Decorating on a budget is all about thinking outside the box and using what you already have in new, inventive ways. Today, we’re repurposing funnels—yes, kitchen funnels, jar funnels, oil funnels, any funnel! Whether you have small or large funnels, you’ll be amazed at the creative possibilities. After reading these ideas, you’ll be hunting for funnels everywhere!
Don’t Have Funnels? Here’s Where to Find Them!
If you don’t already have funnels on hand, don’t worry! You can find them at antique shops or thrift stores. I would suggest an antique shop over a thrift store! A lot of thrift stores don’t carry a lot of dirty, rusty things, but antique stores do! So if you are pressed for time on your hunt, then hit up some of your smaller mom and pop antique stores.If you have a little more time to hunt and gather funnels, then I suggest looking at flea markets and garage sales too!
How to Repurpose a Funnel: Creative Ideas
So, how exactly can you repurpose funnels for home decor? You can repurpose funnels to be functional or just to create a unique look in your decor. Below are some fantastic ways to give funnels new life in your home.
1. Build a Base to Stand Your Funnel
What can you actually do with a funnel? First off just think of a funnel like a bowl. In this post I give you tons of bowl filler ideas! The same items can work in a funnel. Now, a funnel requires a little extra because you are going to need something to hold your funnel.
To make your funnel stand up, you’ll need to create a sturdy base. Use whatever you have on hand—whether it’s a metal or glass flower frog, an old chunk of wood (just drill a hole in it), or anything with a ring, like a casserole dish holder or candle holder.
I’ve even used a vintage plant stand and replaced the traditional pots with funnels! The possibilities are endless.
You can also hang funnels for a different look. Some funnels come with built-in holes or rings, but if yours doesn’t, simply drill a hole and add twine or chain to hang it. This works beautifully with plants or other decorative items. Here is an example from my friend Tracey of Curate.
This idea is common on Pinterest, where funnels filled with plants are often suspended from scales, pulleys, or S-hooks—creating a charming, rustic vibe.
Some have handles that you can use!
Not only can you hang funnels and put plants in them, but you can also use them as string holders at your gift wrapping station or in the craft room!
2. Flip the Funnel Over for Instant Decor
If you don’t want to worry about creating a base, use the funnel with the wide side down. Here are some creative ideas for using funnels this way:
- Greenery: Use a funnel to display faux or real greenery for a fresh touch.
- Candle Holder: Place a candle inside the spout opening for a unique candle holder.
- Bottle Brush Trees: Funnels make perfect bases for your trees!
- Jewelry Holder: You can also use funnels to hold jewelry! Necklaces or even bracelets if the funnel comes with a long spout! It’s a fun and functional way to organize your accessories!
3. Stack Funnels for a DIY Christmas Tree
Repurposing funnels for the holidays is always a hit! Stack several funnels to create a whimsical Christmas tree. I even have one for sale HERE.
Finding enough funnels of different sizes and styles can take some time, but it’s worth the effort. You can mix and match funnels in different materials—enamel, galvanized steel, or rusted metal—for a beautifully eclectic tree.
The base of your funnel tree could be anything sturdy—a candle stick, a bottle, or even a piece of pipe. Get creative with your materials!
4. Add Wire for an Industrial Look
You can also use the funnel as a base for displaying! I have used this technique on oil cans before. Read that blog post here! But, simply wrapping some wire around the spout, or even putting it down the funnel gives you a cool and unique way to display ephemera. Here I used flashcards, which I have available HERE.
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5. Repurpose Funnels into Unique Lighting
Looking for an unconventional light fixture? Look no further than your funnel collection! IKEA has great light kits, and with a little creativity, you can transform a funnel into a quirky light fixture. Simply thread the cord through the spout, add a bulb, and voilà—an industrial-chic light! I’ve even used swag lighting I’ve thrifted instead of buying a new light kit!
Now the IKEA light kits I used were only sold in stores and not available online, but HERE is a similar one!
One of my personal favorites was a 2-foot-tall funnel I turned into a pendant light for my brick and mortar. Though I don’t have a good picture of it, I can tell you that it made quite a statement. Over the years, I’ve made and sold quite a few of these, and they’re always a crowd-pleaser.
This is a picture a customer sent after she got her funnel light home and hung!
Here’s a great example from a customer who used a milk strainer (similar to a funnel) to create a similar look using the same concept.
6. Make Funnels Clean and Indoor-Friendly
I know what you’re thinking: “Funnels can be dirty!” While it’s true that some funnels can look rusty or grimy, it’s easy to clean them up. WD-40 is a great cleaner and oven cleaner can help remove stubborn grime too!
If your funnel appears clean, but you still want to add a layer of protection or it’s rusty and you want to lock that in, use a clear coat! I talk all about clear coating things in this POST.
Hello Iowa
I got to share all of the details of repurposing funnels with Megan Reuther on Hello Iowa! Watch that segment HERE.
In Conclusion
The creative possibilities for repurposing funnels are endless! From unique decor items to functional storage solutions, funnels are incredibly versatile. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to using everyday objects in your home decor. Follow me on Pinterest for more fun and inspiring funnel repurposing ideas, and let your creativity run wild!
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