5 Ways to use Vintage Tool Boxes for Home Decor

The next time you are thrift shopping, look for old metal tool boxes. They often have interesting patinas and character…ie…dents and rust that may tell a story. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next hunt-and-gather outing!

Storage Containers

Using tool boxes for storage is not a new idea but have you thought about using them in your family room to hold playing cards, tv remotes, puzzles, or kids toys?

They can also add visual interest to your living spaces when you group them as a collection on a bookshelf, make them bookends in an office, or use them to contain mail on your entry table.

A Vase

If your tool box is water tight…simply fill with water and use a flower frog to hold fresh greenery from your garden.

If the tool box is not water tight…place a small plastic or glass container in the box. Fill with water and weight it with a flower frog…then add leafy branches.

A Display for Lace and Dried Flowers

Tuck a piece of lace in one corner of a rusted tool box and then fill it with dried flowers. Lavender is a great candidate for this as it adds color and fragrance to your room.

Add additional dried flowers to pick up the color of your lace. Money plant pods or small strands of pampas grass look beautiful with dried lavender.

Contain/Display Collections

Fill your tool box with collections of old paint brushes, vintage tools, tea cups…or whatever you love to collect!

Tuck in a few succulents (they don’t have to be watered very often) to add an extra pop of color.

Flatware and Linen Caddy

Fill your tool box with flatware, napkins, and plates for your next picnic or holiday buffet.

Arrange flatware in a small upright container so they are visible. Stand plates on their side in the back of the box. Roll linen napkins and arrange them in front of the plates. Add ribbon as desired!

Place holiday themed decorations like these pumpkins on either side of the box.

Change decorations in your tool box with the seasons!

Do you have a favorite thrift store near you? What do you like about it? Price? Selection? How it’s curated? Let me know in the comments below!