11+ Creative Antique Wash Tub Decorating Ideas

Antique wash tubs are like hidden gems waiting to transform your living space with their vintage charm. Let’s dive into some creative ideas to give these classic pieces a delightful new purpose.

Turn into a Beverage Cooler

A charming beverage cooler made from an antique wash tub, perfect for outdoor gatherings.
A charming beverage cooler made from an antique wash tub, perfect for outdoor gatherings.

For outdoor parties, why not use your wash tub as a beverage cooler? Just add ice and your favorite drinks, and you’ve got a rustic centerpiece ready for guests.

Maybe worth checking out:

  • Galvanized Metal Tub: Upgrade your party setup with a durable metal tub, perfect for a rustic beverage cooler.
  • Ice Scoop for Beverage Coolers: Easily fill your tub with ice using a handy scoop designed for beverage coolers.
  • Outdoor String Lights: Enhance the ambiance with warm string lights, creating a cozy setting for outdoor gatherings.

Create a Lush Planter

An antique wash tub transformed into a stunning planter, overflowing with vibrant flowers.
An antique wash tub transformed into a stunning planter, overflowing with vibrant flowers.

I’ve seen antique wash tubs work wonders as planters, adding a splash of greenery to any outdoor space. Fill them with a mix of perennials and annuals for a vibrant display that changes with the seasons.

Useful items to consider:

  • Potting Soil Mix: Enhance your planter with nutrient-rich potting soil to support healthy plant growth.
  • Perennial Flower Seeds: Plant vibrant perennial seeds for a colorful, ever-changing garden in your antique tub.
  • Garden Trowel Set: Use a sturdy garden trowel set to easily plant and arrange your flowers.

Design a Rustic Outdoor Light

A creative outdoor lighting solution using a vintage wash tub and string lights.
A creative outdoor lighting solution using a vintage wash tub and string lights.

You can also hang your wash tub as an outdoor lighting fixture. Wrap it with weather-resistant lights to create a warm glow in your garden.

A few choices to try:

  • Weather-Resistant Outdoor String Lights: Illuminate your garden with charming, weather-resistant string lights for a warm, inviting ambiance.
  • Vintage Metal Hooks: Securely hang your wash tub with stylish, durable metal hooks to complete the rustic look.
  • Outdoor LED Spotlights: Highlight your wash tub decor with energy-efficient LED spotlights for a stunning nighttime display.

Use as a Plant Stand

A vintage wash tub serving as a stylish plant stand on a cozy porch.
A vintage wash tub serving as a stylish plant stand on a cozy porch.

Elevate your potted plants with a wash tub plant stand. The rustic look pairs beautifully with lush greenery.

You might like:

  • Galvanized Metal Planter: Enhance your garden decor with a durable, weather-resistant galvanized metal planter for rustic charm.
  • Wooden Plant Stand: Elevate your plant display with a sturdy wooden stand that complements rustic and vintage styles.
  • Herb Garden Kit: Start your own herb garden with a complete kit, perfect for all gardening skill levels.

Repurpose as a Compost Bin

A practical compost bin crafted from a vintage wash tub, blending sustainability with charm.
A practical compost bin crafted from a vintage wash tub, blending sustainability with charm.

For garden enthusiasts, a wash tub makes an ideal compost bin. Drill some holes for aeration, and you’ve got a charming compost solution.

Some handy options:

  • Compost Aeration Tool: Enhance airflow and mix your compost effortlessly using this sturdy aeration tool.
  • Composting Thermometer: Monitor your compost’s temperature accurately to ensure optimal decomposition with this reliable thermometer.
  • Organic Compost Starter: Boost decomposition naturally with this high-quality organic compost starter to enrich your soil.

Use for Kitchen Herb Gardens

A charming kitchen herb garden utilizing a vintage wash tub, perfect for culinary enthusiasts.
A charming kitchen herb garden utilizing a vintage wash tub, perfect for culinary enthusiasts.

