casual but intentional, as though the items were placed over time.
Seasonal Boho Centrepiece Inspiration
Spring: Wildflower and Foraged Greenery
Use jars filled with roadside wildflowers, paired with handmade clay candle holders and vintage-style napkins.
Summer: Coastal Elements
Mix whitewashed driftwood, sea glass, and shells in a wooden bowl or wide basket. Add tall grasses in a sand-coloured vase.
Autumn: Moody Earth Tones
Incorporate burnt orange leaves, dried thistle, feathers, and vintage brass candlesticks. Use a woven mat underneath to pull it together.
Winter: Hygge Meets Boho
Pair pine sprigs, eucalyptus, and beeswax candles in an off-white ceramic bowl. For a soft finish, add a natural wool runner.
Where to Source Natural Materials on a Budget
- Forage locally: Pinecones, stones, branches, feathers, and dried leaves can all be gathered on walks.
- Check thrift shops: Look for vases, wood bowls, and linen runners.
- Visit garden centres or markets: Many now sell dried stems or bundles of herbs affordably.
- Craft stores: Air-dry clay, rattan placemats, and jute rope are affordable and versatile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even in free-spirited decor like boho, there are a few missteps to avoid:
- Overloading the table: Leave space for dishes, drinks, and elbow room.
- Ignoring balance: If your centrepiece is tall, balance with low elements on either side.
- Too much symmetry: Boho thrives on asymmetry and variation, so lean into imperfection.
- Clashing tones: Stick with 2–3 core colours and build your materials around them.
Conclusion: Let Your Table Tell a Natural Story
Crafting a boho centrepiece from natural materials is about more than decoration — it’s about bringing nature to the table, literally and figuratively. It’s about warmth, welcome, and expressing your style in tactile, soulful ways. Whether you go big with vases and florals or keep it simple with a few pebbles and candles, each piece you choose adds meaning to the space you live in.
So, gather a few found objects, let your creativity flow, and start building a centrepiece that reflects the wild, warm beauty of boho style.
Ready to create your own? Start with one bowl, one stem, and one candle — and see where your hands take you.