How To Decorate With Vintage Metal Toolboxes

I don’t know what it is about vintage metal toolboxes but I can’t seem to get enough of them. So far I’ve collected quite a few and I’m always looking for more. When I get too many, I usually just sell them. It’s pretty much a revolving door of different toolboxes around here but there are a couple of favorites that have hung around since I acquired them. A lot of times, I use them for hidden storage. The key, for me though, is to remember what I am storing in the boxes. Out of sight, a lot of times means out of mind.

Mainly, I like to see the toolboxes displayed. Whether I use them for storage or to make a centerpiece with, I love seeing all of that distressed metal. Vintage metal toolboxes have a lot of character and you can find them in a variety of different colors. Here are some of the ways I like to decorate with the toolboxes.

how to decorate with vintage toolboxes

As a Base For Centerpieces

fall vintage toolbox centerpiece

The cool thing about metal toolboxes is that you can just lift the lid and fill it up with some of your seasonal favorites. This centerpiece is a simple example for use in the Fall. I just filled it with faux fruits, pumpkins and acorns.

vintage toolbox prop

Add a Vintage Metal Toolbox to a Side Table

end table with toolbox insert

I just happened to have a table with an opening that was the right size for one of my favorite boxes. It gives adds to the industrial feel of the table and I can keep remotes or other small items in there for storage. Toolboxes also look great on top of tables!

end table close up

Place a Toolbox on a Shelf

toolbox on tqble

I also have a table with a lower shelf that fits a toolbox nicely. There have been times that I place a toolbox on a wall shelf or in a bookcase as well.

Use a Toolbox to Hold Decorative Items

Christmas tool box

This idea is pretty much the same as making a centerpiece. I had a few homemade Christmas trees that I wanted to display together so the red toolbox made a perfect base for the grouping.

Creating rustic styling on a budget by giving new life to old things and using the beauty that is already found in nature. Read more about me.