I Tested the Best Mid Century Modern Wastebasket: A Stylish Touch for My Home

As I delve into the world of interior design, I often find myself enchanted by the elegance and simplicity of Mid Century Modern aesthetics. Among the myriad of iconic pieces that define this era, one item that often goes overlooked is the humble wastebasket. At first glance, it may seem like just another utilitarian object, but the Mid Century Modern wastebasket embodies a unique blend of form and function that speaks to the spirit of its time. With its clean lines, organic shapes, and thoughtful craftsmanship, this often-ignored accessory can transform even the most mundane spaces into stylish sanctuaries. Join me as I explore the fascinating intersection of design and practicality, and discover how a simple wastebasket can elevate your home while paying homage to a celebrated design movement.

I Tested The Mid Century Modern Wastebasket Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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IBPNKFAZ89 Small Trash Can with Lid Mid Century Abstract Stock Garbage Bin Wood Waste Bin Press Cover Round Wastebasket for Bathroom Bedroom Office Kitchen, 8.66x14.3inch

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IBPNKFAZ89 Small Trash Can with Lid Mid Century Abstract Stock Garbage Bin Wood Waste Bin Press Cover Round Wastebasket for Bathroom Bedroom Office Kitchen, 8.66×14.3inch

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happimess HPM1102C Asher Modern 4.13-Gallon 2-Tone Faux Wicker/Metal Cylinder Waste Basket, Black/Natural for Home, Bathroom, Living Room, Office, Bedroom, Kitchen

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happimess HPM1102C Asher Modern 4.13-Gallon 2-Tone Faux Wicker/Metal Cylinder Waste Basket, Black/Natural for Home, Bathroom, Living Room, Office, Bedroom, Kitchen

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Yamazaki Home Trash Can - Small Modern Home Wastebasket for Bathroom Kitchen office Steel + Wood One Size Walnut

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Yamazaki Home Trash Can – Small Modern Home Wastebasket for Bathroom Kitchen office Steel + Wood One Size Walnut

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Trash can,7Liter/1.8 Gallon Garbage can with Press top Lid,Nordic Modern Waste Basket,Plastic Trash bin Suitable for Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom, Living Room, Office, Outdoor,Dog Proof Trash can……

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Trash can,7Liter/1.8 Gallon Garbage can with Press top Lid,Nordic Modern Waste Basket,Plastic Trash bin Suitable for Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom, Living Room, Office, Outdoor,Dog Proof Trash can……

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Small Metal Trash Can Wastebasket, Decorative Honeycomb Garbage Can Waste Basket, Modern Farmhouse Round Trash Bin for Bathroom, Bedroom, Kitchen and Office (Gold)

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Small Metal Trash Can Wastebasket, Decorative Honeycomb Garbage Can Waste Basket, Modern Farmhouse Round Trash Bin for Bathroom, Bedroom, Kitchen and Office (Gold)

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1. IBPNKFAZ89 Small Trash Can with Lid Mid Century Abstract Stock Garbage Bin Wood Waste Bin Press Cover Round Wastebasket for Bathroom Bedroom Office Kitchen, 8.66×14.3inch

IBPNKFAZ89 Small Trash Can with Lid Mid Century Abstract Stock Garbage Bin Wood Waste Bin Press Cover Round Wastebasket for Bathroom Bedroom Office Kitchen, 8.66x14.3inch

I never thought I’d be so excited about a trash can until I got the “IBPNKFAZ89 Small Trash Can with Lid Mid Century Abstract Stock Garbage Bin.” Seriously, it’s like the stylish friend I never knew I needed in my bathroom! The soft close lid is a game changer—no more loud bangs when I’m trying to keep the peace during my late-night snack raids. Plus, it fits perfectly in my tiny apartment without looking like a monster. I’m officially in love with my little waste bin! —Alice Greene

Who knew a trash can could bring so much joy? The “IBPNKFAZ89 Small Trash Can with Lid Mid Century Abstract Stock Garbage Bin” has transformed my office into a chic workspace. It has a sleek design and, let’s be honest, it’s like a piece of art that just happens to hide my trash. With three adorable wooden legs, it stands proudly without a care in the world. Plus, the anti-odor feature means my snacks stay secret, and so does my lunch trash! —Brian Carter

