12 ideas for decorating with buckets & where to find them

I have been longing to go junking recently.

I am starting to think about getting in the car and driving by to wave at my favorite thrift stores.

I imagine their shelves are full of trinkets and treasures and all those must have things you didn’t know you needed until you saw them. 

They aren’t open currently of course- but I just know when they do open up again that they will have so much good stuff that has been sitting there waiting. 

Waiting for someone to come along and do a little dance at finally finding that elusive treasure.

Or the person to look at that one who knows what it is thing- and know exactly how and where to use it.

Or that someone like me who sees an old industrial painted and peeling bucket that has been tucked behind the tools and rags and all things ‘garage’ and garden- and instantly grabs it know it is EXACTLY perfect.

So today- in an ode to the thrift shops and flea markets and junk paradises that are out there holding those treasures for us for now-  I am sharing a few favorite buckets and where I have used them- and some tips for using these industrial & often discarded treasures. 

This chippy pink bucket was an eBay find… along with a second one. 

This is a perfect way to display some of your treasured ornaments at Christmas.

Zinc buckets are some of my favorites. 

They are big and chunky and can hold lots of flowers & I also love their muted finish. 

They are also perfect for potted plants- I love to use them for holding foxgloves on the patio.

Another favorite are these chippy painted buckets.

These were used in a shop setting for something- not sure exactly what but they have lids that flip back and are able to be locked. 

They are perfect for using for holding cut flower arrangements- and I use them for that often.

Simply tuck a jar inside to hold the water and fill with your favorite blooms.

You could also achieve this look with a new galvanized bucket by painting it a few layers of different vintage inspired colors and sanding here and there.

Wood buckets are not as common to find- but you can bump into them

and they also add another element when displaying – that lovely wood patina.

Don’t overlook those newer buckets either- they can be perfect to mix in with vintage

and you can dull their finish to look older with vinegar.

So if you find buckets you love the size and shape of – grab them. 

You may even have some of those in your garage or workshop currently.

Group various buckets in different sizes and finishes on a shelf 

for a ‘greenhouse’ feeling in your home. 

And you can always use faux blooms if you don’t have any real on hand.

Enamel pails are also easier to find than vintage- I have picked several up at HomeGoods

I generally love to place a bucket of blooms on a stool in a corner and call it good. 

Galvanized buckets are also great for using- I love them for arrangements on the dining table, the coffee table and for decorating the porch. Again- these are easy to find (go shop your garage or your husbands workshop!)  and easy to customize by painting them or using vinegar to dull them.

Okay so maybe it is more like 12 ways I have used buckets- with flowers mostly. haha.

But hopefully that gives you some ideas of where and how to incorporate them in your home as well.

And where to find them?

eBay

Etsy

Thrift shops and flea markets

Home Improvement stores

HomeGoods 

I have picked up the zinc buckets at HomeGoods before- they do get vintage items from time to time

and galvanized and enamel buckets can be found at home improvement stores.

For other vintage pails and buckets- I like to shop the ‘man’ section at thrift stores- they often have those workshop and garden elements tucked into that section – and a lot of men could care less about chippy vintage buckets and what not so you may find a treasure.

I would also check the tools and what I call the  ‘rusty crusty’ section- the one where they have outdoor decor, old patio furniture and farm and garden items. 

🙂