Welcome to the world of creative repurposing! In this guide, we’ll explore 25 innovative ideas for breathing new life into an old watering can. From transforming it into functional decor pieces to adding whimsical touches to your indoor and outdoor spaces, repurposing a watering can offers endless opportunities for creativity. Each idea in this collection showcases the versatility of the humble item, turning it from a simple gardening tool into a charming accent that adds personality and flair to your home decor or garden.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or someone who’s just looking for ways to reduce waste and add unique touches to your surroundings. Either way, you’ll find inspiration and practical tips to help you make the most of a watering can that’s no longer used for its intended purpose. Whether you have an old watering tool gathering dust in your shed (even if it’s damaged in some way) or you’re on the lookout for creative ways to upcycle thrift store finds, this guide has something for everyone. So grab your tools, and let’s get started on transforming your old watering can into something extraordinary. Get ready to unleash your creativity, live more sustainably, and add a touch of joy to your space.
1. Flower pot
Transform your old watering can into a cute flower pot by drilling a few drainage holes in the bottom and adding some rocks or broken pottery before layering on the soil. The rocks or pottery pieces ensure proper drainage for your plants, preventing waterlogging and promoting healthy growth. Whether displayed indoors or outdoors, the rustic appeal of the repurposed watering can will add a touch of character to your garden or living space. Fill it with colorful blooms or lush greenery to create a delightful focal point that breathes new life into your surroundings.
2. Herb garden
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Repurpose your watering can into a mini herb garden, bringing fresh flavors to your kitchen and a touch of greenery to your home. Planting herbs like basil, parsley, chives, and mint inside the watering tool not only maximizes the utility of the watering can but also provides convenient access to flavorful ingredients for your culinary creations. Just drill holes in the bottom of the can, add rocks and soil, and plant your delicious herbs. To keep water from spilling out onto the countertop, you could also place a shallow tray beneath the container.
3. Light feature
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Transform your outdoor space into a magical wonderland with a homemade fairy light display crafted from a repurposed watering can. Weave string lights through the holes in the spout, allowing them to pour out like flowing water over your garden. Hang the illuminated watering can from a tree branch or pergola or place it on a patio table as a charming centerpiece. As dusk falls, watch in awe as the gentle glow of the lights transforms your garden into an enchanting retreat where dreams come to life under the twinkling canopy.
4. Indoor watering can
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Give your old watering can a makeover by repurposing it as an indoor watering can, either to be used to water houseplants or just as a decoration. A fresh coat of paint or decorative paper can add an original touch to your indoor plant care. With its long spout and generous capacity, the can is well-suited for delicately-watering houseplants without the risk of over-soaking the soil. Whether displayed as a decorative accent on a shelf or actively used to nurture your indoor greenery, the repurposed piece will bring vintage charm to your home decor, infusing everyday tasks with a sense of style.
5. Lamp base
Irvins Tinware
Get creative with your old watering can by repurposing it into a unique lamp base. With a lamp kit and shade, the watering can becomes a bold lighting fixture that adds character to any room. It can either be adorned with fairy lights or fitted with a classic lampshade for a more traditional look. Placed on a bedside table, desk, or sideboard, the lamp will become a conversation piece, inviting admiration for its ingenuity and rustic appeal. By giving new life to an old object, you create a one-of-a-kind decor item that illuminates your space with creativity and style.
6. Bird feeder
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Transform your old watering can into a delightful DIY bird feeder by hanging it from a tree or hook in your garden and placing a small tray a few inches beneath it, attached with a wire. Drill a few holes in the bottom of the watering can, fill the can with birdseed, and watch as feathered friends flock to the tray to enjoy a meal. The stylish design of the watering can choice adds to your outdoor space while providing a feeding station for birds. Whether placed in a backyard or on a balcony, the repurposed bird feeder invites nature to your doorstep, fostering a connection with the environment and bringing joy to birdwatchers.
7. Water fountain
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Turn your old watering can into a captivating water fountain for your garden or patio. By attaching a pump and arranging the can to create a cascading effect, you can transform it into a focal point that adds tranquility and beauty to your outdoor oasis. The soothing sound of running water creates a peaceful ambiance, while the rustic charm of the watering can enhances the natural aesthetic of your landscape. Whether surrounded by lush foliage or positioned as a standalone feature, the repurposed water fountain becomes a source of relaxation and serenity, inviting you to unwind.