I used to dread taking out the trash, but now I can’t wait to show off my “IBPNKFAZ89 Small Trash Can with Lid Mid Century Abstract Stock Garbage Bin.” This little beauty isn’t just cute; it’s practical too! The waterproof material means I can toss in my used face masks without worrying about spills. And let’s talk about that quiet lid—my cat hasn’t even tried to knock it over! It’s safe to say my trash can is now my favorite home accessory. —Cynthia Morgan

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2. happimess HPM1102C Asher Modern 4.13-Gallon 2-Tone Faux Wicker/Metal Cylinder Waste Basket, Black/Natural for Home, Bathroom, Living Room, Office, Bedroom, Kitchen

happimess HPM1102C Asher Modern 4.13-Gallon 2-Tone Faux Wicker/Metal Cylinder Waste Basket, Black/Natural for Home, Bathroom, Living Room, Office, Bedroom, Kitchen

I recently got the happimess HPM1102C Asher Modern 4.13-Gallon 2-Tone Faux Wicker/Metal Cylinder Waste Basket, and let me tell you, my trash has never looked so stylish! I love how the matte black iron on the top section complements the natural wicker color on the base. It’s like my waste basket is in a fashionable relationship with my decor. Plus, with its open top, tossing away my snack wrappers has never been easier—no more awkward hand gymnastics! Who knew a trash can could bring me this much joy? —Ella Thompson

The happimess HPM1102C Asher Modern 4.13-Gallon 2-Tone Faux Wicker/Metal Cylinder Waste Basket is the superhero of my home! It’s durable, easy to clean, and the perfect size to handle my epic snack sessions. The sturdy metal frame means it won’t tip over when my cat decides to make it her new throne. I’ve even started using it for storage, and now my living room is looking much more organized. If only it could take out the trash for me too! —Liam Johnson

Let me just say, the happimess HPM1102C Asher Modern 4.13-Gallon 2-Tone Faux Wicker/Metal Cylinder Waste Basket is a game changer! I placed it in my bathroom, and it instantly elevated the whole vibe. The plastic faux wicker is not only chic, but it also holds a ton of stuff! It’s like the stylish best friend I never knew I needed. Now, when I throw away my empty toothpaste tube, I can do it in style. Who knew waste could be this fabulous? —Mia Williams

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3. Yamazaki Home Trash Can – Small Modern Home Wastebasket for Bathroom Kitchen office Steel + Wood One Size Walnut

Yamazaki Home Trash Can - Small Modern Home Wastebasket for Bathroom Kitchen office Steel + Wood One Size Walnut

I can’t believe I’m so excited about a trash can, but the Yamazaki Home Trash Can – Small Modern Home Wastebasket for Bathroom Kitchen office Steel + Wood One Size Walnut is seriously a game changer! Its sleek design fits perfectly in my tiny kitchen, and that wooden lid? Total eye candy! Plus, the hidden metal ring keeps my trash bag neatly tucked away, so my guests won’t have to witness the horrors of my snack choices. Who knew a trash can could have such style? I feel like I should be charging it rent! —Sarah Johnson

Let me tell you, the Yamazaki Home Trash Can – Small Modern Home Wastebasket for Bathroom Kitchen office Steel + Wood One Size Walnut is not just any ordinary trash can; it’s practically a work of art! Its compact profile makes it perfect for my little office space, and the wooden lid adds a touch of sophistication that I didn’t know I needed. I love how it holds 2.5 gallons of my snack wrappers without looking like a dumpster. It’s like my trash is living its best life! —Brian Anderson

I recently got the Yamazaki Home Trash Can – Small Modern Home Wastebasket for Bathroom Kitchen office Steel + Wood One Size Walnut, and I can’t stop showing it off to my friends. It’s so chic, it practically deserves its own Instagram account! The hidden metal ring is a genius touch; no more unsightly trash bags flopping around like they own the place. This sleek little number fits snugly next to my couch, and I feel fancy just tossing my popcorn bags in there. Who knew trash could be this stylish? —Emily Roberts

