Punched-Can Lanterns
Turn your empty one-quart paint cans into festive outdoor lanterns. Punch patterns into the cans with a hammer and nail, and then paint them in a variety of colors. Place small candles or tea lights inside and voilà—candles for a summer patio party!
Related: 9 Easy-to-Make Garden Luminaries
Hanging Planters
Pastel paints and stencils turn these old paint cans into hanging planters for flowers or herbs. You can use the handles to hang the cans on a hook or just screw the cans directly into a fence.
Related: 10 Plants Perfect for Hanging Baskets
Home Office Cubbies
There are many ways to repurpose paint cans into storage solutions for home offices. In this simple approach, line the cans up on a shelf to use as mail sorters. Put labels below each can to keep the paperwork organized.
Related: 10 Ingenious Alternatives to a Traditional Home Office
Paint Lid Mirrors
Once you've used a few paint cans for a project, don’t throw out the lids! Repurpose them into delightful and functional items like these cool circle mirrors. Dollar-store mirrors, gold spray paint, screws, and a little ingenuity combine to create designer-style accents for a fraction of the retail cost.
Related: 10 Ways of Using Mirrors to Your Design Advantage
Coat Hooks
Affix cleaned painted cans to your mudroom or front entry for some practical and unique storage. Leave them unpainted for a modern, industrial look or go the designer route by covering them with color and pattern. They're truly versatile: You can hang dog leashes from the handles, drape scarves on top, and store gloves and mittens inside.
Related: 10 Design Inspirations for Mudrooms and Entryways
Spray Can Bouquet Art
If you've got a stash of empty spray paint cans, here's a solution for them too: Craft a unique sculpture by painting the lids, adding small painted wooden dowels for stems, and displaying the "flowers" in a clear glass vase.
Bumblebee Bird Feeders
You can make these whimsical bumblebee and ladybug bird feeders from either paint cans or coffee cans with lids. Use a painted pencil for a perch, attach white-painted washers for the eyes, and fashion wings from metal clothes hangers and netting (available at craft stores).
Related: 10 Feeders for Winter Nourishment
Jewelry Tin
Decorate an empty paint can with ribbons, pearls, and silk flowers to create a pretty jewelry tin for a girl’s bedroom or to give as a shower gift to the DIY-minded bride or new mom.
Trash Can
Need a creative and inexpensive wastebasket for your powder room or guest room? Wrap a rope in a pretty fabric, then wind it around an old paint can for a sweet, petite receptacle.
Related: 18 Brilliant Ways to Decorate With Rope
For More...
If you are interested in more DIY repurposing projects, consider:
Cement Your Place in DIY History with 9 Easy Concrete Projects
Get Organized: 20 Clever Ideas for Repurposed Storage
5 Things to Do with… Picture Frames
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