Declutter Your Kitchen in Style with These Beautiful Trash Cans
Is your kitchen always messy with food wrappers, dirty napkins, and other clutter strewn about? Do you find yourself constantly picking up trash and wishing you had a better system? Upgrading to a stylish, decorative trash can is an easy way to organize your kitchen and add a touch of beauty at the same time.
With so many designs and features to choose from, you can easily find the perfect trash receptacle to suit your space and decor. Read on to discover some of the most popular options to declutter your kitchen in style.
Stainless Steel Trash Cans Offer a Modern, Sleek Look
Stainless steel is a top choice for kitchen trash cans thanks to its contemporary appearance and durability. Steel cans come in a range of finishes like brushed, polished, or matte to fit any decor scheme. Their neutral metallic color pairs well with any color palette from bold primaries to muted pastels.
Steel is also naturally fingerprint-proof, so cans will stay looking clean and shiny rather than smudged. It won't absorb odors either, helping control smells. Stainless steel trash cans have a streamlined look perfect for modern, minimalist kitchens.
Rectangular or Cylindrical Cans
You can find stainless rectangular cans with straight lines and slim silhouettes designed to tuck discreetly beside cabinets or appliances. Or choose a rounded barrel-shaped canister that makes a bolder statement.
Step or Sensor-Operated Lids
Many steel kitchen trash cans feature step levers or sensor-activated lids that open automatically when you press a pedal or simply wave your hand near the lid. This hands-free operation enhances convenience.
Matching Recycling and Trash Sets
For a coordinated look, opt for a set of matching steel trash and recycling bins sized for side-by-side use. Labeled lids clearly distinguish between the two.
Bamboo Trash Cans Add Natural Warmth
For an earthy, organic look in your kitchen, bamboo trash cans make a beautiful choice. Bamboo has a light golden hue and natural grain patterns that add warmth and texture.
As a fast-growing grass rather than a wood, bamboo is very renewable and sustainable. Bamboo trash cans are lightweight yet highly durable.
Woven Bamboo Style
Woven bamboo trash cans have an artisanal, handcrafted look, with intricate woven textures. The lids often match with woven bamboo patterns as well.
Sleek Bamboo Planks
For a more modern bamboo style, cans crafted from solid bamboo planks have a smoother, sleeker appearance. Horizontal planks or vertical slats create different looks.
Extra Durability
Bamboo cans can be coated with a waterproof finish for extra moisture resistance and durability in kitchen spaces.
Retro Metal Trash Cans Offer Vintage Charm
Does your kitchen have a retro, vintage vibe? Metal trash cans inspired by old-school designs add a dash of nostalgic charm. Look for cans shaped like 1950s diner pails or traditional steps cans.
These metal trash cans come in a range of patinas like copper, brass, or rust for extra character. You can also find retro tin cans with painted accents inspired by vintage signage.
Salvaged Materials
Some companies salvage old metal parts from buildings or machinery to construct unique, one-of-a-kind trash cans with reclaimed appeal.
Fun Shapes
In addition to cylindrical cans, vintage metal trash cans may have novelty silhouettes like retro rockets or observational shapes.
Personalization Options
Some metal trash can companies offer custom laser-cut patterns so you can add names, logos, or designs for a personalized accent.
Plastic and Metal Trash Cans Offer Bold Color
Another way to make a style statement with your kitchen trash can is to use bold colors. Plastic cans are available in virtually any color from bright primaries to pastel hues to match your decor.
Or make a metallic color pop with aluminum cans in shades like copper, bronze, gold, and more. The soft metal sheen gives warmth and depth.
Clear Trash Cans
Crystal clear acrylic or plastic trash cans have a lighter, more open appearance. They show off decorative liners inside.
Color-Coded Recycling Bins
Use plastic cans in different colors to coordinate separate recycling and trash bins. For example, blue for recycling, green for compost, black for trash.
Fun Patterns and Textures
Look for plastic trash cans with molded-in designs like textured wicker or bamboo looks. This adds visual interest without maintenance of real rattan or wood.
Hidden Trash Cans for Seamless Design
Don't want your trash can cramping your kitchen's style? Choose a built-in trash can that hides inside cabinetry for a streamlined, seamless look.
Cabinet-mounted cans are installed inside lower cabinets, base pull-outs, or pantry closets. Simple press a discreet lever or button to open the built-in can.