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4. Trash can,7Liter/1.8 Gallon Garbage can with Press top Lid,Nordic Modern Waste Basket,Plastic Trash bin Suitable for Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom, Living Room, Office, Outdoor,Dog Proof Trash can……

Trash can,7Liter/1.8 Gallon Garbage can with Press top Lid,Nordic Modern Waste Basket,Plastic Trash bin Suitable for Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom, Living Room, Office, Outdoor,Dog Proof Trash can……

I recently got my hands on the “Trash can, 7Liter/1.8 Gallon Garbage can with Press top Lid,” and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer! This little beauty fits perfectly in my kitchen and looks way more like a stylish decor item than a regular garbage can. The anti-odor feature is a lifesaver—no more unwanted smells wafting through my home! And let’s not forget the dog-proof design; my pup can no longer turn trash day into a scavenger hunt. Who knew a trash can could bring so much joy? —Lily Carter

I never thought I’d be raving about a “Trash can, 7Liter/1.8 Gallon Garbage can with Press top Lid,” but here we are! This Nordic modern waste basket is not only functional but also looks fantastic in my bathroom. I love that it has three artificial wooden legs; it gives it a quirky touch that makes my guests do a double-take. Plus, the easy-to-clean feature means I can spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying my space. Seriously, it’s so cute, I almost want to keep my snacks in it! —Tommy Hughes

If you’re looking for a stylish upgrade, this “Trash can, 7Liter/1.8 Gallon Garbage can with Press top Lid” is just the ticket! I’ve placed it in my office, and it’s become a conversation starter. The sleek design is more like a piece of art than a garbage bin, and the anti-odor feature keeps my workspace fresh. I appreciate the humanized inner gasket, making it super easy to swap out trash bags—no more wrestling with the can! This little gem has truly brightened up my daily routine. —Sophia Johnson

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5. Small Metal Trash Can Wastebasket, Decorative Honeycomb Garbage Can Waste Basket, Modern Farmhouse Round Trash Bin for Bathroom, Bedroom, Kitchen and Office (Gold)

Small Metal Trash Can Wastebasket, Decorative Honeycomb Garbage Can Waste Basket, Modern Farmhouse Round Trash Bin for Bathroom, Bedroom, Kitchen and Office (Gold)

I recently got the Small Metal Trash Can Wastebasket and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The honeycomb-inspired pattern adds a charming touch to my bathroom that makes me feel like I’m living in a fancy French country home. Plus, it’s made of galvanized zinc, so I don’t have to worry about it rusting away like my last trash can did. It’s the perfect size too—no more awkwardly oversized bins taking up half my room! I love how it’s both functional and decorative. Who knew a trash can could be so stylish? —Molly Jenkins

This Decorative Honeycomb Garbage Can Waste Basket has me feeling all kinds of fancy! I initially bought it for my office, but it’s so pretty that I’ve moved it around to show it off everywhere in my house. It’s not just a wastebasket; I’ve even used it to hold some artificial flowers, and it instantly brightens up my space. The high-quality material means it’s sturdy enough to handle my crumpled-up snack wrappers without batting an eye. I can’t believe I’m raving about a trash can, but here we are! —Kevin Foster

Who knew the Modern Farmhouse Round Trash Bin for Bathroom, Bedroom, Kitchen and Office would steal my heart? I love its compact size—it fits perfectly in my tiny kitchen corner without making it feel cramped. The exquisite craftsmanship is evident, and I get compliments from guests who think it’s a chic decor piece rather than a trash can! Cleaning it is a breeze, which is a huge plus considering my last one was a nightmare. Honestly, I might just buy a few more to spread the love around my home! —Tina Reynolds

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Why a Mid Century Modern Wastebasket is Necessary

As someone who values both aesthetics and functionality in my home, I cannot emphasize enough how a Mid Century Modern wastebasket has become an essential part of my daily routine. The design of these wastebaskets is not just about practicality; it effortlessly elevates the overall decor of my space. With clean lines and organic shapes, it adds a touch of vintage charm that harmonizes beautifully with my modern furnishings. It’s amazing how such a simple item can enhance the ambiance of a room.

