I’m sure many of you, like me, that have lived through an era that has those “artifacts” that we all want to maybe forget. While I adore the simplicity of eras I have had the privilege of living through, this vintage wooden trash bin is one “artifact” I saw grace nearly every home of my friends. For some reason, I never cared for them. haha.
I think it’s probably because they are usually ill-kept, and had some cute country painting on top. Also, the bags are tucked over the outside edge with the lid holding it in place and left looking messy. Does anyone feel the same? IDK. Maybe it’s just me? This one, however, has a hand-engraved “TRASH” text on top. The best part of this thing is that it’s solid oak and heavy as all get-out.
Initially, the only thing wrong with it is that it’s filthy. I mean, it did house the family waste from the kitchen. whew!
MAKEOVER TIME
Not only do I plan to change the entire vibe of this oldie-but-goodie, but also change the function. First, I use my wood filler to take care of the “trash” text.
While that’s curing, I tackle the bottom bin by using my hammer to take it apart. That way, I can sand the side panels easily and give it the love it needs. Buh-bye orange!
As soon as I clean up the wood I’m ready to apply an antique white stain. That’s much more my style. woot!
Meanwhile, I head back to tackle the bin lid. I sand off the filler and then paint it all with a neutral seconds paint color. If it wasn’t for the filler, I would sand it down raw too. Then, as a final touch (and if you know me, you know me) I have to add a bit of typography.
SOAP N’ SUDS
Fancy this vintage wooden trash bin makeover into a fun laundry bin…because laundry is fun…right? {{wink, wink}}
Honestly, though, I do count every load, every shirt folded, and all the piles of clothes as a testimony to God’s goodness. Having that “chore” means I have my loves around me, I have the ability to launder my clothes for my family, and a place to put it all.
Additionally, the linen bag I stitched up makes the cleaning up chore a snap – just toss it all in! And, I know that every mom loves shortcuts to chores. Right?!? Also, I swapped out the original wooden side handles for these antique brass bin pulls. Plus, I also painted the hinges on top to match.
THANKFUL
Maybe this week, try doing your laundry with a smile and say a prayer over each of your loves as you fold their clothes. I know it makes me savor the moment much more. In any event, I’m always about inspiring you to have a go at creating your own home story. There are so many ways to skip the box-store decor and make your home your own.
If you’d like to add this laundry bin to your home story, you can find it and much more available in my online shop. My inventory is always changing, so stop by to see!
In addition, let’s inspire others to look past the obvious damage or dated finds and create. I know I love seeing what others do too!
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Noelle says
Thank you for rescuing this cute bin from the orange! It looks so nice now!
Larissa says
bwahahaha! Right? I don’t know what my issue is with that color because I love pumpkins and squash, but…just not on my furniture.
Rebecca - NC says
How much happier this little guy is holding laundry instead of trash!! He even looks proud with his new colors, lettering and sweet linen bag!!! LOVE!!!!?❤️?
Larissa says
You made my giggle! The stink alone while sanding was all I could muster. I feel it says “Thank you” now. haha. Thanks, Rebecca!
Niki says
Teehee!! We really are kindred spirits. I didn’t like the wooden trash bins either. They are too heavy of a wood piece, and the moldings usually very heavy as well. I have seen geese or hearts painted on them in mauve with that awful blue shade paired with it- typical of 80’s farmhouse decor.
This works as a laundry bin/hamper. It turned out great. I like the linen bag insert and wished I had your sewing abilities. I sew do not ?.
Larissa says
You crack me up, Niki! haha. Yeah, they just are so odd to me. That blue…hearts..and geese! No more. 😀
Rita says
Definitely better for laundry then trash. The linen bag is a big plus. The trash bin is a “Trashure”.
Larissa says
You got that right. haha. Thanks, Rita. I am so glad you like it.
Mary says
Oh, this makeover turned out SO sweet!! What a difference. I love doing laundry too, folding it, thinking of my loved ones wearing it all clean and smellin’ good. The washable liner was the icing on the cake 🙂 This is by far the cutest laundry hamper I have ever seen! Beautiful transformation Larissa!
Larissa says
It truly is a treat and am so thankful. And, thank YOU for making me smile, Mary. Hugs!
Carroll Xavier says
Can’t believe it’s the same bin…gorgeous! How you find such creative transformations always impresses me. Love it!
Larissa says
Carroll, you sure made my day. Thank you! Funny that I find inspiration in a trash bin, right? haha. That makes it all the more fun for me.
Joanne H. says
Nice work! That conversion really is a huge upgrade. I like the white stain and the complimentary color of the painted top. AND the stenciling.
Larissa says
Thanks so much, Joanne. I hope I did it justice. The fun part for me is creating my typography design and then painting it on by hand – kinda like art therapy. 😉
Wendi S says
I have one of these that I rescued from the curb and have been trying to figure out how to make it over! Thanks for the great idea!
Larissa says
Congrats on the awesome #trashure score, Wendi. It’s such fun to re-invent different pieces.