8. Rain chain
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Give your garden a decorative touch with a watering can rain chain. Remove the bottoms from multiple cans and hang them upside down, creating a cascading effect as rainwater flows through it. This creative alternative to traditional downspouts adds visual interest to your outdoor space while helping to manage rainwater runoff. Whether attached to a gutter system or hung from a pergola or trellis, the rain chain becomes a charming accent that celebrates the beauty of nature’s elements, turning rainy days into an opportunity to admire the artistry of water in motion.
9. Outdoor shower head
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Stay refreshed outdoors with a repurposed watering can outdoor shower head. Modify the can to function as a shower fixture, allowing you to rinse off after gardening, swimming, or enjoying outdoor activities. Whether mounted to a post, tree branch, or wall, the watering can shower head offers a rustic and practical solution for staying clean and comfortable while spending time in your outdoor haven. With its charm and functional design, the repurposed shower head adds convenience and style to your outdoor living space, turning an ordinary watering can into a refreshing oasis under the open sky.
10. Hanging planter
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Add a touch of fun to your garden or home with a repurposed watering can hanging decorative planter. Drill a few holes in the bottom, fill the bottom with rocks, add soil, and plant colorful flowers, succulents, or small herbs to create a lovely display that brightens any space. Then, attach rope or wire to the handle and hang it on a branch, patio, post, or pergola. The planter will become a hanging focal point that showcases your love for gardening and creativity. With its vintage appeal, the repurposed watering can planter adds personality and charm to indoor and outdoor environments, inviting admiration from guests and passersby alike.
11. Temporary car refueller
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Introducing a hassle-free solution for refueling your car in a pinch: the repurposed watering can fuel dispenser. This clever adaptation simplifies the refueling process by repurposing a familiar household item into a convenient fuel refill tool. With its extended spout and ample capacity, the watering can will easily transfer fuel to your vehicle’s tank without the need for complex equipment or messy spills. All you need to do is remove the spout head that disperses water. However, keep in mind that you shouldn’t store your fuel in your watering can, as the material could break down over time. This is also best only used in emergencies.
12. Ice bucket
fruugo
Upgrade your outdoor gatherings with a repurposed watering can ice bucket. Clean the can thoroughly, fill it with ice, remove the top (if it has one), and use it to chill beverages during parties, barbecues, or picnics. The rustic charm of the watering can adds interest to your beverage service while keeping drinks cool. Whether placed on a tabletop or carried around the garden, the repurposed ice bucket becomes a conversation starter that adds a dash of vintage flair to your outdoor entertainment. With its practical functionality and decorative appeal, it’s a stylish way to serve up cold drinks and create memorable moments.
13. Pen and pencil holder
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Add a touch of nostalgia to your desk or workspace with a repurposed watering can pen holder. For this hack, you’ll need to use a can without a top (or remove it). Clean the can thoroughly and use it to organize your pens, pencils, and other writing utensils. The unique design of the watering can adds character to your desktop while keeping your writing tools neatly-stored and easily-accessible. Whether placed in an office, study, or creative studio, the repurposed pen holder can inspire creativity and bringing a sense of joy to your daily tasks. You could also spray paint the can to make it whatever color you desire.
14. Birdhouse
Starlolly
Make a charming birdhouse out of a watering can to create a whimsical shelter for feathered friends. By repurposing the watering can as the structure of the birdhouse, you infuse the design with rustic charm and ecological consciousness. The long spout of the can may serve as the entrance for birds, providing a unique and visually-appealing feature — or, you could drill a hole in the side of the can to give the birds easy access. While you could hang the birdhouse from a tree branch or garden hook, attaching it to a trunk would make it more sturdy.
15. Umbrella stand
newtomedecor
Transform your tall antique water jug into a stylish umbrella holder. This repurposed watering can adds a touch of vintage charm to your entryway while providing a practical solution for storing umbrellas. Simply place it where you want to use it and it’s good to go! The elegant design of the aged watering can enhances the aesthetic of your foyer or mudroom, creating a welcoming first impression for guests. Whether used in a traditional or contemporary setting, this repurposed umbrella holder combines form and function to elevate your home’s decor with timeless sophistication.
16. Kitchen utensil holder
surreyhillsdesigns
Bring a touch of farmhouse charm to your kitchen with a watering can utensil holder. Clean the can thoroughly and place it on your countertop to store cooking utensils like spatulas, ladles, and whisks. The spacious interior of the watering can will accommodate a variety of utensil sizes, while its rustic design adds vintage flair to your culinary space. Whether displayed as a standalone accent piece or paired with other farmhouse-inspired decor items, the repurposed utensil holder adds both style and functionality to your kitchen, keeping your cooking tools organized and within easy reach as you prepare delicious meals.