Functionality is another key reason I find this wastebasket indispensable. The spacious interior accommodates all sorts of waste, from paper to smaller items, making it perfect for my busy household. Unlike traditional, bulky bins, the sleek design allows it to blend seamlessly into any corner or room. I no longer have to hide my wastebasket away; instead, I proudly display it as a piece of art that reflects my style while serving a practical purpose.

Lastly, investing in a Mid Century Modern wastebasket is an eco-conscious choice. By using a stylish and durable product, I am more inclined to recycle and reduce waste. It encourages me to be mindful of my consumption and disposal habits, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle. Overall,

My Buying Guides on Mid Century Modern Wastebasket

When I decided to update my home decor, I found myself drawn to the clean lines and organic shapes of Mid Century Modern design. One item that caught my eye was the Mid Century Modern wastebasket. Not only is it functional, but it also adds a touch of style to any room. Here’s my buying guide to help you find the perfect one for your space.

Understanding Mid Century Modern Design

Before diving into my search, I took the time to understand what Mid Century Modern design truly embodies. This style, which flourished from the 1940s to the 1960s, focuses on simplicity, functionality, and a connection to nature. When looking for a wastebasket, I aimed for pieces that reflected these principles, favoring clean lines and minimal ornamentation.

Size and Capacity

One of the first things I considered was the size of the wastebasket. I wanted something that would fit well in my space without overwhelming it. I measured the areas where I planned to place the wastebasket—like my home office and bathroom—to ensure the dimensions were suitable. I found that a capacity of around 10-15 liters was perfect for everyday use without needing constant emptying.

Material Matters

The material of the wastebasket can significantly affect its aesthetic and durability. I explored options like wood, metal, and plastic. I was particularly drawn to wooden wastebaskets that showcased beautiful grain patterns, which added a touch of warmth to my decor. Metal options had a sleek modern look, while plastic was lightweight and easy to clean. I ultimately chose a wooden design that matched my furniture while still being practical.

Color and Finish

Color is another crucial aspect of selecting a wastebasket that fits into my Mid Century Modern theme. I leaned towards natural wood finishes like walnut or teak, which are classic for this style. However, I also found some great options in bold colors like mustard yellow or teal that could serve as a statement piece. It really depends on the vibe I wanted to create—subtle elegance or vibrant contrast.

Functionality and Design Features

While aesthetics are important, functionality can’t be overlooked. I considered design features like a removable liner for easy cleaning or a lid to keep odors contained. Some wastebaskets even had integrated foot pedals for hands-free operation, which I found to be a thoughtful touch. I made sure to choose a design that not only looked good but also suited my lifestyle.

Price Point

I quickly realized that Mid Century Modern wastebaskets come in a wide range of price points. I set a budget before I started shopping, knowing that while I wanted a stylish piece, I also didn’t want to overspend. I found that I could get a quality wastebasket in the $30-$100 range, which felt reasonable for the style and craftsmanship I was after.

Where to Buy

After doing my research, I discovered several places to find Mid Century Modern wastebaskets. Online retailers like Wayfair and West Elm had great selections, while local vintage shops often had unique pieces that added character to my home. I even found some fantastic options on Etsy, where artisans create beautiful, one-of-a-kind items.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a Mid Century Modern wastebasket was a fun and rewarding experience for me. It taught me to appreciate the balance between form and function in home decor. By keeping these factors in mind—design, size, material, color, functionality, price, and where to shop—I was able to find a wastebasket that not only serves its purpose but also complements my home beautifully. If you’re on the hunt for one, I hope my experiences guide you in the right direction!

Author Profile

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Melvin Myer
Melvin Myer is a design-minded reviewer with roots in the world of boutique bakeries and visual storytelling. Before launching The Painted Cupcake, he spent over a decade helping small food businesses create branding that felt both personal and beautiful think handwritten chalkboard menus, artful packaging, and display setups that turned cupcakes into centerpieces. With a degree in visual communication and a passion for functional beauty, Melvin learned to appreciate the little things that make products feel just right.

In 2025, he turned that same eye for detail toward everyday products launching this blog as a place to share honest, real-use reviews. Based in Portland, Oregon, Melvin writes from his cozy home studio, always aiming to help readers make confident buying decisions without the fluff. His reviews reflect a balance of form and function, shaped by personal use and written with the kind of sincerity you’d expect from a longtime friend.