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If you are looking for a compact yet stylish way to dispose of trash in unusually small, odd-shaped, and narrow spaces, we have found a few options below that will not disappoint.
These cute wastebaskets are cleverly designed with narrow openings and compact sizes that easily can be tucked away next to toilets, and are ideal under sinks and countertops. Their smaller stature also makes them ideal for offices and extra small spaces including dorm rooms, apartments, RVs, and campers.
Our options include a variety of colors and styles including modern, minimalistic, and rustic-looking cans that easily blend in with any decor style. They also all have quality construction, can be easily cleaned, and work with or without any commercial trash bags.
Detailing Our Favorite Cute Wastebaskets of 2024
mDesign Trashcan — Best Overall
Another great slim trashcan option is this round plastic one that will not only fit seamlessly into small spaces but looks chic enough so it doesn’t have to stay hidden. This can may be small in size but works perfectly throughout the whole house and smaller areas including dorm rooms, apartments, condos, RVs, and campers. It is also easy to clean requiring only a damp cloth and is made from BPA-free, shatter-resistant plastic.
Pros
- This can will also fit neatly inside cabinets, under counters, and under sinks
Cons
- The plastic may be slightly thin
Household Essentials Trashcan — Most Rustic
For a more rustic feel, this round trash can made of natural wicker is a great alternative to the other compact, more modern options on our list. This wastebasket has a sturdy metal frame to protect the basket’s shape and has a protective coating on it to protect the weave pattern from humid areas including bathrooms.
Pros
- This bin can be used with or without bags
Cons
- This may not be ideal for throwing away wet or liquid items
TOPZEA Waste Basket — Most Sturdy
The TOPZEA Waste Basket is the perfect addition to any room in your home. Its natural and simple design provides a stylish and decorative touch that is sure to draw attention. Moreover, the waste basket is made of quality bamboo, which ensures durability and prevents warping and staining. It’s also incredibly easy to clean due to its smooth finish.
Pros
- The basket offers versatile usage, as it can be used as a planter or storage solution
Cons
- The price is on the higher side
Umbra Trashcan — Most Unique Design
The narrow and sleek design of this skinny trash can makes it a great option for any small areas or tight spaces in and around the house. Despite its small profile, this trash can holds up to two gallons of trash, is made from easy-to-clean materials, and features a clean, rounded bottom with no crevices to trap dirt. This trash can also features a specially designed handle for easy transport and disposal.
Pros
- This trash can is available in an array of stylish color options
Cons
- Lining them with a plastic bag may pose a slight challenge
simplehuman Trashcan — Contender
Made to last for a long time, this trash can is ideal for small spaces and fits well in bathrooms, offices, and wherever space is limited. With a capacity of 1.2 gallons, this trash can comes with a ton of bells and whistles you may not think of when buying a new can including a strong steel pedal that is engineered to last over 150,000 steps and easily opens the can and a patented silent-close lid that keeps everything in its place.
Pros
- A special fingerprint-proof coating helps keep the stainless steel spotless and shiny
Cons
- Custom-fit liners for a cleaner look are available but not required
iDesign Spa Trashcan — Also Consider
This small space trash can is compact enough for any space in the home including bathrooms, offices, bedrooms, and even dorm rooms. Its rectangular shape makes it easy to fit next to the countertop or toilet and its durable plastic construction will keep it in good condition for years to come.
Pros
- This trash can comes in 10+ color options that will match many decor stylings
Cons
- The trash can is slightly see-through
Honey-Can-Do Steel Mesh Waste Basket — Another Option
This steel trash can has a mesh powder coating that lets the trash breathe, preventing any odor build-up. This can is also low-profile with a more contemporary design that is perfect for any room and although it doesn’t need bags, it does work well with any commonly available ones. This trash can also includes a solid metal base that keeps potential liquid spills contained.
Pros
- The mesh coating resists scratches and helps it maintain a sleek appearance
Cons
- You will be able to see any garbage through the metal mesh
Buying Guide: Cute Wastebasket
Why Is It Important to Have a Cute Wastebasket?
