Find out how to easily transform a plastic trash can in a rustic and good looking accessory for your bathroom in one simple step.
Yep, you’ve read correctly! The trash can is not the usually the object we want to star when we makeover a room. But it doesn’t mean it has to stick out like a sore thumb either! So here’s how I made my bathroom’s trash can look pretty!
I decided to give a bit of loooove to something that we often forget and that in my case, is almost hidden between the toilet and the counter.
Maybe the fact that it was hidden was why it was a plain plastic trash to start with.
Sometimes the simplest DIY gives you the best accomplishment feeling!
So, part of the $100 Room Challenge
(see recap of Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5)
I thought of adding sisal rope around my plastic bin to give it a rustic look.
Tadam!
For this project, I invested:
- a big $3.81 (with a 40% discount at Hobby Lobby)
- 1 hour of my weekend
- and 6 hot glue stick (ya, that’s right!!)
This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience and at no extra cost for you. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
What you need to update the trash can
- Sisal rope (I used the 1/4 ” sisal rope)
- Glue gun and hot glue sticks
- Plastic bin
- 1 hour 😉
How to do it
Start at the bottom and work in a circle to the top, adding hot glue along the way. It’s that easy!
Stay tuned for Week 4 update of the $100 Room Challenge, coming up tomorrow.
see recap of Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5
Get this free printable to help you!
You’ll have a step by step guide to follow while you’re doing the project. It includes more detailed information and you’ll even have an easy checklist that you can take with you to make sure you don’t forget anything before you start.

Oh, this is right up my alley!!!
Thanks for sharing with us at Waste Not Wednesday.
Thanks Deborah! Glad you enjoyed
I am actually going to try this update on the bin in the girls bathroom 🙂
Yay!! Tell me how it went! (and how many glue stick you used! 😉
Great makeover. A nice garbage can for the bathroom can be $50 bucks, not happening in my house. This is a really nice solution to keep the cost down. Nice!!!
you’re absolutely right Leanna! Thanks for the comment!
What a pretty transformation! What a great idea 🙂
Thank you, Lindsay!
What a great idea! Your trash can doesn’t need to hide in your bathroom anymore!
hehe! Exactly!!! lol
I am doing this but with several plastic flower pots that are just too unsightly:) Looks beautiful when complete! Great idea, pinned.
hahaha! you're so right!
What a simple upgrade. Now the trash will look so nice you won't want to add anything to it at all and dirty it up!
OMG, I have been thinking of doing exactly this! Love it! #HomeMattersPary
Great project and it really does look so much better! #HomeMattersParty
Thanks Sara! Sometimes, the simplest things make a big difference! 🙂
I love this! Pinning for later:) Thanks for linking up at the Home Matters Link Party! #HomeMattersParty
Thanks Nicole! Who thought one day someone would compliment me on a trash can! lol
Nice trash can! (Weird comment, LOL) But it's true, I love how you totally made a plain plastic trash can look rustic with the rope. I may give this a try! #HomeMattersParty