21 Creative Old Tool Caddy Decor Ideas
Do you have an old tool caddy laying around? These 21 creative old tool caddy decor ideas will turn your vintage find from trash to treasure.
One of my favorite decorating challenges is to take something that was made for functional utility and elevate it to useful beauty. Old tool caddies fit the bill. Many of these vintage tool carriers were hand made and customized by the maker. If you’ve spotted these at vintage shops while you’re thrifting, today’s ideas will make you want to get one! Enjoy these 21 Creative Old Tool Caddy Decor Ideas, a great way to turn trash into treasure.
I’m joining my Thrifting With The Gals friends today. Our friend, Wendy from WM Design House is joining us, too. You’re going to love all the thrifty, vintage ideas these ladies have for you! Check out all their posts at the end.
Ann, Dabbling and Decorating | Rachel, The Ponds Farmhouse | Robyn, Robyn’s French Nest
Lora, Create and Ponder | Wendy, WM Design House
21 Creative Old Tool Caddy Decor Ideas
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What is a Tool Caddy?
A tool caddy is a version of a tool box with an open top. The two words are often used interchangeably. Tool caddies are a utilitarian accessory that were made to carry tools around with easy access. When you’re working on a project, who’s got time to open and shut the lid on a tool box?
Many vintage versions are handmade and were cobbled together with scrap wood and whatever was around. If you look closely, the handles may be from an old broom or other yard tool. My Dad’s tool caddy has a hockey stick handle. Some tool caddies were made with dividers to hold screws and nails. Smaller versions were school shop class projects.
How to Clean & Refresh
Often tool caddy’s are very dirty when you find them in the wild. They can be found in garages and basements of estate sales. If you come across them at an auction or a flea market, they’ll probably be dirty, too. Often greasy, I scrub them up with a simple degreaser, like THIS. Rinse with hot water and dry in the sun. I also give them a brushed on coat or two of my favorite sealer (find it HERE), so they’re ready for any type of decor.
Display a Collection in a Vintage Tool Box Caddy
Old tool caddy’s are a great place to display a collection. Round up several of the same type of accessory and multiply the decor effect. You can add foliage, flowers, or flags for an impressive seasonal display.
Here are some collection ideas to display in a tool caddy:
- vintage soda bottles
- campy old thermoses
- glass milk bottles
- milk glass vases
- old pharmacy bottles
- stoneware jugs
Fill an Old Tool Caddy with Seasonal Decor
Old tool caddy’s can be used for every season. Fill them with seasonal foliage and tuck in real or faux candles. Smaller versions can be placed in a bookshelf for interest.
See these posts for seasonal filler ideas:
“11+ Best Decorative Fillers for Spring”
“35+ Decorative Vase Filler Ideas for Beautiful (& easy) Fall Decor”
“35+ Decorative Bowl Filler Ideas for Beautiful (& easy) Winter and Christmas Decor”
A Vintage Wooden Tool Box Caddy Makes a Great Centerpiece
Whatever you place in your old tool caddy, it will make a great centerpiece, indoors or out. Your centerpiece can easily be moved if you need the table for a game after dinner. For an extra touch, tie a scarf or other fun fabric piece around the handle for extra pizazz.
“Repurposed Tool Caddy Centerpiece for Thanksgiving”
“Quick and Easy Christmas Crate Centerpiece”
A Vintage Tool Box is Great for Al Fresco Dining
Whether you’re carrying sauces to the grill or picnic plates and utensils to the table, a sturdy vintage tool box caddy looks great and is so functional. It can also be a perfect way to corral picnic items for an outdoor buffet, without napkins blowing away.
Go Vertical With Your Decor
Plates can easily be stood in a tool caddy. Tuck in a plate stand or prop them up with seasonal filler, like I did with sea shells. Tuck in a few candles, and you’ve got a centerpiece.
Smaller tool caddy’s can also be a fun display accessory when stood on end. If it has dividers, small decor items can sit on the shelves. You could even hang it on a wall. I simply tucked this antique orange caddy on end and stacked seasonal foliage into one of my kitchen cabinets.
