11 Thrifted Items That Can Double As A Unique Floral Vase

If you consider yourself a frugal individual, you likely have been in a thrift shop or two. Not only are the nearly 30,000 thrift stores in America treasure troves for unique finds, they can also provide practically limitless inspiration for repurposing interesting pieces, such as finding items that can double as flower vases. Should you be looking for ways to display your gorgeous floral arrangements beyond a basic vase, you'd be hard-pressed to find a wider selection of options than at your local thrift store.

While there are plenty of actual vases for your next cheerful flower arrangement, there's no need to limit yourself or spend a lot of money. Among the plethora of items that can serve as vases are vintage stoneware and beer steins, as well as cheap finds such as an old toothbrush holder or a basic water pitcher. Each has its own appeal, offering a new spin or decor aesthetic. And while you can craft and upcycle these finds to your heart's content, they also work wonderfully as-is. You may even inspire your guests with your one-of-a-kind displays.

There's something intrinsically charming about an old glass milk bottle. Whether you are able to track down just one or a whole set at your local thrift store, these make ideal flower vases to use in your home, particularly if you currently have a farmhouse decor vibe going on. To make your milk bottle even more unique, you can spray paint them in a color that pops, making for a great accent piece. Got an old metal milk can sitting around? They make fantastic planters.

Going for an old-world aesthetic in your home? An antique or vintage stoneware jug can provide the romantic appeal you're hoping to achieve. If the opening of your jug is tiny, you can create an arrangement with thin, dried flowers rather than thick-stemmed ones. Also, if you've been able to score an antique item rather than a reproduction, be sure to give it the care is deserves: Protect it from accidental breakage by keeping it safely out of the reach of pets and kids.

While they might not be the most valuable items to seek out at a thrift store, there is no denying that a plain glass water pitcher can provide you with a beautiful floral vase. The handle on the pitcher makes it easy to empty, refill, and position wherever you want, helping avoid slips and spills. Remember to thoroughly wash out the pitcher between uses to keep the glass crystal clear. It's worth knowing that, over time, minerals deposited by flowers or flower food may pit or stain the bottom of the jar.

If petite floral arrangements are your preference, old tea tins you find while thrifting are a delightful option. Bunches of wildflowers eccentrically stuffed into these cube-like or cylindrical metal containers look incredibly endearing, as would an indoor herbal garden in your kitchen made by reusing a tea tin. They also make an ideal centerpiece for themed gatherings like tea parties or garden parties. If you're adding live flowers, consider lining the tin with a plastic baggie to protect the metal from rusting and to avoid leaks.

An old toothbrush holder might not seem too exciting, but when viewed as a possible flower vase you may find it gains a new degree of allure. This common household item that can be repurposed into a beautiful flower vase is often made in unusual shapes and from nice-looking materials like ceramic, which can be left as-is or painted in a fun new shade. Vintage holders, designed with openings for narrower toothbrush handles, work especially well to double as an old-fashioned floral frog. 

A chemex coffee maker is the epitome of a great find at a thrift store, but if you're not interested in an involved coffee-making process each morning you can always repurpose one as your new favorite flower vase. From the dramatic hourglass-shaped body to the natural accents of the wooden cuff on the neck, this vessel is certain to be appreciated by coffee lovers everywhere.

Teapots — even posh vintage versions — are often available at thrift stores and secondhand shops for not a lot of money. Whether you need a new pot for brewing hot beverages or not, they do make great flower vases. You'll just want to carefully measure the stems so the flowers don't splay open too dramatically. Consider a whimsical standalone bloom emerging from the spout as an accent. One benefit of using a teapot is that it can easily be rinsed out and used for its intended purpose at any time.

Beer steins are hyper-niche items and might not actually be the most practical thing for sipping beer. That being said, if you stumble upon one during your next thrifting adventure, why not grab it to reuse as a flower vase? Depending on the stein's design, you may be able to easily remove the lid. If it twists off, the beer stein becomes an even more natural container for displaying flowers. If you've got clear beer mugs instead, fill them with amber plastic gems and fake flowers for a fun craft project.

Common though they may be, Mason jars make nearly perfect flower vases. No matter the size or shape you find them in, they can easily accommodate a variety of flowers. They're dishwasher safe and durable. For a little added appeal, tie a colorful ribbon around the lip of the jar or burlap around the base, or dye the water a fun color.

Coca-Cola was once only sold in glass bottles. While that is no longer the case, you may be able to score a vintage glass Coca-Cola soda bottle at the thrift store. These iconic bottles can be used without modification as a flower vase that will liven up your table or credenza. Choose colorful, big-bloomed flowers to make for an especially cheerful arrangement for this bottle-turned-vase. Similarly, creating a flower vase from a wine or beer bottle is a smart way to repurpose empty alcohol bottles in your home.

A plain white coffee mug is undeniably basic when it comes to serving as a flower vase, but you can absolutely play up the simplicity in your home decor. Position a coffee mug with some cute stems of flowers in it on your kitchen counter, or use multiple coffee mugs as centerpieces if you're throwing a bridal shower or other social gathering. You can float a single large bloom like a zinnia or hydrangea for a pop of color.