A Pretty Trash Can Makeover For A Cottage Style Kitchen

A Pretty DIY Trash Can Makeover Project To Warm Up Your Kitchen

We have all seen those generic stainless steel kitchen trash cans. They are not much to look at to say the least.

stainless steel kitchen trash can

If you have a cottage style kitchen like I do then you know that this stainless steel trash can would stick out like a sore thumb. Today I am going to show you how to give do a trash can makeover that will give it a new look and blend in with your decor and own sense of style.

To Transform Your Own Generic Trash Can You Will Need:

  • Fabric – enough to wrap around your can with a little extra on the edges
  • Mod Podge Glue
  • Ribbon, Rickrack or Gimp Trim
  • Water Based Polyurethane
  • Sponge Brushes
  • Spray Paint to coordinate with the fabric
  • Sandpaper
  • Pastewax

1. Begin by giving the metal trash can a light sanding so the paint and glue will stick.

2. Then measure you trash can around the diameter and the height. Cut your fabric to size and add about an inch or so around the edges. Fold the edges in and iron them to make clean crisp edges.

Hpw To Make A Trash Can Pretty

3. Spray paint the bottom and the lid of the can and let dry.

4. Apply a good layer of Mod Podge around the surface of the can smoothing out any wrinkles as you go. You will have to cut around the foot pedal. You can wrap the fabric over the top of the can for a cleaner finish. Let dry overnight.

How To Make A Trash Can Pretty (5)

5. Once dry, glue the trim to the bottom edge to give it a finished look.

6. Add a few layers of water based polyurethane over the fabric. This will make it easy to wipe down and repel stains.

Optional: Stencil the word TRASH to the top.

7. Give the top of the can a few coats of paste wax to protect the paint and for easy cleanup.

How To Make A Trash Can Pretty

Once everything is dry you can place this pretty trash can in your kitchen and enjoy!

Pretty Shabby Chic Trash Can Makeover


Transform your own trash can with fabric and paint to match your own decor. You could also use leftover wallpaper if you like. Just because a trash can holds garbage doesn’t mean it has to be an eyesore as well!

Shabby Chic Kitchen Trash Can Makeover

Another Cute Trash Can Makeover

This isn’t my first trash can transformation. Last year I created this cute distressed waste basket for my shabby inspired master bathroom with paint and a vintage image.

Before and After Trash Can Makeover

You can see how I did it by checking out my post A Generic Trash Can Gets A Cute Cottage Style Makeover Here.

Happy Decorating!

~Lisa

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2 Responses

    • Lisa

      Hi Nikki,
      Modpodge will probably stick to plastic as well so you could paint it and decoupage or even try the same fabric technique.

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