Upcycle Your Own Tool Caddy From Vintage Finds
If you’ve got plenty of extra vintage finds like I do, you can upcycle your own tool caddy. Mr. Fix-it and I repurposed a few old crates and license plates into unique tool caddies that are fun and functional for decor. See these posts for the DIY how-to’s:
“Repurposed Old Wood Crate Tote Caddy DIY”
Revive An Ugly Old Tool Box Caddy
Often when you’re thrifting you find items that just…aren’t quite cute. Instead of totally making something from scratch, give an old tool caddy a junky makeover! This shop class caddy was very in style once with it’s stenciled hearts. But it looks so much better by simply adding cute yardsticks and a faucet handle to the ends. Simple green foliage is all it needs for garden-fresh style.
You can also make other simple changes to the look. Old spindles from broken chairs make great handles. Or use a shabby dowel from an old tool. You can give the whole thing a fresh coat of paint for an easy makeover, too. Did you notice the updated handle on this one?
Use An Antique Wooden Tool Box Caddy for Organization
Organizing your office or craft supplies in an antique wooden tool box caddy is great for vintage inspired decor. Even metal versions look work. You can easily pick up your supplies and take them wherever you need.
Repurpose An Old Tool Caddy
I haven’t found a spot to do this yet, but old tool caddy’s can be repurposed into a unique towel bar with built in shelves. Attach the tool caddy upside down or on it’s side to the wall. The handle will hold a towel or other linen and you can create a small display on the sides. This would even be cute to display a small quilt. I’m thinking about where I could do this…
You can also repurpose an old tool caddy into a fun planter. Simply drill drain holes in the bottom and fill with soil and plants. If it’s wood, you could also line it to extend the life of the container.
I hope all these ideas have convinced you that you need a tool caddy in your decorating arsenal! (and probably more than one;) There are so many different varieties out there; each one is unique. And there are so many ways to use them. They can display a collection and add decor without being too cluttery. And you can pick them up and move them whenever you need!
For more actual tool box decorating ideas, see “11+ Creative Ways to Use Old Tool Boxes (all through the house)”.
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Enjoy the rest of the inspiration from my Thrifting With The Gals friends, and be sure to Pin and Save below!
Wendy, WM Design House, “Thrifting Garden Treasures”
Ann, Dabbling and Decorating, “Quilt Jackets: The Trendy Vintage Fashion”
Robyn, Robyn’s French Nest, “How to Decorate a Glass Cloche for Summer”
Rachel, The Pond’s Farmhouse, “Can You Really Save Money Buying Used Furniture, The Truth”
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I searched “how to use a vintage tool caddy for decor” and found you! My wooden version has been sitting atop my cedar wardrobe in the den, but unadorned… But now I have some ideas of how I plan to use this in a more lovely way! Thanks for such a beautiful post!
So glad you found your way here, Deanna! There’s lots more ideas for other items you might have hiding also;) Can’t wait to hear!
Hi Lora – Your tool caddy ideas are fabulous. Now you have inspired me! I also love to fill them with vintage Christmas ornaments. My favorite part about using them – is they are easy to clear away from a table. Loved your photo of the peonies! Now, I am longing for spring.
Love all your ideas and tool caddies, they are great items to decorate. Wish I had more to add to my two.
I find these caddies all the time thrifting. Thanks for all the great ideas! I’ve definitely got to add these ideas in my decor!
Lora
I love decorating with vintage tool boxes. I’ve store some of mine but you’ve encouraged me to pull them back out. Great post.
Oh my gosh, Lora!! SO many fabulous and creative ideas in this one. I have an old crusty metal toolbox in the garage that was my husband’s grandfather’s. I’m going to go dig that out this weekend and figure out something to do with it…you’ve inspired me!
You are the queen, Lora. There are so many fabulous ideas for displaying old tool caddies. I loved them all; they are so inspiring!