Designer Picks: Classic Wood Serving Boards
As the seasons shift and I start cooking and hosting more, I always find myself reaching for my favorite wood boards. Serving boards are one of my favorite functional styling items. They add a timeless warmth and natural touch to any kitchen vignette. Kitchens can often feel cold and clinical, simply because the materials they contain- stone countertops, tile, and lots of sharp edges & corners. Luckily, styling and selecting strategic accessories goes a long way in adding softness. If you’re craving that layered, cozy, and lived-in look this season, bring out your wood cutting or serving boards. Click through for a quick post containing a roundup of 20 of my current favorites for any aesthetic or budget. They will most definitely make your kitchen feel more curated & inviting. I’m also including some quick styling tips for you…
It’s hard to believe we finished our kitchen renovation nearly eight years ago… almost a decade later, I still love it! Check out this post to see how I designed a classic kitchen that still feels timeless, and if you’re looking to update your own, here are 10 budget-friendly ways to instantly refresh your kitchen. Let’s dive into the pretty serving boards!
Why Always Style Wood Accessories
Wood adds warmth unlike other materials, with its grain, inviting tone, and imperfections adding character to your countertops and kitchen corners. It has an organic, natural appeal that will never go out of style. In my own kitchen, I like to keep a few boards out at all times. I use them for prep, of course, but I also incorporate them as functional decor. They add dimension to a countertop vignette or an open shelf, and they make my kitchen feel more personal.
Simple Styling Ideas
Before I share my finds, here are a few ways to use serving boards (outside of their obvious or intended purpose)…. here are some of my favorite kitchen styling tricks:
- Strategically place boards to hide outlets or other unsightly kitchen necessities.
- Lean a board vertically against your backsplash to ground smaller objects in the foreground.
- Style them horizontally as a pedestal, to elevate or corral objects (oils, spices, bowls, etc).
- Don’t be afraid to hang them and display them against cabinetry or tile (we hang our pizza peel).
- Use them to brighten and add warmth to dark corners.
- Layer a few boards of different shapes and wood tones to create texture.
A few simple adjustments like these can instantly make your kitchen feel warm, lived-in, curated, and inviting.
My Favorite Boards Right Now
I’ve gathered some of my favorite classic boards below. You’ve seen many of these in my own kitchen. They’re all made from beautiful natural woods and have shapes that stand the test of time. Some are investment pieces while others are affordable everyday favorites, but they all have that timeless look I love.
Click directly on each board below to be redirected.
I’d love to hear your favorites! When shopping, look for organic shapes, curved edges, and quality materials like walnut, maple, or acacia. A mix of tones and sizes adds interest, and handles in leather or brass can bring a subtle touch of texture.
Another design tip… think of styling these wooden boards as you would a book. They don’t always have to be displayed in an upright manner. I used to keep them on our kitchen cart for propping bowls and things (now I keep them on our kitchen island.) They just add a nice layer and are easy to grab or use on a whim.
Budget-Friendly Finds
If you’re looking for some great budget-friendly options, I’ve got my current favorites that are both beautiful and practical in my Amazon store… find those here! You don’t need to spend a fortune to start a beautiful collection. Some of my most-used boards are either thrifted or from affordable brands or small makers I’ve discovered over time. The key is choosing solid wood rather than veneer and opting for simple, classic silhouettes that will never go out of style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Walnut, maple, and acacia are durable choices that age beautifully and hold up well to daily use.
Always hand wash and dry them right away. Apply a bit of food-grade mineral oil or board butter every so often to keep them conditioned.
Yes, just dedicate one side for food prep and one for presentation to keep things clean and safe.
Give it a quick sand with fine-grit paper and reapply oil. It will look brand new again.
Keep a few out on your counter or hang one near your range. Boards with beautiful grain deserve to be seen.
Related Posts
Looking for more inspiration to add warmth to your home? I’m going to share some reader favorites below. I hope these help you through the cold months ahead!
- 50 Designer Approved Cozy Finds from Amazon
- How to Source & Style the Most Realistic Electric Fireplace
- 20 Ideas for Creating a Cozy Home During the Winter Months
- The Best Faux Fur Throw Blankets for Styling This Winter
- How to Upholster Velvet Acoustic Wall Panels
- Tips for Making a Cold Bathroom Feel Cozy
- Faux Fireplace DIY & Styling Tutorial
Do you also use a lot of cutting or serving boards in your kitchen as decor? I have them sprinkled throughout. I’m embracing all the cozy things at home right now. These serving boards would also make great gifts this holiday season… maybe paired with your favorite recipe or kitchen towel. Obviously I have all things holiday on my mind at the moment. Anyone else?
