I think it’s safe to assume we all love plants. There’s just something about bringing home a new plant that invokes a feeling of excitement, hopefulness, and joy. We care for it, water it, feed it, and hope it will grow and thrive in its new location. One of the best parts is choosing the perfect vessel for it to live in. The possibilities are endless! Sometimes, it’s the most unique and unexpected vessels that make the most amazing homes for our plants. It’s the perfect way to get creative. That’s why, I’ve rounded up a list of 30 cute DIY planters you can make from upcycled items.
This post contains affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate, when you purchase qualifying items through these links, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
1. Coffee Can Planter
This adorable coffee can planter is the perfect item to kick off our list! The pretty pattern and cute little legs give this planter a designer look.
2. Toy Truck Planter
Give a new life to an old toy by planting flowers or greenery in a toy truck! This DIY planter is perfect for both indoors and out.
3. Vintage Strainer Planters
Drainage holes, check. Handles, check. Cute colors, check. It’s like these strainers were made to be repurposed. Check out this adorable one from Kalyn Brooke.
4. Tree Stump Planters
If you find yourself with a tree stump but don’t feel like dealing with the hassle of a stump grinder, carve out the middle and turn it into a cute rustic vessel for your favorite flowers. This one houses some fresh greenery for a minimalist look.
5. Cinder Blocks
One of the more unique ideas on this list, these cinder block planters from Little Miss Momma add a modern and semi-industrial flair.
6. Wheelbarrow Planter
You can’t make a list of DIY planters without including a rustic wheelbarrow planter. It’s one of the most common DIY planter ideas and has become a quintessential element in whimsical, cottage-chic, gardens.
7. Mixing Bowl Planter
Last year, one of my mixing bowls got a random little hole in it. I don’t know how it happened but it immediately rendered the bowl useless for its original use. I WISH I would have known about this DIY planter idea from The Creek Line House.
8. Chair Planter
When a chair has retired from its seating duties, turn it into a cute floral planter! Check out how Debbie from Painted Therapy turned this chair into an adorable front porch accent.
9. Popcorn Tin Planter
Old popcorn tins were practically made to be repurposed into DIY planters. I mean, the size, shape, durability…. It can’t get much better. Check out this tutorial on YouTube to learn how to make a super cute one!
10. An Old Trunk Planter
There are very few ways to breathe life into an old trunk but one of the best options is to turn it into a cool planter like this one. Fill it with wildflowers and it becomes the ultimate cottage boho chic accessory.
11. Dresser Drawer Planters
Speaking of clothing storage vessels, if you’ve got a dresser that just can’t be salvaged, consider using the drawers as adorable shabby-chic planters. Check out these super-cute DIY planters by Mindi from My Love 2 Create!
12. Cooler Planter
Coolers are the perfect vessel to use as a planter because they’re large enough to house a number of sprouts and durable enough to last for years. If you don’t love your cooler color, try giving it a quick spritz of paint for a new look.
13. Wagon Planter
These planters are one of the most adorable additions to any garden and give a second life to childhood wagons we just can’t bear parting with. Check out how Brittany from Pretty Handy Girl made one out of this red wagon.
While you’re here, let’s connect!
Sign up to get new DIY and home decor ideas sent straight to your inbox!
14. Sand Box Planter
Sandboxes offer a large size and outdoor durability that can be difficult to find in other repurposed planters!
15. Wastebasket Planters
This is one of my most favorite planter ideas. Wastebaskets can be found everywhere for super cheap, and can be made to compliment any design style. Conveniently enough, some of them are also a great size for housing small indoor trees! Here’s an inexpensive one from Amazon.
16. Rainboot Planters
I particularly love this idea for spring when an abundance of rain showers bring life to flowers everywhere. Where can you find an old pair of rain boots? You can often find used rainboots at thrift stores for super cheap!
17. Plastic Beverage Bin Planter
This plastic beverage bin planter idea offers a convenient size with the luxury of handles! Paint these bins any color for some quick, repurposed DIY planters.
18. Basket Planter
Baskets can make beautiful planters and they’re plentiful at thrift stores. By the way, did you know they can also be spray painted? The possibilities are endless….
19. Gutter Planters
These genius gutter planters maximize the use of small spaces by growing vertically.
20. Suitcase Planter
Give an old suitcase new life in the garden! Check out how this one from DIY Everywhere added a cute chalkboard background to the top for an extra dose of creativity. You can get that cool chalkboard paint here.
21. Mason Jar Planter
As if mason jars didn’t already have enough uses, these DIY planters are super versatile and can be found everywhere!
22. Watering Can Planter
This is another oldie but goodie: watering can planters add a touch of whimsy to any garden or table.
23. 5-Gallon Bucket Planter
These 5-gallon buckets already have infinite uses around the home, but this DIY planter idea is my favorite. You can pick one up for just a few dollars at Home Depot, Lowes, or Harbor Freight.
24. Pretzel Drum Planter
My husband LOVES getting gigantic drums of pretzels for game days and I love repurposing them into different things! One of the best ideas is to turn them into planters like this one.
25. Pitcher Planter
Repurpose an old pitcher as a planter for flowers. This idea is especially perfect for spring blooms.
26. Paint Can Planters
I mean, how stunning is this little planter from Centsational Girl?! You can use a simple paint can to achieve this look and the convenient handle allows them to serve as hanging planters as well!
27. Laundry Basket Planter
Turn a cracked laundry basket into a super-cute planter with a little bit of fabric and a cute bow!
28. Yogurt Container Planters
We knew those yogurt containers could be repurposed into something! Check out how, with just a little bit of paint, you can create these adorable, self-watering DIY planters.
29. Tea Tin Planters
These little tea tins are way too cute to throw away. Check out how Melissa Camara Wilkins turned a few of hers into these DIY planters for an adorable herb garden. If you’re interested, Harney & Sons tea tastes amazing and comes in cute tin containers.
30. Pallet Planter
An upcycled planter list wouldn’t be complete without a pallet planter. There are SO MANY designs to choose from when working with pallets but I love this simple one from Ginger Snap Crafts.
There you have it! 30 cute DIY planters you can make from upcycled items. If you’ve ever made a planter out of an item not listed here, feel free to mention it in the comments!
Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to get cool DIY tutorials and home decor ideas sent straight to your inbox!
If you liked this post, you might also enjoy: Which Home Decor Item Matches Your Personality?
Please, share this post for others to enjoy!
