18 Creative Furniture Planter Upcycling Ideas

Imagine walking into a room filled with lush greenery, each plant nestled in a charming, repurposed piece of furniture. Upcycling old furniture into planters is not just a trend; it's an art form that combines sustainability, creativity, and a love for plants. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the world of upcycling, these ideas will inspire you to breathe new life into forgotten pieces. With a little imagination and effort, you can transform your living space into a verdant paradise.

1. Vintage Chair Planter

Transform an old wooden chair into a stunning planter by removing the seat and placing a pot or basket in its place. This simple yet effective upcycling project can add a rustic charm to your garden or patio. Paint the chair in bright colors or distress it for a shabby chic look. Add cascading plants like ivy or petunias to enhance the visual appeal and create a waterfall effect of greenery.

2. Dresser Drawer Succulent Display

Old dresser drawers are perfect for creating beautiful succulent displays. Line the drawers with a waterproof membrane, fill them with well-draining soil, and plant a variety of succulents. The drawers can be stacked or arranged on the ground, adding dimension and interest to your garden. This project is an excellent way to upcycle furniture while providing a unique home for your drought-tolerant plants.

3. Ladder Plant Stand

A wooden ladder can be transformed into a striking plant stand by simply placing pots on each step. This vertical garden solution is ideal for small spaces, allowing you to showcase a variety of plants without taking up too much room. Paint the ladder to match your decor or leave it natural for a more rustic feel. This project is perfect for both indoor and outdoor settings.

4. Repurposed Desk Planter

Give an old desk a new lease on life by turning it into a planter. Remove some drawers and fill the empty spaces with soil and plants. This unique upcycling idea adds an element of surprise, as plants appear to be growing right out of the furniture. Use this technique in your garden or as a conversation piece on your porch.

5. Side Table Herb Garden

Repurpose a side table into a compact herb garden that's perfect for your kitchen or balcony. Remove the tabletop or insert pots into existing holes to create a dedicated space for your herbs. You can also attach small planters to the sides. This convenient setup ensures fresh herbs are always within reach while adding a touch of greenery to your space.

6. Headboard Vertical Garden

Turn an old headboard into a vertical garden by attaching pots or planters to it. This creative use of furniture adds height and interest to your garden, making it a focal point. Use a variety of plants to create a lush, layered look. This project is especially effective with ornate headboards that add character and charm to your green space.

7. Cabinet Shelf Planter

Convert a cabinet with open shelves into a tiered planter by placing pots on each shelf. This setup allows for an organized display of plants, making it easy to create a cohesive look. Use a variety of plant sizes and textures to add depth and visual interest. This project is ideal for indoor spaces where you want to incorporate greenery without taking up floor space.

8. Drawer Garden Wall

Mount drawers on a wall to create a stunning garden wall. This unique upcycling idea adds a touch of whimsy and is perfect for displaying a mix of flowers and foliage. Paint the drawers in complementary colors to your existing decor, or distress them for a vintage effect. This project works well for both indoor and outdoor settings.

9. Outdoor Bench Planter

Transform an outdoor bench into a planter by incorporating space for plants within the seating area. This multifunctional piece serves as both a place to sit and a home for your favorite plants. Use weather-resistant materials and choose plants that thrive in your local climate. This clever upcycling idea enhances your outdoor living space.

10. Crib Frame Hanging Garden

Repurpose a crib frame into a hanging garden by attaching small pots or planters to the slats. This innovative idea is perfect for creating a vertical garden in small spaces. The crib bars provide a sturdy structure for hanging pots, allowing you to showcase a variety of plants in a compact area. This project adds a playful yet sophisticated touch to your garden.

11. Pallet Plant Display

Wooden pallets are incredibly versatile and can be easily transformed into a plant display. Simply lean the pallet against a wall and secure pots to the slats. This cost-effective solution is perfect for creating an eye-catching garden feature. Use a mix of flowering plants and greenery to create a vibrant, textured display.

12. Bed Frame Garden Divider

An old bed frame can be upcycled into a unique garden divider. By adding planters to the headboard and footboard, you create a living wall that separates different areas of your garden. This project is ideal for adding structure and privacy to outdoor spaces. Use climbing plants like jasmine or clematis for a fragrant and visually appealing divider.

13. Piano Planter

Turn an old upright piano into a show-stopping planter by removing the keys and filling the cavity with soil and plants. This dramatic transformation makes a bold statement and is sure to be a conversation starter. Use a variety of plants to fill the piano, creating a lush and vibrant display. This project is perfect for music lovers and garden enthusiasts alike.

14. Bookshelf Planter

Convert a bookshelf into a tiered planter by arranging pots on each shelf. This setup allows you to create a mini indoor garden that is both organized and aesthetically pleasing. Use a mix of trailing and upright plants to add dimension and interest. This project is ideal for small spaces where floor space is limited.

15. Wine Rack Succulent Garden

Repurpose a wine rack into a succulent garden by placing small pots in each slot. This creative use of furniture adds a touch of elegance and is perfect for displaying a variety of succulents. Choose pots that fit snugly into the slots for a cohesive look. This project is a great way to showcase your collection of succulents in a stylish manner.

16. Coffee Table Terrarium

Turn a glass-top coffee table into a terrarium by filling the space beneath the glass with plants. This unique upcycling idea adds a touch of nature to your living room while keeping your plants protected. Use a mix of moss, small ferns, and decorative stones to create a miniature landscape. This project is perfect for plant lovers who want to incorporate greenery into their home decor.

17. Chest of Drawers Planter

Repurpose a chest of drawers into a stunning planter by removing some drawers and filling them with soil and plants. This creative transformation adds a whimsical touch to your garden or patio. Use a mix of flowering plants and greenery to create a vibrant display. This project is perfect for adding height and interest to your outdoor space.

18. Trunk Planter

A vintage trunk can be easily transformed into a planter by lining it with a waterproof material and filling it with soil and plants. This charming upcycling project adds a touch of nostalgia to your garden or patio. Use a mix of flowering plants and foliage to create a lush, colorful display. This project is perfect for adding a unique focal point to your outdoor space.

Final Thoughts

Upcycling furniture into planters is a fantastic way to combine creativity, sustainability, and a love for plants. These projects not only reduce waste but also add character and charm to your living space. From vintage chairs to old pianos, each piece has the potential to become a beautiful home for your plants. So gather your tools, unleash your imagination, and start transforming your old furniture into stunning planters. Your space—and the planet—will thank you.