Discover innovative ways to transform old furniture into unique planters. Learn how to repurpose dressers, chairs and more for eye-catching garden displays that combine creativity with sustainability.
Repurposing old furniture as planters is a creative and eco-friendly way to add character to your garden or indoor space. This trend combines the charm of vintage pieces with the beauty of plants, creating unique focal points that tell a story. Let’s explore how you can turn everyday furniture into extraordinary planters.
Why Repurpose Furniture for Planters?
Repurposing furniture for planters offers several benefits:
- Sustainability: Gives new life to old items, reducing waste
- Uniqueness: Creates one-of-a-kind garden features
- Cost-effectiveness: Often cheaper than buying new planters
- Versatility: Allows for creative expression in your garden design
Types of Furniture to Repurpose
Many types of furniture can be transformed into planters:
- Dressers and drawers
- Chairs and benches
- Old sinks and bathtubs
- Bookshelves
- Wooden crates and barrels
Preparing Furniture for Planting
Before turning furniture into planters, follow these steps:
- Clean the piece thoroughly
- Sand rough edges if necessary
- Apply a weather-resistant sealant or paint
- Drill drainage holes if needed
- Line with landscape fabric to retain soil
Creative Ideas for Repurposed Planters
1. Dresser Drawer Garden
Turn an old dresser into a tiered garden:
- Remove drawers and arrange them in a cascading pattern
- Plant different herbs or flowers in each drawer
- Perfect for small spaces or balconies
2. Chair Planter
Transform an old chair into a charming planter:
- Remove or perforate the seat for drainage
- Fill the seat with soil and plants
- Use the back of the chair as a trellis for climbing plants
3. Bookshelf Vertical Garden
Create a vertical garden using an old bookshelf:
- Lay the bookshelf on its back
- Fill each shelf with soil and plants
- Ideal for succulents or cascading plants
4. Bathtub Flower Bed
Turn an old bathtub into a statement garden piece:
- Place the tub in a focal point of your garden
- Fill with soil and plant a variety of flowers or vegetables
- Great for creating a cottage garden look
5. Wooden Crate Herb Garden
Use wooden crates for a rustic herb garden:
- Stack crates in an interesting arrangement
- Line with landscape fabric and fill with soil
- Plant different herbs in each crate
Tips for Successful Repurposed Planters
- Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging
- Choose plants that suit the size and depth of your repurposed planter
- Consider the weight of soil and plants when placing your planter
- Regularly check for signs of wear and tear, especially on wooden pieces
- Use quality potting soil for better plant growth
Maintaining Your Repurposed Planters
To keep your repurposed planters looking great:
- Regularly clean and inspect the furniture
- Touch up paint or sealant as needed
- Check for and repair any developing cracks or leaks
- Prune and maintain plants to suit the planter’s size
Styling Your Repurposed Planters
Incorporate your repurposed planters into your overall garden design:
- Group different pieces for an eclectic look
- Use color schemes that complement your outdoor space
- Mix and match plant types for visual interest
- Consider the overall garden style when choosing furniture pieces
DIY Project: Transforming a Chair into a Planter
Here’s a simple project to get you started:
- Choose an old wooden chair
- Sand the surface and paint with outdoor paint
- Cut a piece of plywood to fit the seat, drilling drainage holes
- Attach the plywood to the seat frame
- Line with landscape fabric
- Fill with soil and plant your chosen flowers or herbs
Repurposing furniture as planters is a fun and creative way to add unique elements to your garden. It’s an opportunity to express your style, reduce waste, and create eye-catching displays. Whether you’re working with an old dresser, chair, or bookshelf, the possibilities are endless.
Remember, the key to successful repurposed planters is proper preparation and maintenance. With a little creativity and care, your old furniture can become the star of your garden, bringing new life to both plants and forgotten treasures.
Happy repurposing and happy gardening!
For more gardening tips and plant care guides, visit usagardenhub.com.