They Were Popular In The '70s- Now It's The Retro Bar Decor You'd Be Thrilled To Find At The Thrift Store

No matter where you are in your thrifting journey, there's always another nostalgic find to add to your wish list. With character-filled interiors making a well-deserved comeback, people are looking more and more to decorate their homes with vintage kitchen decor, specifically from the Rubbermaid brand. 

Their practical ice buckets would have likely been staples in '70s home bars; always ready for a night of hosting and serving chilled drinks. Today, they're a sought after piece from the retro era, since they're no longer being manufactured. Made from strong molded plastic and boasting a sleek design and handle, they exude mid-century modern charm. They also come in various colors (most notably the bright orange version) and have an adorable snowflake emblem on top of the lid. 

Whether it was the rising popularity of refrigerators with ice dispensers or the fact that the company honed in on other home storage and commercial products, somewhere along the way, the ice bucket got left behind — but not before leaving its mark. This product category is now so in-demand that Rubbermaid's website includes a cooler inquiry in its general questions tab. Aside from the commercial-grade ice totes and buckets (none of which have lids), there is nothing comparable that's still actively made by the company. 

Obviously, finding a vintage Rubbermaid ice bucket in a thrift store would be the ultimate dream. However, if you really want to get your hands on one, you'll be happy to know that there are a bunch available for sale on sites like Etsy, eBay, and Poshmark — and even Facebook Marketplace. They also vary in price (from under $10 all the way up to $40) depending on their condition or if they have scratches — but that adds to the character. 

Purchasing one online guarantees you can get the exact color you want. The bright orange option is a showstopping piece of retro decor. However, they also come in neutrals like black or brown, varying shades of green (like the iconic avocado), and a harvest gold finish.

Whether you're looking in the thrift store or online, make sure to do an authenticity check before you buy one. Any model you come across should have the Rubbermaid logo and model number 2260 on the underside of the bucket. Online, the seller should have photos of the bucket's logo and model. If not, be sure to ask for additional photos that prove it. The good thing about these ice buckets is that they have a very distinct look, so they're easy to identify. 

Once you find your very own Rubbermaid ice bucket, there are so many ways to use and repurpose them. The most obvious being as an ice bucket to accompany your home bar or a trendy beverage station at a party. The cooler compartment averages about 7½ inches wide and 9 inches tall, so you can also use it as a cooler for a few drinks or chill a wine bottle inside. When not in use, you can keep bar tools inside. If you do use it for its original purpose, pair it with a set of vintage ice tongs from the same era, or seek out some Rubbermaid tumblers in which to enjoy homemade cocktails in mid-century style.

Alternatively, you could turn the ice bucket into a lunch tote or put it in your car when you go grocery shopping. Put frozen food items in it so you don't worry about them melting on your drive home. Its lid also makes it perfect for more practical storage. Store gardening tools, gloves, or liquid fertilizers inside or turn it into a retro compost caddy for your kitchen counter — just use a liner to keep the inside clean. Convert it into a bathroom waste basket, use it to store your toiletries, or fill it with miscellaneous crafting supplies — it's completely up to you.