Custom Cabinet Integration
For a fully integrated system, have your cabinet designer customize cabinetry with a retractable or tilt-out trash can. This enables the can to completely disappear into the cabinet when not in use.
Under Sink Cans
Another hidden option is an under-sink wastebin installed inside the sink cabinet right beneath the sink basin. Just open the cabinet door to toss trash.
Automatic Cabinet Trash Cans
Upgrade to an automatic, motion-activated built-in trash can. These systems have a sensor that opens the cabinet as you approach, for easy, hands-free access.
Choose Durable, Easy-Clean Materials
When selecting materials, keep your kitchen usage in mind. Busy, active kitchens do best with durable metal or plastic cans that resist scratches, stains, and dents. Here are some top options.
Stainless Steel
Brushed stainless steel is extremely durable against scrapes, residue, and moisture. It's easy to clean with just soap and water.
Powder-Coated Steel
Steel cans with powder-coated finishes also resist scratches and are rust-proof. But avoid chrome finishes that can peel or chip over time.
Plastic
Heavy-duty plastic like polyethylene is waterproof, stain-resistant, and easy to wipe down to keep clean.
Aluminum
Thick-gauge aluminum has good dent resistance and a softer metal sheen than steel. Opt for a paint coating to prevent oxidation.
Choose Convenient, User-Friendly Features
Think about how you use your kitchen trash when selecting convenient features that make your life easier.
Hands-Free Opening
Foot pedal-activated or motion sensor lids allow you to open the trash without dirtying your hands every time. This is more sanitary and convenient when cooking.
Quiet Close Lid
Look for cushioned lids with silent closing instead of loud slamming. It keeps the kitchen quieter.
Odor Control
Odor-fighting technologies like carbon filters, baking soda dispensers, or antimicrobial liners keep smells at bay.
Large Capacity
For busy kitchens, choose a high capacity can to manage more waste between empties. Or select a rectangular slim can to hold more yet stay compact.
Find the Right Trash Can Size for Your Space
Match your kitchen trash can size to the amount of daily waste generated. Here are ideal capacities for different needs:
2-3 Gallon Cans
Best for minor food prep cleanup like coffee grounds, food packaging, napkins. Fits smaller kitchens.
5-7 Gallon Cans
Accommodates moderate trash from basic cooking and cleanup. Standard for average households.
10+ Gallon Cans
Manages high volumes from frequent cooking, large families, gatherings. Good for busy kitchens.
Slim Profile Cans
Designed to fit tight spaces between cabinets and appliances yet hold up to 5 gallons.
Place Trash Cans in Convenient Kitchen Locations
Think about kitchen workflow when choosing where to place your trash can. Here are some prime spots:
Near Food Prep Areas
Locate near cutting boards, islands, or stoves for convenient disposal while cooking and cleaning up.
Close to Sink
Position by the kitchen sink to catch scraps, wrappers, and other debris during and after washing up.
Built into Cabinets/Pantries
Integrate the trash into cabinetry or walk-in pantries to keep the can out of sight but handy nearby.
Next to Recycle Bins
Place trash and recycling side-by-side if you separate items like bottles, cans, and paper.
Use Design Tips to Choose and Style Your Trash Can
With so many stylish options available, take your kitchen aesthetics into account when selecting and placing your decorative trash can.
Match Existing Decor
Choose materials and colors that coordinate with your cabinetry, hardware, countertops, and backsplash.
Pair with Complementary Baskets
Surround the trash can with matching woven trays, bins, or wall-mounted rails to stylize that area.
Multiple Cans for Separation
Use two slim profile trash cans in lieu of one large one for flexibility in placement and separating recyclables.
Mix Materials
Introduce contrast with mixed materials like stainless and wicker. Or combine metal and plastic cans.
Unexpected Shapes
Have fun with round, curved, or uniquely shaped trash cans for sculptural appeal.
Is it time to replace your old, stained plastic trash bin that looks like an eyesore? Bring style, organization, and convenience to your kitchen with a decorative trash can suited to your space and decor.
With options ranging from contemporary stainless to earthy bamboo and even hidden built-in cans, you can easily declutter your kitchen and add a touch of beauty at the same time.
Keep key selection factors like size, features, ease of cleaning, and placement in mind. And don't overlook the importance of aesthetics too. With so many stylish trash cans to choose from, you can enjoy a functional, organized, and beautiful kitchen.