The Spot In Your Kitchen You're Forgetting To Beautify (& 13 Ways To Do It Right)

Your kitchen is the heart of your home. From entertaining guests to enjoying a meal with the family, it's a place that has a lot of overall foot traffic. And while you may have every other aspect of your kitchen neatly organized and smelling fresh, there is one spot in your kitchen you're probably forgetting to beautify — your garbage can. Don't get stuck with an eyesore. Instead, from hamper bins to curtains, discover 13 ways to embellish that area and do it right.

Cleverly hiding your kitchen trash is a great way to not only make things more appealing in this room, but also can help keep pests away. However, before you start glamming your current trash can, there are some things you should consider, such as the location and size. Where you place your trash can, even if you are disguising it, is very important in your kitchen layout. You want to set it up in a location that is convenient for your routine. Some great kitchen spots to place your bins include areas near the dishwashing zone or spaces where you create a lot of waste, like countertops. For many of these projects that involve adding to a cabinet or grabbing other DIY supplies, you need to ensure you have proper width and height measurements of not only the can but also the cabinet, drawer, or any other supplies you might need.

A pull-out trash bin is a discreet storage method that also saves on space while beautifying your kitchen at the same time. Adding these types of cabinets to your kitchen involves using an empty cabinet space, usually under a sink. You can add it to your kitchen remodel plan or purchase pull-out kits that include sliders and mounting supplies. After you add the tracks, place your trash can in and open the door to slide it out. Some models even come with multiple bins to sort your trash into the ones for composting, disposal, or recycling.

Have your trash can tucked under an open table or cabinet? Keep others from seeing it by hanging up a curtain to hide it. Since these fabrics can come in many different colors, designs, and textures, this type of covering easily adapts to your style, whether you love rustic feels or minimalistic designs. Easily DIY this tip by installing an adjustable curtain rod and hanging or sliding a curtain. These covers don't only need to hide trash cans in your kitchen, they can hide open pantries and cabinets containing cleaning supplies or appliances.

The easiest way to not let your trash bin be an eyesore in your kitchen is to go with a decorative or unique-looking one from the beginning. Head over to your local store or go online and find loads of options that come in many different colors, styles, designs, sizes, and shapes. Some of these have additional features like automated lids, step pedals, multiple bins, automatic sealing, and fullness indicators. This is also a great method if you want a waste container that fits your kitchen's overall aesthetic.

A popular way to bring that natural, woven look seamlessly into your kitchen is by putting your garbage can into a wicker hamper. This is a great way to reuse a used laundry basket while easily making your waste bin look great and within reach in your kitchen. But remember to tell people not to toss in dirty dish rags since it can come off as a clothes hamper. Don't have a used one? Don't worry, because new ones do the trick as well, like this Riley Black and Natural Faux Rattan Striped Hamper.

Want to save money and still have a decent-looking trash bin? Then, why not decorate it yourself? You can take the bin and paint it a solid color or add a design that matches your kitchen's vibes. Embellish it with different things like stickers, stick-on wallpaper, and anything else your artistic heart desires. If you plan on decorating a garbage can you already own, just remember to thoroughly clean the outside. What's great is that you can practice this beautifying method on any other trash can in any room of your home. 

You can use custom tilt-out trash cabinets to add some quirkiness to your space. These types of cabinets remain tilted open when you pull the hinged door. You can create a tilt-out bin either by adding a freestanding one to your kitchen or by converting a cabinet section into it. There are many kinds you can purchase or DIY with the colors, style, and fixtures that match your kitchen. Make sure to measure the depth of the cabinet's interior so you can pick the right bin size.

A clever way to make your kitchen look nice and modern without exposing your smelly trash is by having a countertop that lifts open. For this hack, you can create a handmade version where you lift the countertop on its hinges. Under the raised counter, set in a bagged bin. This beautification method can also create additional counter space due to its durable, chic surface. Remodeling your kitchen? Save money by reusing your old existing cabinets and doors to DIY one that goes with your aesthetic.

You don't need to let your open trash can embarrass you when you can build your very own bin cover. A common disguise is a sturdy wooden one that includes a cover or an opening where you toss your trash. Make it easy to clean by installing a door hatch or making the top removable. While you may see this version in outdoor settings most of the time due to its sturdy structure, it will also look great for certain interior styles like cottagecore or farmhouse.

Quickly dispose of trash without having to see the can at all by building a built-in trash chute in your countertop and cabinet. A trash chute is a ringed hole in the counter's surface that has a tube attached, leading into the cabinet below. However, create a simpler version by making the hole and placing a detached bin underneath. While it may come off as a restaurant feel, this option can seamlessly blend into the rest of your kitchen design when you don't have unnecessary clutter.

This is a simple DIY that can hide your bathroom trash cans in a snap, and you can use the same concept in your kitchen. There are many large indoor plants that you can place next to or in front of your trash can that will help you conceal it. Go for plants that have large, leafy palms or dense foliage to help hide your can. Don't have a green thumb? That's no problem because fake plants can do the trick. 

Sometimes it is hard to find the best spot in your small kitchen for a trash can, but when it has wheels, it can go just about anywhere. For this style tip, get or create a sliding cabinet trash can. Have wheels with brake locks so the garbage bin stays still once you're done with it. You can easily move the bin out of sight if you have a party or sneaky animals. You can purchase these bad boys or add wheels to the bottom of your current waste container.

Hide away your trash can while adding some flair in your kitchen by placing a well-positioned folding screen. There are many ways to create a room divider that'll work as a privacy screen in front of your waste bin. While many people prefer to put this outside or other parts of their home, like a bathroom, it doesn't mean you can't do the same in your kitchen. Folding screens come in a load of styles, sizes, and designs. You can even find them at a flea market or antique stores.

Avoid this one mistake that is making your kitchen look gross — not cleaning and odorizing your trash can. Believe it or not, simply cleaning your garbage bin can help with its overall beautification. Take a rag and scrub away any unsightly stains on the outside surface. Then, grab some all-purpose cleaner and clean out the inside of the container. You can also add some baking soda to deodorize the waste container before you rinse it out. Do your cleaning and deodorizing about once a month to keep foul smells and messy marks at bay.