Repurposing Old Furniture into Planters and Garden Beds

If you have old furniture gathering dust in your home or garage, why not give it a second life as a beautiful addition to your garden? Repurposing old furniture into planters and garden beds is a creative and sustainable way to transform unused items into unique garden features. From dressers to chairs, your worn-out pieces can become functional planters that add charm, personality, and greenery to any outdoor space.

In this guide, we’ll explore creative ways to upcycle furniture into planters and raised beds, providing easy step-by-step instructions to bring your DIY garden projects to life.

1. Why Repurpose Old Furniture for Gardening?

Repurposing old furniture offers several benefits:

• Eco-Friendly: Reduces waste by keeping old items out of landfills.
• Budget-Friendly: Saves money on expensive planters and raised beds.
• Unique Design: Adds character to your garden with creative, one-of-a-kind planters.
• Versatile: Works for small spaces like patios or balconies and larger backyard gardens.
• Simple DIY Projects: Many furniture items require minimal tools or effort to convert into planters.

From vintage dressers to chairs and bathtubs, the possibilities are endless when it comes to upcycling furniture into garden décor.

2. Best Types of Furniture to Repurpose

Before you start, identify old furniture that can withstand outdoor conditions and hold soil and plants. Here are some ideal options:

a. Dressers and Drawers

• Multiple drawers create tiered planting spaces perfect for flowers, herbs, and small plants.

b. Wooden Chairs

• A sturdy seat can be converted into a planter by adding a flower pot where the cushion once was.

c. Coffee Tables or Side Tables

• Tables can act as raised garden beds or platforms for decorative planters.

d. Bookshelves or Cabinets

• Bookshelves make excellent vertical gardens when lined with pots or planters.

e. Bathtubs or Sinks

• Vintage bathtubs and sinks offer large, deep planting areas ideal for raised garden beds.

f. Wooden Crates or Chests

• Old chests or crates can be filled with soil to create charming and rustic garden beds.

g. Bed Frames

• Metal or wooden bed frames provide structure for raised beds or trellises for climbing plants.

3. Step-by-Step DIY Furniture Planter Projects

a. Dresser Garden Planter

Why It Works: The drawers of an old dresser create a tiered planting effect, perfect for flowers or small herbs.

Materials Needed:

• Old wooden dresser
• Non-toxic outdoor paint (optional)
• Landscaping fabric or plastic liner
• Potting soil
• Plants or seeds

Steps:

1. Prepare the Dresser:
   • Remove any old paint or finish and repaint if desired using weatherproof paint.
2. Line the Drawers:
   • Line each drawer with landscaping fabric or plastic to prevent soil from leaking.
3. Drill Drainage Holes:
   • Drill small holes in the bottom of each drawer for proper drainage.
4. Fill with Soil:
   • Add potting soil to each drawer and level it.
5. Plant Flowers or Herbs:
   • Plant flowers like petunias, marigolds, or herbs like basil and mint in each drawer.
6. Arrange the Drawers:
   • Pull the drawers out in a staggered fashion to create a cascading planting effect.

Tip: Place the dresser on a covered patio or add a sealant to protect the wood from moisture.

b. Wooden Chair Planter

Why It Works: A chair planter is a unique focal point for any garden, perfect for small flowering plants.

Materials Needed:

• Old wooden or metal chair
• Flower pot (to fit the seat area)
• Outdoor paint or sealant (optional)
• Potting soil
• Plants or flowers

Steps:

1. Remove the Seat:
   • Take out the chair cushion or seat to create a hole for your flower pot.
2. Paint the Chair (Optional):
   • Repaint or seal the chair for a weatherproof finish.
3. Insert the Pot:
   • Place a flower pot in the open space where the seat was. Secure it if needed with wire or glue.
4. Add Soil and Plants:
   • Fill the pot with soil and plant flowers like geraniums or trailing vines.

Tip: For a whimsical look, use bright colors or patterns to paint the chair.

c. Bathtub Raised Garden Bed

Why It Works: Vintage bathtubs offer a deep, spacious planting area ideal for vegetables, flowers, or herbs.

Materials Needed:

• Old bathtub
• Gravel or small rocks
• Potting soil or compost
• Plants or seeds

Steps:

1. Clean the Bathtub:
   • Scrub the bathtub thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Add Drainage:
   • Place a layer of gravel or small rocks at the bottom for drainage.
3. Fill with Soil:
   • Add a nutrient-rich potting soil or compost mix.
4. Plant Your Garden:
   • Plant vegetables like lettuce, carrots, or flowers for a decorative touch.

Tip: Position the bathtub in a sunny spot and elevate it on bricks for better drainage.

4. Maintenance Tips for Furniture Planters

To keep your furniture planters and garden beds in great shape, follow these simple maintenance tips:

• Protect Against Moisture: Apply a weatherproof sealant to wooden furniture to prevent rot.
• Add Drainage: Ensure all planters have proper drainage holes to avoid waterlogging plants.
• Repaint Periodically: Refresh old paint to maintain the planter’s appearance and durability.
• Clean Regularly: Remove dirt, mold, or moss buildup to keep furniture looking fresh.
• Rotate Plants: Change plants seasonally to keep your garden vibrant and thriving.

