No doubt you have a colander or two in your kitchen, but if you spot one at a thrift shop or yard sale, pick it up! They’re incredibly useful in the garden, but with a coat of paint and a little imagination, a colander can make a beautiful addition to your decor, too. In fact, we’ve found 16 new ways to use a colander that we think you’ll love! And check out our post on ways to use spice racks while you’re here.

16 New Ways to Use a Colander
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Ways to Upcycle a Colander

Use a colander to scoop up your kids’ bathtub toys before you drain the tub. Then sit it in the tub once it’s empty to let the toys drip dry. (Get more tips on bath toy organization.)

ways to use a colander 1

via Real Simple

Turn one into a chic planter. It provides great drainage, and with a coat of paint, can look very nice hanging on your porch.

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via The Microgardener

This wall of colander light fixtures is super cool!

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Colander Wall Light Fixtures from Decorator’s Notebook

When you’re working on a project with several colors of yarn, thread each color through a hole in the colander. It keeps them from getting tangled while you work.

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via Pop Sugar

Turn a colander into a stylish lamp for your kitchen.

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via Shelterness

Make a tinkling wind chime out of a colander, beads and old silverware. I love how they sound on a breezy day!

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via Wallace Gardens

Wash your delicates in a colander. This is especially handy for fabrics that you don’t want to wring dry because they might stretch. Need more laundry tips?

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Wash Your Delicates in a Colander from Real Simple

via Real Simple

Display your cake pops at a party. So smart!

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via wikiHow

Put some straws and your colander in front of your toddler for fun fine motor practice.

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via Kids Activities Blog

Turn them into hanging baskets for fruit, kitchen utensils, etc.

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via Bob Vila

This uses a basket, but a colander will work just as well. Hang it from a tree, put some flubber in, and let your kids get messy.

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via Juggling with Kids

Keep bugs away from your food when you’re eating outdoors. You’ll want to use one with tiny holes.

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Keep Bugs Away from Your Food with a Colander from Real Simple

Make a tiered stand with two colanders and a candlestick. Farmhouse chic at its finest!

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via Anastasia Vintage

Put a colander of ice on top of your ice bucket. As the water melts, it will drain right off. That’s genius!

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Put a Colander On Top of Your Ice Bucket from Real Simple

via Real Simple

Arrange a bouquet or centerpiece for your table. This would look lovely at a country-style wedding.

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via DIY Crafty Projects

Here’s a fun idea for summer: Attach a colander to a helmet and try to catch water balloons. I’m recommending this one for our family reunion!

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via Parties 4 Me

colander uses

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