You can be assured that a cute wastebasket is a very necessary item to have. Wastebaskets are part of the room they are kept in. When you decorate and design your home, you try to make sure it looks perfect because your home is the place to be yourself and it should be a haven for you when you return from work all tired. To simply relax you need a place that is comfortable and clean, while also looking good. Buying an average or low-quality wastebasket is an insult to the rest of your home design. That is why it is crucial to buy a wastebasket that is appealing and adds to the aesthetics of your home to make it look even better. Yes, even wastebaskets can look pretty.
Styles of Wastebaskets
Self-opening
These high-tech wastebaskets are an easy way to add convenience to your garbage disposal. With motion-sensing technology, self-opening wastebaskets open themselves without requiring you to use your hands or feet to open the lid. This is especially helpful because you do not need to touch dirty lids of wastebaskets and wash your hands. Self-opening baskets, however, are more fragile than the usual ones and are costly compared to the other types.
Plastic
Plastic baskets are one of the most commonly used waste baskets. Because of their low cost and the variety of different styles and sizes, they are preferred over the rest. They come in all kinds of colors and shapes so that you can choose the one that you need. There is also the advantage of them being very easy to clean. With just a few scrubs, the plastic is back to how it was in the beginning.
Metal
Made of aluminium or stainless steel, they come at a reasonable price and are bought because they are rugged. These metal wastebaskets can last you a very long time. They also come in different styles, although not as much as the plastic ones, and are good for use when you have sharp objects to dispose of.
Step
Step wastebaskets use a lever mechanism to open and close the lid by stepping on a pad. They allow for more compact bins, or bins to dispose of trash that requires you to use both hands. Short bins with steps do not require you to bend down to open them, you can just step on the pad and drop your trash into it.
Swing/swivel
Swivel baskets are quite a popular choice which require you to push the lid swing open and once you remove your hand, the lid closes by itself. While being a popular choice to use in restaurants and stores, they are also quite fit for use in your kitchen. These waste baskets provide you with a fancier look for less money. They can be a great place to put away waste paper in your office room or your study room.
Mesh
Mesh dustbins are made of steel or black metal wires and come in either a round or a square base shape. They are an amazing choice for having in your study and office rooms. They give off a very clean and elegant vibe while also being formal. Because of their mesh design, they are quite lightweight and are easy to clean.
Wicker
Wicker wastebaskets are one of the most desirable and one of the prettiest-looking wastebaskets to own. Their unique look easily draws attention and can be a sort of decoration too. Wicker baskets are durable enough to last quite a long time. However, wicker wastebaskets are hard to clean and it is best to make sure that you place a garbage bag inside the wicker wastebasket otherwise the wicker may get messed up by the garbage. Because they are tough to clean, to keep them pleasant and smelling good, avoid using them without garbage bags.
Choosing a Wastebasket
Material
It is essential to make sure that the material you are purchasing satisfies your needs. If you are looking for a durable dustbin then metal and plastic are the ones to go for. If you are looking for a wastebasket that is more attractive and will look good, then a mesh or a wicker basket can be your go-to.
Size
Based on the number of people living at your home or your roommates, you should pick the dustbin size accordingly. Kitchen bins should be gotten rid of every day, so if your trash bin gets almost filled after a day, then you have bought the perfect size for your kitchen. However, if your wastebasket is still empty after a day, you have bought a larger than required wastebasket. Similarly, the mesh wastebasket that you may be planning to buy should be able to hold paper for a week-long or a month because emptying them every day is not necessary.
Durability
If you want your bin to last quite a few years, buying a cheaper plastic one may not be such a good idea. Similarly, depending on how much you use the wastebasket, their life is affected so you should make sure you invest in the right wastebasket so that you do not have trouble replacing them frequently.
Room
You need to consider which room you are placing the wastebasket in. For example, in bathrooms placing a wicker basket would be a bad idea because of moisture damaging the bin. Plastic or stainless steel dustbins can be a great choice for washrooms. Wicker wastebaskets can be a great choice for living rooms.