5. Creative Ideas for Repurposed Furniture Planters

If you want to get more creative with your upcycled furniture, consider these unique design ideas:

a. Repurposed Bookshelf Vertical Garden

Why It Works: A bookshelf can be transformed into a stunning vertical garden, ideal for small spaces.

How to Make It:

1. Remove the back panel for airflow or replace it with wire mesh for climbing plants.
2. Line each shelf with plastic or landscaping fabric to hold soil or pots.
3. Plant herbs, succulents, or flowering plants in each section.

Best For: Balconies, patios, or small gardens where space is limited.

b. Vintage Suitcase Planter

Why It Works: An old suitcase makes for a portable and charming planter with a rustic touch.

How to Make It:

1. Line the bottom with plastic to protect the suitcase interior.
2. Drill drainage holes in the base.
3. Fill with soil and plant shallow-rooted flowers like pansies or marigolds.

Best For: Porches, patios, or quirky garden décor.

c. Bed Frame Raised Garden Bed

Why It Works: A wooden or metal bed frame can provide structure for large raised garden beds or serve as a trellis for climbing plants.

How to Make It:

1. Remove the mattress and secure the frame to a flat area in your garden.
2. Use wooden boards or recycled planks to form a box inside the bed frame.
3. Fill the box with soil and plant vegetables, flowers, or vines that climb along the frame.

Best For: Creating a whimsical focal point in large gardens.

d. Colander Hanging Planters

Why It Works: Old colanders have built-in drainage holes, making them perfect for hanging plants.

How to Make It:

1. Paint or decorate the colander if desired.
2. Line it with coconut coir or moss to hold the soil.
3. Add potting soil and plant flowers or trailing greenery like ivy.
4. Hang the colander using twine or chains from a tree, porch, or balcony.

Best For: Small flowering plants and kitchen herbs.

6. Troubleshooting Common Issues

While repurposing furniture into planters is creative and rewarding, you may face a few challenges. Here’s how to solve them:

a. Furniture Starts to Rot

• Cause: Moisture exposure, especially with untreated wooden furniture.
• Solution:
  • Use weatherproof sealants or paints to protect wooden furniture.
  • Elevate the furniture on bricks or stands to prevent direct contact with wet ground.

b. Insufficient Drainage

• Cause: Water accumulating in planters can harm plant roots.
• Solution:
  • Drill adequate drainage holes in the bottom of your furniture.
  • Add a layer of gravel or small rocks beneath the soil to improve drainage.

c. Furniture Looks Worn Too Quickly

• Cause: Outdoor conditions like sun, wind, and rain can fade or damage furniture.
• Solution:
  • Reapply outdoor-safe paint, varnish, or sealant annually to protect furniture.
  • Place the planters in a partially shaded or sheltered area.

d. Plants Struggling to Grow

• Cause: Shallow or small planters may not provide enough space for roots to spread.
• Solution:
  • Choose smaller plants like succulents, herbs, or shallow-rooted flowers for small planters.
  • For larger plants or vegetables, opt for deep items like bathtubs or crates.

7. Why Upcycled Furniture Adds Charm to Your Garden

Repurposing old furniture into planters and garden beds does more than reduce waste. It allows you to:

• Personalize Your Garden: Each piece of upcycled furniture tells a unique story and adds character to your outdoor space.
• Encourage Sustainability: By reusing and recycling materials, you contribute to reducing landfill waste and supporting eco-friendly practices.
• Showcase Creativity: No two upcycled planters are the same, giving your garden a personal and artistic touch.
• Inspire Others: Your DIY projects can inspire friends, neighbors, and family to embrace sustainable gardening and creativity.

8. Turn Old Furniture into Garden Treasures

Repurposing old furniture into planters and garden beds is a creative, sustainable, and rewarding way to give worn-out items a second life. Whether you’re upcycling dressers, chairs, or bathtubs, these DIY projects will add charm, functionality, and greenery to your outdoor space.

Key Takeaways:

1. Choose the Right Furniture: Use dressers, chairs, bathtubs, and bookshelves as unique planters.
2. Follow DIY Steps: Simple steps like adding drainage holes, lining surfaces, and applying weatherproof paint make the process easy.
3. Solve Common Issues: Protect furniture from moisture, ensure good drainage, and select appropriate plants for each planter.
4. Add Personality: Turn old items into eye-catching, one-of-a-kind garden features that reflect your creativity.

Ready to get started? Dust off that old dresser, pick up some paint, and create a garden feature that’s both functional and beautiful. With a little imagination, your garden will become a unique space that celebrates sustainability and style.

Additional Resources

For more upcycling and DIY garden ideas, check out:

• Better Homes & Gardens: Creative Garden Planters
• Recycling for a Greener Future: EPA Guide
• DIY Network: Upcycled Garden Projects

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