The Overlooked Thrift Store Find That Makes The Perfect Large Planter

There are some items at the thrift store that can end up gathering dust on the shelves. This could be because they look old, broken, or unappealing, or simply because the average shopper isn't sure how they could utilize the object in their own home. Old trash cans are a great example of this. Many of them are oversized, leading people to be unsure whether they have enough space. Others may be dented or even still a little dirty from their previous uses.

Just because a thrift store trash can looks a little uninspired doesn't necessarily mean you should pass it by. Instead, why not give it a new life in your home by transforming it into a large planter? Big pots and planters are great for adding a sense of drama to a space and for housing your shrubs or large houseplants that need a little more room for their roots. 

However, finding large planters that reflect your own personal interior design tastes can be difficult, time-consuming, and expensive. Opting for a secondhand trash can to house your bigger plants can save you from buying a new planter altogether. In addition, items found at the thrift store are much more likely to be budget-friendly, allowing you to grab a unique planter without breaking the bank.

There are a few key things to consider when choosing a trash can that will look good in your home and work as a planter, too. First, consider the difference between what can be easily fixed and what cannot. For example, if a trash can has loose debris on the inside, this can typically be cleaned out using soapy water and a little elbow grease. The inside of the can will also be covered up by the soil and the plant itself, so any inner imperfections are less of a concern for this project. 

In addition, if the bin is a little scuffed or has a few dents, this can add to the overall charm of the piece if you prefer a more rustic home design. However, a bin with mesh sides, for example, is likely not the best choice as it will not hold in soil and water and will reveal any smaller planters you place inside. 

It can also be helpful to think about the day-to-day practicalities of different trash cans. Looking for one that has handles, for instance, can be handy if your plant needs to be moved to different locations throughout the year. Or, if you want to have multiple matching planters — such as on either side of a doorway — try looking for a common trash style can that you are more likely to find multiples of. If your local thrift store doesn't have many options, you can also try checking secondhand online marketplaces. Just make sure to check the listed dimensions of the piece to ensure it will be large enough for your needs.

The first thing to decide when repurposing a thrifted trash can as a planter is whether or not you want the can itself to be filled, or whether you want to place a smaller planter inside and have the trash can as outer decoration. If you want to do the former, then it is important to add proper drainage. 

One option is drilling a few drainage holes in the bottom of the planter to ensure water is able to filter out so that the plant's roots don't become too soggy. Keep in mind that, if you decide to do this indoors, you may want to add a saucer underneath to prevent the water from spilling out onto your floor. Alternatively, you could fill the bottom of the trash can with extra materials that improve the drainage of the soil, such as pine cones, pieces of old pots, or cardboard.

Once you have your trash can filled, or you have a smaller pot placed inside, you can then consider how to style it. First, make sure to place it somewhere the plant will get the correct lighting and temperature. Then, consider all the places in your home that you probably haven't thought to decorate but which would benefit from a nice statement trash can planter, such as an overlooked entryway. If you still feel that the trash can looks a little too much like a trash can, you can always try customizing it with paint or stencils to make it feel like a more intentional part of your decor.