Good morning! Happy October! You really can’t beat the warmth and natural beauty of wood. I’m especially drawn to the pieces with softly rounded edges, an exaggerated handle or a bit of inlay. I would have to say that #12 is my absolute favorite! Such an elegant shape and pretty, rich walnut color. #4 takes second place with those adorable butterflies and elongated loop. #8 wins for its round shape and charming two-tone stripes. I love the outsized circle handle and long, narrow shape of #15. I also like the unexpected drama of the black! Even our strictly utilitarian cutting boards add a welcome organic note to the sea of tile, stone and stainless in our kitchen. Can I also mention these make stellar gifts? Beautiful, (often) handcrafted, useful, and you can’t really have too many! We had a glorious fall weekend, and the forecast looks lovely for at least the next 7 days. We are spending as much time outside as possible. Cheers to a stellar week! (And happy 2nd birthday to Jason today!)
Happy October!! I love all of your top picks… so pretty! You’re definitely right about these making great gifts. I usually pair them with a cookbook or kitchen towel. Who wouldn’t love a pretty wood board? Happy second birthday to Jason! I hope he had the happiest dog day :) I remember when you got him and he was just a tiny fluffy nugget. What a cutie! Hope you’re having a great Tuesday! xo
Love wooden cutting boards Sarah! They do add such beautiful warmth to a kitchen and are incredibly purposeful. I have several and I use them practically everyday. I’m with Peggy #12 is my favorite, the color, gorgeous shape and handle are beautiful, a piece of art. I also love #2 the leather handles and curved corners are such a pretty detail. I love a useful item in the kitchen that is beautifully made and I do adore the warmth and texture that wood provides.
We had a lovely weekend with our friends, I made some dishes I hadn’t made in quite some time and were delicious. Our friends really appreciated us hosting and it was fantastic to spend time with them. I used my spiralizer and made a yummy bow tie pasta salad with spiralized zucchini and I had so much I also made zucchini bread 😋 Yum!
Oh goodness got to run Lorrie is barking for her walk. Have an amazing Monday! It’s cool but sunny here 😎 Happy Birthday Jason 🥳😉 🐶
Thanks, Colleen! They are so beautiful and practical- I have way too many. Hah! I love hearing that you had a wonderful time hosting your friends! Your food sounds delicious (and beautiful)! I hope you’re enjoying the fall weather. We’re having similar weather this week- sunny, breezy and cool. It has been so nice! Have a good week! xo
Happy Monday! Sounds like you both had a refreshing weekend. Glad you make it a priority.
There is not a cutting board on this post I don’t like and to narrow it down to my favorites is even harder. I have the smaller version of #3 and keep our Tuesday Made Stoneware bottles on them. Those bottles are used A LOT…love love them. I agree with Peggi and Colleen, #12’s handle makes it beautiful and unique. #17 made me chuckle! It reminds me of a puzzle piece. We don’t have a black wooden board so #9 or #15 would be a good addition. Enjoyed the curated wooden boards.
Just 2 more days till our daughter leaves for her trip. I am a bundle of excitement and nerves. Your trip coming up sounds wonderful too. xoxo
Hi Danna! I’m with you on cutting & serving boards- I love collecting, displaying, and using them. They always bring so much warmth! I love hearing that you put your oil bottles to good use… we do, too! #17 does look like a puzzle piece! Now I can’t unsee it. Haha! Is your daughter all set for her big trip tomorrow? She’s going to have the most incredible time! xo
Good morning Sarah! It’s been a busy week over here with my counterpart sidelined in Boston for the next 2 weeks (oof). I love wood cutting and serving boards- they have been my go-to in this kitchen. Our previous kitchen had a generously sized pull-out cutting board installed above a drawer in the cabinetry and I can’t tell you how much I miss it! I’m currently using a large serving board to hide an old (yellow) phone jack in the middle of our backsplash. Haha! A similar board to #4 is sold at World Market and I was able to see it for the first time in person on my last visit. I was impressed by the size and weight, but also loved the aesthetic. #9 options are appealing because I haven’t often seen black; I love the unexpected color and the variety of shapes.I’ve long thought #12 is possibly the most adorable serving board I’ve ever seen and would likely hang it on display CLJ style in my kitchen. What is the difference between a cheese board, bread board and serving board? I would assume possibly size and thickness? You’ve provided so many generously sized and equally beautiful options in this roundup! I’m definitely going to need to restock my serving boards! Last week I saw a reel of a “board party”- every guest brought a different type of board. Everything from hot wings to desserts and now I’m itching to throw a fun and casual dinner party, haha! I hope your week has been lovely and productive with clear skies and cool breezes. Happy Friday!