Old milk cans are some of the oddest and most unusual items used in interior and exterior design. At the same time, they’re really great at giving spaces that rustic or farmhouse look that really makes them feel authentic. With that in mind, let’s check out some of the different ways in which these things can be repurposed and used as decorations.

It’s not just any old milk can that would look good as a decoration. Ideally, you would be able to find one that looks weathered and has a rusty finish but in case you can’t find something exactly to your liking there are always ways to transform an old milk can. Check out on thenorthendloft the story of this milk can which can originally black and red but then became more plain, rusty and beat-up, just how it was meant to be.

Now let’s have a look at some of the cool projects that you can use your old milk cans for. One of the ideas is to turn it into a piece of furniture and one of the easiest options here is to make a milk can table. It’s a very simple thing to do since all that’s needed is to basically add a top and use the milk can as a base. you can have both pieces painted first so they match. Check out fussymonkeybiz for more details.

Not all milk cans are huge and big enough to repurpose into furniture. The smaller ones are better-suited as decorations and you can use them as vases. Check out this lovely centerpiece that we found on theroadtodomestication. It’s really charming and it’s basically nothing more than just a weathered milk can filled with sticks and some Christmas ornaments hanging around.

To make your vintage milk can look extra special you can also use stencils to paint something on it. It could be a nice welcome message, an image, a cute silhouette or anything else that you think would suit your decor. You can also fit a planter at the top just to add a bit of color and freshness to the design. The perfect source of inspiration can be found on thecreativemom.

Your decorations can change with the seasons and that means you can give your beautiful vintage milk can a makeover every once in a while and try out new ideas. For the winter season you could have a small Christmas tree placed inside the can and decorate it with some string lights and a few other things. This can stay outside on your porch to welcome guests in and add curb appeal to your cozy home. Check out chippingwithcharm for more inspiration and ideas.

Another cool idea is to turn an old milk can into an outdoor planter. It’s really simple and all you have to do is find some sort of container that would fit inside at the top, then fill it with soil and plants. We really love this combination featured on getcottage and the way the plants cascade down the milk can. If you love this look you can also try using other types of containers such as weathered watering cans for example.

As mentioned before, one of the easiest things you can do with an old and rusty milk can is transform it into an outdoor side table and look how charming this one is. The transformation is featured on adiamondinthestuff and, as you can see, all you need is a round piece of wood if you want to make something similar. The hardest part of course is getting your hands on one of those amazing milk cans.

There’s also the option to restore an old milk can in case you’re not really a fan of the rusty and weathered look and you want it to look more clean and to have a smooth surface. That can be a bit tricky and you’re going to need a few special supplies but it can definitely be done at home. Check out the list of materials and the details on instructables.

Here’s another beautiful milk can that’s been turned into a side table and this one has a hole at the center of its top. That hole serves as a very specific purpose: it allows an umbrella stand to fit inside so you can have some extra shade when you’re relaxing outside on your porch or in your garden. It’s a really clever and simple idea that you can put into practical right away. You can find additional details on thegirlinspired.

Another idea is to simply use the milk can as a decoration. You can add a few bits and pieces to it to make it nice and pretty and you can find a spot for it on your porch or in your garden or backyard, preferably in a protected area with a roof above it. Use materials such as burlap and raffia to decorate the can and add in some seasonal details as well. Check out gottahaveprojects for additional inspiration.

We love the weathered look of old milk cans but sometimes too much rust can ruin things. If that’s the case, a little bit of restoration work is needed before you can actually repurpose the can and turn it into a gorgeous new piece of furniture or a decoration for your front porch. For information on how to do all that you can head over to grandmacreates.

You can make an old milk can feel right at home on your patio even if you don’t really have any other similar items there. Not everything has to be old and rusty in order to match and to look beautiful so feel free to pair it with whatever feels right. Adding a few terracotta planters around it can sometimes help and a bit of contrast is always welcomed. Check out knickoftime for more inspiration and ideas on how to successfully incorporate an old milk can into your design.