The Simple DIY That Hides Your Bathroom Trash Cans In A Snap

Bathrooms are no longer relegated to the least aesthetic room of the house. While one of the most necessary, washrooms have come a long way from simply being functional. In fact, even stars like Jenn Todryk have a variety of design ideas for your bathroom to make it both stylish and convenient. And while shower curtains, paint colors, tiles, and wall hangings matter, if there's even one tacky element, it can really throw off the whole vibe. Trash cans are a must in this space, but that doesn't mean they have to become an eyesore. Instead of trying to hide your trash bin in a cupboard where it would take up valuable storage or shoving it behind other fixtures, why not turn it into a decorative addition? By including some faux foliage and a simple stand, you can make your trash can look like a potted plant rather than a bin.

There's plenty of advice on the internet of what to keep in mind when decorating bathroom walls, countertops, and even shelves, but while you're buying these supplies, have your trash can for this space in mind, too. TikTok suggests ways to hide your bathroom garbage in a cabinet, but try this clever DIY instead if you don't have spare room in your cabinets. Plus, it helps bring some greenery into the room. Flip top cans with automatic buttons are great for this, because they keep your trash hidden and give you a surface to add fake moss or other fauna. You're not limited to just greenery, either. You could attach flowers instead, and get creative with the base as well.

This trick can work with any bin that has a lid but ideally ones that don't have a foot pedal. Plastic and metal will be easiest to glue your faux plants to, but you can also try it on wicker or wood. For a really basic, simple cover, head to Walmart and purchase a single pack of the Mainstays 10-inch by 10-inch Green Artificial Decorative Boxwood Plant Mats. This can be cut to fit the top of your trash can. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the lid, then add any layers you want like artificial succulents or greenery. The more natural you make it, the more it will come across as a potted plant, but if you don't mind the obvious fake look, you can use a variety of colorful florals, too.

What really makes this DIY seem less like a bin is the stand or base you add beneath it. Avoid anything too tall or bulky, opting instead for shorter wooden or metal bases that elevate it just enough without making it more likely to tip. While you want it to add to the overall design of the bathroom, it doesn't need to attract too much attention either, since the whole point is to make the trash can more aesthetic but also subtle. Try something like this Home Depot Vigoro Footed Small Brown Wood option to add a little height without overdoing it. Legs could also be glued to the bottom of the trash can to elevate it.

When picking out a trash can for your bathroom, it's important to consider the shape and even the lid so you choose an option that's both functional and stylish. A bin that doesn't have a connected top could also be turned into a faux planter with a bit more work. You could use a tray that can rest on top of the opening, though it will need to be larger than the can's diameter so it doesn't fall in. This can be placed over the top whenever guests come; just make sure it's lightweight so it can be shifted should anyone need to throw anything away. You can glue faux plants and moss onto the bottom of your plastic, wood, or metal tray, so when people do remove it, none of the plants come off.

Alternatively, use a large piece of cardboard or styrofoam you've cut into the shape of your bin as a cover. This could then be painted, or you could even use rope to hide the material. Then, glue your foliage to the top similarly to the tray idea, allowing people to open the bin when necessary without affecting the decor. These options are ideal for wicker or metal cans that don't boast a covering but which you would still like to disguise within your bathroom. You can also try to match the actual trash can to either your flooring or the materials found throughout the space so it blends more seamlessly beneath the plant lid.