This store is so huge it needed its own article! McMaster-Carr is an industrial supply shop. To put it plainly, they have everything. Over 410,000 items and counting! Its an adventure just to look through it, especially since they have a really spiffy web catalog.

You do have to think creatively when you look for items here. They aren't really sold with decoration in mind, but you can find all sorts of buried treasure to reuse or repurpose.

Here are a few examples:

Steel Tins
These seamless metal tins can be used for so many things. They especially lend themselves to an industrial look. Use them to hold toiletries or jewelry in your bathroom. Or hold screws and bolts in your utility closet. After washing thoroughly, use them to hold spices in your kitchen. Attach a magnet to the back and they can stick to those trendy (and expensive) metal spice racks!

Metal Tubs
Its made for industrial use, so it'll last forever. And its in an unusual shape that you might not find in your hardware store. Use it for plantings, holding magazines or newspapers, recycling bins, or storing kindling next to your fireplace. Paint it a rich, shiny red or black to make it even more striking!

Aluminum Wire
Aluminum wire is lightweight and soft enough to bend on your own. You can create decorative trellises and forms for your plants to grow on. Or build your own tomato supports. Cut short pieces and curl them into napkin rings or tree ornaments. (Note: This link takes you to the general metal wire page. Please don't buy the lead wire. Just like lead pipes and lead paint, it should probably only be handled by professionals. I really hope this is an obvious point, but just in case.)

Metal-Rimmed Tags
These are great to label holiday gifts, or spice jars, or even pots of seedlings in the garden. Tie them around favors at weddings or parties, or use them to decoratively label storage bins and baskets. You can get them at craft and scrapbooking stores, but not in such bulk quantities for so little money!