I never pass up a toolbox or a tackle box or a bread box or a file box when I see them at yard sales, antique stores and thrift shops.
Metal boxes and tins are one of my favorite double-duty decorating and storage solutions.
They’re great for keeping things organized and hidden without being an eyesore. And they provide storage that can be easily moved from room to room, wherever you need it in your apartment. Plus, they give your space a cool industrial vibe, too.
But the best thing about metal boxes and tins may be the price. You can often find old toolboxes, advertising tins, flour canisters, bread boxes and lockboxes for less than $1 at yard sales! Honestly, I’ve bought them for a quarter before!
Set a metal file box on your nightstand to hold your keys, wallet and anything else you need to keep nearby. Better still, turn an old toolbox into a charging station for your phone, iPad and other electronics.
Stack lockboxes on top of a dresser to store jewelry or important papers.
Stack several galvanized bins on top of one another to store jewelry or office supplies, and use the top one as a candle holder.
Paint the inside of a box in a contrasting color and use it as a cool planter.
(The rusty, vintage metal Erector set box underneath is a great place to store important documents you don’t need to access often.)
When I’m shopping for metal storage boxes, I always try to buy ones that can be used in multiple ways.
This metal suitcase is one of my favorites.
During the holidays, I filled it with ribbon and gift wrapping supplies. It was both practical and pretty, as well as being one of my favorite parts of our holiday decorations.
Later, I filled it with ice and sodas to use as a designated driver bar for my New Year’s Eve party.
This glass and metal bin I found at an antique sale can be used to store all sorts of things.
I’ve used it for storing toys …
As part of my fall decorations …
And during winter too.
I saw a similar one at a local shop being used to store laundry essentials.
Metal boxes are great places to store household essentials, like laundry supplies, cleaning supplies and more, in plain sight.
When you’re shopping secondhand stores and tag sales, don’t overlook old advertising tins.
Some of the designs are gorgeous, and there are so many ways to repurpose them for storage or decorating.
A flour canister filled with flags or flowers makes a great centerpiece for your Fourth of July table.
A British biscuit tin is a perfect place to store tea supplies and snacks in the kitchen.
Spray-paint a metal canister or popcorn tin, decoupage it and turn it into a place to store treats for your pet.
If you’re looking for other clever, space-saving storage solutions, check out these DIY wallpaper-covered storage boxes on the ForRent.com blog.