I built this wooden trough as a planter for our kitchen island in the spring. But, once spring had passed and the blooms faded I realized this trough is the easiest, fastest way to create a centerpiece for any season and on any flat surface or tabletop in your home. So this fall, I added pine cones, dried leaves and little acorn picks to the trough for a quick and easy centerpiece.
You can use it to style a long sofa table, a mantle, or like I have done here, a kitchen island. On my large island, it is long enough to make a beautiful statement without being obtrusive. If friends or family are seated at the counter, we can still carry on a conversation without a huge distraction. Which is also why a trough is perfect for a dining room table setting.
The sloped side was originally designed for potted plants, because most post are smaller at the bottom and larger at the top. The efficient nature of the slope reduces the amount of filler needed to hide a pot or give it a generous, overflowing look.
Be sure to see more Fall DIY projects from my friends down below!
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This holiday season I’ve partnered with JOANN so all of the dried leaves and floral picks can be found there. I hot-glued the dried leaves to fabric covered wire to make my own custom picks.
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I created a video tutorial to walk you through the step by step process of this very easy construction. It would make a great beginner woodworking project.
How to build a wooden trough centerpiece.
Here’s how I filled it with plants this spring!
All of the plants you see in the trough last spring are still in their original pots. I lined the bottom with aluminum foil to keep water from seeping onto my wooden island.
Here is a cut plan with sizes I used for my planter. But feel free to modify to suit your needs.
More Fall Inspiration
Here’s another way to style the trough for fall. This version as well as more fall inspiration can be seen in my Simply Fall Home Tour.
Here’s another fresh look for fall from a couple years ago, using a vintage tool box. You could easily paint your trough in a chippy finish and creat something like this! Check out this Fresh Fall Centerpiece.
Today I’m excited to be joining a group of 25 other talented bloggers who are also sharing a Fall DIY or Craft project! Hop over to see what my friends are sharing…
Sweater Pumpkins at The Happy Housie // Chinoiserie Pumpkins at Shabbyfufu // Wire Basket Bundt Pan Pumpkins at Bless’er House // Plastic Fall Fruit Makeover at Craftberry Bush // Pumpkin Topiary at Inspiration for Moms
Forest Pine Candle at Setting for Four // Wooden Trough at Deeply Southern Home // Thrifty Magnolia Wreath at Home Made Lovely // Pumpkin Vase at Amber Tysl // Autumn Watercolour Place Cards at Finding Silver Pennies
Wooden Pumpkin at The Turquoise Home // Cotton Wreath at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia // No-Sew Burlap Table Runner at Jenna Kate at Home // Cute Pumpkin Plants at House by Hoff // Fall Flannel Quilted Pillow at TIDBITS
Hoop Wreath at Lolly Jane // Tiled Coffee Table Tray at In My Own Style // Pom Pom Garland at Modern Glam // Acorn Garland at Jen Woodhouse // Hello Fall Pillow at Love Create Celebrate
Silk Fall Floral Arrangement at Town and Country Living // Simple Fabric Pumpkins at Confessions of a Serial Do It Yourselfer // Soy Candles at The DIY Mommy // Lighted Pumpkin Bucket at Clean and Scentsible
Handprinted Pumpkin Pillow at Hallstrom Home // Corn Husk Pumpkins at Paint Me Pink // Fall Glam Candle Wreaths at Summer Adams
Danielle says
This looks wonderful on your counter for fall. LOVE your backsplash, too, by the way 😉
Leslie says
Thank you, Danielle! We love it too! I was going to use it in the dinning room this season, but I decided it was better in the kitchen for the fall! Maybe Christmas I’ll move in there.
Ashley says
What a fun project and perfect for all seasons! I love it filled with the autumn goodies!
Leslie says
Thanks! And it wouldn’t be cool for a more modern look to paint it black?
Kristin salazar says
This is so beautiful!
Leslie says
Thank you!! Gotta love an easy build!!
Norma says
This is amazing! Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful project with us!
Leslie says
Thank you!! It was a fun and easy project!!
Jennifer Lifford says
Looks great! I love projects like this that you can change up each season!
Leslie says
Isn’t it a plus when it’s something you know you will use over and over! Thanks!!
Krista says
I love this, Leslie! Thanks for giving the details on your build! Glad to have you join in on this hop:)
Leslie says
Krista,
Thanks so much for having me!! I love the collective inspiration each season!
Heather Luckhurst says
So adorable! Love that it’s low so you can see over it on a table!
Leslie says
A nice low centerpiece is definitely practical for every day use! Thanks.
Lauren says
So cute! I’ve been wanting to build some of these for window boxes one of these days too. Love how versatile they are!
Leslie says
They really are. The slope of this makes it perfect for pots too! Thanks!
Christy James says
Awesome that you included the how to for this trough…it really does look like such a versatile decor piece! XO
Leslie says
It really is and so very easy to build!! Thanks!
April N Hoff says
So cute, Leslie! I love a simple centerpiece! xo
Leslie says
I know aren’t they the best, April! Thanks!!
JenWoodhouse.com says
That trough is so versatile and can go anywhere any season! Love it!
Leslie says
Thanks, Jen! It really is! I have a feeling it’s going to make the rounds in the rooms in my house!!