17. Firewood holder and carrier
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Stay cozy during chilly evenings by repurposing a large watering can into a firewood holder and carrier. Place the can near your fireplace or wood stove and use it to store kindling, firewood, or newspaper for convenient access. The sturdy construction of the watering can ensures it can withstand the weight of firewood while adding rustic charm to your hearth area. Whether filled with logs for a crackling fire or stacked with kindling for quick lighting, the repurposed firewood holder adds both practicality and visual interest to your indoor space, creating a cozy ambiance that invites relaxation and warmth.
18. Rain gauge
Blackdown Lifestyle
Stay informed about rainfall levels with a repurposed watering can rain gauge. Cut out a window in the side of the can, replace it with clear glass, mark measurements on the side of the can, and place it outdoors to track rainfall in your area. The durable construction of the watering can withstands outdoor conditions while providing an easy-to-read gauge for monitoring precipitation. Whether placed in a garden bed, lawn, or backyard, the repurposed rain gauge offers a practical and eco-friendly way to stay connected to the natural world, helping you make informed decisions about watering your plants and conserving water resources throughout the year.
19. Gardening tool caddy
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Keep your gardening tools organized and easily-accessible with a repurposed watering can tool caddy. Store trowels, pruners, gloves, and other essentials in the can for convenient access while working in the garden. With its durable construction and ample storage space, the watering can caddy offers a practical solution for tidying up your gardening supplies and minimizing clutter. Whether hung on a hook in the shed or placed near your gardening station, the repurposed tool caddy keeps your tools all in one place, making gardening tasks more efficient and enjoyable.
20. Rain barrel
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Harvest rainwater for your garden with a repurposed watering can rain barrel. Connect a large can to a gutter downspout and use it to collect rainwater for watering plants, washing outdoor surfaces, or refilling bird baths. The generous capacity of the watering can allows for efficient water storage, while its durable construction ensures long-lasting performance outdoors. Whether positioned near a garden shed, greenhouse, or outdoor faucet, the repurposed rain barrel provides a sustainable water source that helps conserve resources and promotes eco-friendly gardening practices while using up old items around your garden.
21. Art supplies organizer
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Keep your art supplies tidy and accessible with a repurposed watering can organizer. Store brushes, pencils, markers, and other creative tools in the can for easy access while working on projects. The spacious interior of a watering can without a lid accommodates a variety of supplies, while its design adds charm to your studio or crafting space. Whether placed on a desk, shelf, or worktable, the repurposed organizer keeps your art materials organized and within reach, inspiring creativity and making it easier to bring your artistic visions to life.
22. Dog water bowl
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Provide your furry friend with a refreshing drink of water with a watering can dog bowl. Use the can to hold water for pets while spending time outdoors. The sturdy construction of the watering can withstands rough handling and outdoor conditions while ensuring your pet stays hydrated and happy. Whether placed in the backyard or brought to the park or on a pet-friendly adventure, it offers a convenient and stylish solution for quenching your dog’s thirst, making it easier to enjoy quality time together.
23. Vase for wildflowers
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Bring the beauty of nature indoors with a repurposed watering can vase for wildflowers. Fill the can with fresh water and arrange freshly-picked blooms or wildflowers inside for a charming floral display that brightens any room. The rustic design of the watering can adds vintage flair to your decor while showcasing the natural beauty of the flowers. Whether placed on a tabletop, mantel, or windowsill, the repurposed vase becomes a focal point that celebrates the simplicity and elegance of wildflowers, bringing a touch of the outdoors inside and infusing your home with natural charm and fragrance.
24. Hand soap holder
gardendivas
Repurposing a small watering can into a hand soap holder offers a charming solution for organizing your bathroom or kitchen sink area. With its sturdy handle and generous capacity, the watering can easily accommodates a refillable soap dispenser, providing a whimsical alternative to traditional soap holders. The rustic appeal of the watering can adds character to your space while keeping hand wash readily accessible for guests and family members. Whether placed on a vanity countertop or mounted near the sink, the repurposed hand wash holder becomes a delightful focal point that combines practicality with vintage charm, elevating the aesthetics of your washroom or kitchen.
25. Plant stand
CissysCraftsVintage
Add a touch of whimsy to your garden or indoor decor with a repurposed watering can plant stand. Simply flip the can upside down and place a potted plant on top to create a charming display that showcases your green thumb. You could also attach a post and tabletop base to the top of the watering can, then place legs on the bottom of it. The sturdy construction of the watering can provides a stable base for your plant while adding rustic flair to your space. Whether placed on a patio, deck, or windowsill, the repurposed plant stand becomes a focal point that invites admiration and conversation.
