7 Ways to Repurpose an Ice Bucket

Amy’s home (shown above) contains some great ideas for repurposing objects, like these small plastic ice buckets that she used as planters. They’re cheap, colorful, and double-walled to keep moisture from condensing on surfaces. Her creative re-use inspired us to think of a few more ideas (besides the obvious) for using ice buckets at home…

• An ice bucket with a lid makes a useful countertop compost bin.
• Designed to hold water, they make great vases for larger flower arrangements.
• Use one as a wastebasket in a home office or bathroom.
• They’re good catch-all containers for kitchens, entryways, and kids’ rooms.
• A large, tub-style ice bucket works well for laundry.
• As a courtesy to a house guest, fill one with clean towels and toiletries.

If you’re looking for your own cheap ice buckets to put to use, restaurant supply stores, big box retailers, and even dollar stores are all good bets.

Add your ideas in the comments below.

Photo: Sarah Coffey

Comments (7)

I recently purchased a vintage Kromex hammered aluminum ice bucket at Goodwill for $5, and am using it for a countertop compost holder, per the suggestion above.

posted by mirandabee on August 11th 2009 at 7:35pm
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we bought some really cool (no pun intended) ice buckets from the container store to use at my wedding a few years back. They're clear with a wavy/rippled look & now hold all of my different paints, markers, and inks- I love it!! My art supplies never looked so good!

http://cozylittlecave.blogspot.com

posted by CozyLittleCave on August 11th 2009 at 8:21pm
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what kind of plant is that on the left? i love how droopy it is i want one!

posted by adamwa on August 11th 2009 at 9:43pm
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I have a vintage ice bucket with a tight-fitting lid that I use for a sugar canister.

posted by ShellyIN on August 12th 2009 at 5:38am
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Adamwa, I believe it's some variety of dracena. They're not fussy, and very easy to grow indoors. Should be able to find a similar one at a garden shop.

posted by mirandabee on August 12th 2009 at 7:11am
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We found a colorful vintage ice bucket at an antique store and now use it on the countertop to hold our utensils. Very cute!

http://www.makemineeclectic.wordpress.com

posted by jessimarie33 on August 12th 2009 at 9:39am
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I bought a suprisingly really nice one at a dollar store last year. Sleek metal with two knobs on either side. I baked gingerbread cookies, put them in a celophane bag and closed it with metalic ribbon. Placed the bag inside the ice bucket and the whole thing looked really sharp! Served as an inexpensive house-warming gift for a friend.

posted by RBOttawa on August 12th 2009 at 3:42pm
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