Creative Uses for Metal Trash Cans

Feel like bringing the outdoors indoors? Perhaps you want an urban streetscape look in your apartment? After all, Oscar the Grouch isn't the only character who can live surrounded by metal trash cans. Maybe you can too. Whether you paint 'em for color, scour 'em for a beat-up look, or leave 'em as is, metal trash cans are good for more than just garbage. Here are ten creative uses for metal trash cans!

Creative Uses for Metal Trash Cans: Idea #1
Uplight. If you have an ugly table lamp, a lamp base without a shade, or just a light that doesn't seem to "work" anywhere you put it, consider using a metal trash can to create a funky uplight. The can will direct a smaller amount of now-ambient light upward. And the best part? You can use the lid as a manual dimmer.

Creative Uses for Metal Trash Cans: Idea #2
Dog Bed. Place a metal trash can on its side and stabilize the bottom so it doesn't roll - or fasten the side or back to a wall. Stuff old pillows or old cushions inside, and your trendy tramp can have a cozy home.

Creative Uses for Metal Trash Cans: Idea #3
Hamper. It's easy and requires no modification! If you coordinate the metal "trashamper" with the rest of your room, there's no need to keep it in the closet like an ugly plastic contraption.

Creative Uses for Metal Trash Cans: Idea #4
TV Stand. Do you think pre-fab TV carts are dull? Then fashion one using a metal garbage can. If you have a small television set, you can just flip the can over an use its bottom. Or, for a sharper look, keep the can right side up and find a piece of wood or thick laminate to place on top the can so that the "mouth" is entirely covered. The sturdy flat surface can be an unused shelf from a do-it-yourself bookcase, a "top" from a discarded desk, or anything else you find at home, at a thrift store, or at Ikea's DIY section! Also, you may wish to add some rocks or other weight to the bottom of the can for stability. Use the top surface as the space for your TV, which should now be just the right height off the ground!

Creative Uses for Metal Trash Cans: Idea #5
Desk. This is an extension of the TV stand idea. If you can find a large enough piece of wood (or maybe an old discarded door), you can create a desk using metal garbage cans as legs. For added kitsch, find a smaller metal trash can, flip it, equip it with a cushion, and you've got a new desk stool.

Creative Uses for Metal Trash Cans: Idea #6
Towel Tote. On occasion, you can find smaller metal trash cans (around 2 feet tall). Keep one in your bathroom and roll your clean towels into cylinders. It's a neat way to store fresh towels, as the soft textures contrast nicely with the cold metal of the can.

Creative Uses for Metal Trash Cans: Idea #7
Dog Food / Cat Litter Container. Given their size and sturdiness, metal trash cans are perfect for storing anything that comes in large bags and eventually needs to get scooped! Accordingly, both dog food and cat litter can be kept in one, eliminating the need to hide the original bag. This is a cleaner, more organized storage solution.

Creative Uses for Metal Trash Cans: Idea #8
Bedding Bin. If you live in a studio or efficiency apartment and use a futon as both a bed and couch, you may want a place to stuff your blankets and pillows when the futon is folded up. A metal trash can is big enough for bed pillows and a rolled-up comforter.

Creative Uses for Metal Trash Cans: Idea #9
Sports Equipment Stash. Skis, snowboards, skateboards, tennis racquets, basketballs - and all the assorted gear! A metal trash can filled with your sporting equipment can become part of a room's décor, extending my favorite decorating theme: letting your belongings themselves become the decorations

Creative Uses for Metal Trash Cans: Idea #10
Indoor Tree Planter. Using either a liner or a large plastic pot that fits inside of the garbage can, you can employ a metal garbage can as tree planter. Just work out the height details, and you'll extend the "bring the outdoors indoors" concept.