Fill your wash tub with soil and herbs for a kitchen herb garden. Place it near a sunny window for fresh ingredients at your fingertips.

These products might be useful:

  • Organic Potting Soil: Enhance your herb garden’s growth with nutrient-rich organic potting soil. Perfect for healthy plants!
  • Herb Starter Kit: Get started with this herb starter kit and enjoy fresh herbs in your kitchen effortlessly.
  • LED Grow Light: Ensure optimal light for your herbs with an adjustable LED grow light. Ideal for indoor setups.

Transform Into a Laundry Tub

A vintage wash tub repurposed as a practical and charming laundry basket.
A vintage wash tub repurposed as a practical and charming laundry basket.

Use a wash tub in your laundry room for a practical laundry basket. Its sturdy design is perfect for heavy loads.

Try these:

  • Heavy-Duty Canvas Laundry Liner: Add a canvas liner for easy cleaning and protection of your antique wash tub. Maintain style effortlessly.
  • Antique-Style Wooden Laundry Lid: Top your wash tub with a wooden lid, transforming it into a practical surface when unused.
  • Vintage-Inspired Laundry Wheels: Attach wheels to your wash tub for effortless mobility and enhanced functionality in your laundry room.

Convert into an Outdoor Fish Pond

A serene outdoor fish pond crafted from a vintage wash tub, adding tranquility to the garden.
A serene outdoor fish pond crafted from a vintage wash tub, adding tranquility to the garden.

Create an outdoor fish pond by sealing a wash tub and adding aquatic plants and fish. It’s an enchanting garden feature.

Might be a good match:

  • Pond Liner Sealant: Ensure watertight sealing for your wash tub pond, maintaining a healthy environment for aquatic life.
  • Submersible Pond Pump: Keep water circulating effortlessly with an efficient submersible pump, enhancing pond health and clarity.
  • Aquatic Plant Fertilizer: Nourish your pond plants with essential nutrients for vibrant growth and balanced ecosystem.

Repurpose as a Waterfall Feature

A tranquil waterfall feature using a vintage wash tub, perfect for any garden oasis.
A tranquil waterfall feature using a vintage wash tub, perfect for any garden oasis.

Add a small pump to your wash tub for a waterfall feature. It’s a soothing element that enhances any garden.

A few helpful options:

  • Submersible Water Pump: Install this pump to create a serene waterfall sound and enhance your garden’s ambiance.
  • Flexible Water Tubing: Connect your pump easily with durable tubing, ensuring a smooth water flow in your feature.
  • Outdoor Extension Cord: Ensure safe power connection with this outdoor extension cord, ideal for garden setups.

Transform Into a Cozy Pet Bed

A cozy pet bed crafted from a vintage wash tub, providing comfort and style.
A cozy pet bed crafted from a vintage wash tub, providing comfort and style.

Line a wash tub with cushions for a cozy pet bed. It’s a charming retreat for your furry friend.

Check these products out:

  • Soft Pet Cushions: Add extra comfort for your pet with plush cushions. Easy to clean and durable.
  • Pet-Friendly Blankets: Keep your pet warm and cozy with breathable, machine-washable pet blankets.
  • Decorative Throw Pillows: Enhance the look with stylish throw pillows. Suitable for any home decor style.

Convert to a Creative Flower Garden

A vibrant flower garden using a vintage wash tub as a charming planter.
A vibrant flower garden using a vintage wash tub as a charming planter.

Fill a wash tub with a mix of plants for a flower garden. Its vintage appeal complements the blooms beautifully.

A few suggestions:

  • Organic Potting Soil Mix: Enhance your flowers with rich, organic soil for healthier and more vibrant blooms.
  • Assorted Flower Seed Pack: Discover a colorful variety of flowers to brighten your garden tub effortlessly.
  • Decorative Garden Stone Edging: Add charm to your wash tub garden with stylish stone edging for a neat appearance.
Text: Joyce Peterson