Gardening has always been a creative activity, but modern home gardeners are taking it to a whole new level by transforming old, unused furniture into stylish planters. Whether it’s a broken chair, a vintage drawer, an old cabinet, or a side table you no longer use, almost any furniture piece can find new life as a unique and eye-catching planter.
Upcycling not only helps reduce waste but also adds personality, charm, and character to your garden or balcony. Instead of buying expensive décor, you can reuse what you already have and create functional art pieces that make your space stand out.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to turn old furniture into beautiful planters, what type of furniture works best, how to prepare them safely, and the best plants to grow in each type. Get ready to see your old household items with brand-new eyes!
Why Upcycle Old Furniture into Planters?
Before diving into the “how-to,” let’s understand why upcycled furniture planters are worth considering.
1. Eco-Friendly Choice
Instead of throwing away old furniture, repurposing reduces landfill waste and supports sustainable living.
2. Adds Character to Your Garden
A vintage drawer full of flowers or a chair overflowing with greens adds charm that store-bought planters can’t match.
3. Highly Customizable
Paint it, carve it, decorate it, or distress it—the options are endless. Every piece becomes a reflection of your style.
4. Perfect for Indoor or Outdoor
Upcycled planters can be used in:
- Gardens
- Balconies
- Patios
- Indoors
- Terraces
5. Cost-Effective
It saves money! Instead of buying new planters, you simply repurpose what you already own.
What Furniture Can Be Turned into Planters?
Almost any sturdy piece of furniture can become a planter with a little creativity. Here are popular options:
- Old wooden chairs
- Broken stools
- Side tables
- Broken drawers
- Wooden cabinets
- Ladder shelves
- Bed frames
- Crates or trunks
As long as the furniture can hold a pot, soil, or plant container, it has potential.
Step-by-Step Guide: Turning Old Furniture into Planters
Let’s go through the process of converting your old furniture into a beautiful garden feature.
Step 1: Choose the Right Furniture Piece
Start with a furniture piece that is stable and strong enough to hold soil or containers. Make sure it’s:
- Not wobbly
- Not infested with termites
- Capable of supporting weight
- Made of a material that can resist moisture (wood, metal, or plastic are ideal)
Even if the piece is broken, you can creatively work around it—especially for rustic or shabby-chic themes.
Step 2: Clean and Repair the Furniture
Before turning it into a planter:
- Clean it thoroughly to remove dust, grease, or old paint flakes.
- Repair structural weaknesses with nails, wood glue, or screws.
- If it’s wooden, treat it for moisture resistance, especially if it will be placed outdoors. Apply:
- Wood sealant
- Varnish
- Outdoor paint
This keeps the furniture from rotting or swelling.
Step 3: Add Drainage
Plants need proper drainage to stay healthy. Depending on the furniture piece, you may need to:
- Drill holes in the bottom
- Add a plastic liner with holes
- Insert pots with drainage holes into the furniture
Remember: standing water will damage both the plant and the furniture.
Step 4: Line the Furniture (Optional but Recommended)
To protect the wood or interior:
- Use heavy-duty plastic sheets
- Landscape fabric
- Waterproof liners
This prevents soil from making direct contact with the furniture, increasing its lifespan.
Step 5: Add Soil or Pots
You can either fill the furniture directly with soil or place pots inside it.
Direct Soil Filling
Ideal for deep drawers, cabinets, or trunks.
Using Pots Inside
Perfect for chairs, shelves, or small tables.
This method makes rearranging plants easier.
Step 6: Paint and Decorate
This is where the fun starts!
Painting Ideas
- Pastel colors for a shabby-chic look
- White or grey for a modern minimalist style
- Bright colors for a playful garden theme
- Distressed paint for a vintage vibe
Decorative Elements
- Stencils
- Decoupage
- Jute rope
- Mosaic tiles
- Garden labels
A little creativity can turn a simple piece into a showstopper.
Creative Furniture Planter Ideas
Here are some of the most popular (and beautiful!) ways to repurpose furniture into planters.
1. The Drawer Garden
Old drawer units are perfect for multi-level gardening.
How to Make It
- Pull out drawers at different angles
- Fill each drawer with potting mix
- Plant flowers, herbs, or trailing plants
- Paint the exterior for a cohesive look
Best Plants
- Petunias
- Mint
- Pansies
- Succulents
- Mini ferns
Drawers create a charming cascading effect when planted with trailing varieties.
2. The Chair Planter
A broken chair can be transformed into a unique planter by replacing its seat with a pot.
How to Make It
- Remove the broken seat
- Attach a metal or plastic pot in the empty space
- Paint the chair to match your garden style
Best Plants
- Geraniums
- Chrysanthemums
- Spider plants
- Calibrachoa
This design creates an elegant farmhouse-inspired look.
3. The Ladder Shelf Garden
Old ladders—especially wooden ones—make fantastic tiered plant stands.
How to Use It
- Lean the ladder against a wall
- Place pots on each step
- Add vines or trailing plants to enhance the look
Best Plants
- Money plant
- English ivy
- Philodendron
- Herbs in small pots
It provides a perfect vertical garden solution for small balconies.
4. The Dresser Planter
A dresser offers multiple levels for creative planting.
How to Make It
- Remove some drawers completely
- Stagger others halfway
- Add liners and soil
- Decorate with paint or stencils
Best Plants
- Colorful flowers for outdoor settings
- Succulents and cacti for indoor spaces
- Leafy greens for kitchen gardens
A dresser planter can become a stunning centerpiece in your garden or patio.
5. The Tabletop Planter
Side tables or coffee tables with hollow centers can be used as planter boxes.
How to Create It
- Remove the tabletop section
- Insert a planter box or metal tub
- Secure it firmly
- Plant medium-sized houseplants or herbs
Best Plants
- Aloe vera
- Basil
- Ferns
- Decorative grasses
This design blends seamlessly into both indoor and outdoor aesthetics.
Best Plants for Furniture Planters
When choosing plants, consider the size and depth of your furniture planter.
Shallow Planters
- Succulents
- Mint
- Pansies
- Marigolds
Medium Depth Planters
- Basil
- Lavender
- Spider plants
- Petunias
Deep Planters
- Small shrubs
- Tomatoes (if outdoors)
- Peace lilies
- Snake plants
Maintenance Tips for Furniture Planters
To ensure your upcycled planter lasts long and stays beautiful:
1. Keep It Dry
Avoid overwatering. Excess moisture can damage wooden furniture.
2. Use Outdoor-Grade Paint
This protects against sunlight and rain.
3. Reapply Sealant Annually
Especially if the piece stays outside.
4. Rotate Plants
Give all plants equal sunlight exposure.
5. Monitor Pests
Certain furniture materials can attract ants or termites—keep an eye out.
Final Thoughts
Turning old furniture into stylish planters is more than just a DIY project—it’s an artistic expression and a sustainable gardening solution. With imagination and the right techniques, you can transform worn-out items into stunning garden features that elevate your space.
Whether you’re using drawers for cascading flowers, repurposing chairs into artistic planters, or turning ladders into vertical gardens, each piece becomes a unique story in your home. Plus, it’s a fun, eco-friendly way to decorate without spending a fortune.
Leave A Comment