10 DIY Repurposed Chair Planter Ideas

Looking to add charm and creativity to your garden without spending a fortune? These 10 DIY repurposed chair planter ideas are the perfect way to upcycle old furniture and bring new life to your outdoor space. Instead of throwing away broken or outdated chairs, turn them into unique, eye-catching planters that are both functional and decorative. From rustic wooden chair planters filled with wildflowers to colorful painted chairs bursting with herbs, these projects work well in small yards, porches, and patios. You can use metal bistro chairs for sleek succulent displays or go whimsical with a kids’ chair painted in bright patterns. Some ideas even double as bird baths or vertical gardens with climbing plants. Whether you prefer a shabby chic look or a modern style, there’s a chair planter idea to match your garden theme.

These easy DIYs are beginner-friendly and only require basic tools, paint, soil, and your choice of plants. With a little creativity, you can turn discarded chairs into beautiful garden accents that stand out. They also make great weekend projects and gifts for plant lovers. If you’re interested in eco-friendly gardening, these repurposed chair planters offer a sustainable and stylish solution. Try one of these ideas and enjoy a more personalized and charming garden setup that reflects your style while reducing waste. Bring color, texture, and life to your outdoor space with these inspiring chair planter transformations.

1. Rustic Wooden Chair Planter with Wildflowers

Turn an old wooden chair into a charming garden feature by removing the seat and replacing it with a flower-filled container. Choose a weathered chair for that rustic farmhouse appeal and plant wildflowers or bright annuals for a pop of color. Perfect for porches or tucked into garden corners, this chair planter brings instant vintage style. Add a coat of clear sealant to protect it outdoors. It’s a simple way to reuse furniture and elevate your yard with personality and blooms that change with the seasons.

Supplies

• Old wooden chair
• Small galvanized or plastic planter
• Drill
• Wildflower mix or annuals
• Clear sealant (optional)

2. Painted Chair Herb Planter

Brighten up your herb garden by painting a wooden chair in bold colors and turning it into a cheerful planter. Remove the seat and place a small pot or basket inside. Grow herbs like basil, parsley, and thyme for a functional and fun garden piece. It’s a perfect solution for patios or balconies where space is tight. Customize the color to match your outdoor theme and label each herb for an extra touch. This project is beginner-friendly and adds a touch of whimsy to any space.

Supplies

• Wooden chair
• Acrylic outdoor paint and brush
• Small basket or plastic pot
• Potting soil
• Herb plants

3. Metal Bistro Chair Succulent Planter

Repurpose a vintage metal bistro chair into a low-maintenance succulent planter. The open seat frame can hold a shallow tray filled with soil and decorative gravel. Succulents are ideal because they thrive in shallow containers and add texture and color. This is great for small spaces, balconies, or entryways. Spray paint the chair in a fun metallic or pastel shade for added flair. It’s an elegant and modern spin on garden decor, combining upcycling with eye-catching design.

Supplies

• Metal bistro chair
• Shallow planting tray
• Cactus soil mix
• Assorted succulents
• Decorative gravel
• Spray paint

4. Shabby Chic Chair Planter with Roses

Bring a romantic, vintage touch to your garden by transforming a shabby chic chair into a planter for roses or trailing flowers. Use soft pastel chalk paint and distress the edges for a worn-in look. A deep container hidden inside the seat area holds the flowers while allowing for good drainage. Add lace or ribbon details for a charming effect. It’s perfect for cottage gardens or shabby chic-themed patios. This upcycle gives new life to old furniture while adding floral elegance.

Supplies

• Wooden or metal chair
• Chalk paint and sandpaper
• Planter insert
• Potting mix
• Roses or trailing flowers
• Lace ribbon (optional)

5. Chair Back Trellis Planter

Use the backrest of a broken chair as a vertical trellis for climbing plants. Mount the back in a planter box or large pot filled with soil and place it against a sunny wall. Plant sweet peas, mini gourds, or morning glories that can climb through the chair slats. This idea is perfect for salvaging broken chairs and creating upright garden interest in small spaces. It’s quirky, creative, and surprisingly practical—an ideal project for those who love to garden with a twist.

Supplies

• Broken chair back
• Large planter box
• Potting mix
• Climbing plants (e.g., sweet peas)
• Garden twine (optional)

6. Tiered Chair Planter with Flower Pots

Create a tiered plant display using an old ladder-back or slatted chair by attaching small flower pots to each rung. Paint the chair in a bright color to stand out and mount lightweight terracotta or plastic pots using wire or zip ties. Fill each pot with seasonal flowers or cascading vines for a layered effect. This vertical garden idea is great for patios, porches, or even small balconies. It offers charm, functionality, and uses minimal ground space—all while giving new life to forgotten furniture.

Supplies

• Ladder-back chair
• Outdoor paint
• Small pots (terracotta or plastic)
• Zip ties or floral wire
• Potting soil and flowers

7. Chair Seat Bird Bath Planter Combo

Combine a bird bath and flower planter by repurposing a chair with the seat removed. Fit a wide, shallow bowl or ceramic dish in the seat opening for a bird bath. Plant small flowers or moss around the edge for a natural touch. This multi-use garden accent attracts birds while adding color and character to your outdoor space. Choose a chair with sturdy legs and apply a weather-resistant finish. It’s a whimsical, wildlife-friendly project that’s both decorative and useful.

Supplies

• Sturdy wooden or metal chair
• Shallow ceramic dish
• Small flowers or moss
• Potting soil
• Waterproof sealant

8. Reupholstered Chair Planter with Faux Flowers

For a playful indoor or porch display, reupholster an old chair seat with a base layer of foam and arrange faux flowers into it. Cut holes in the foam to secure the flower stems and hot glue them for durability. It’s a mess-free way to bring color into shaded or indoor areas without sunlight. Add decorative trim or fabric for extra style. This chair planter is ideal for events, front porches, or seasonal displays and requires no watering or upkeep.

Supplies

• Chair with seat frame
• Upholstery foam
• Faux flowers
• Hot glue gun
• Fabric and trim

9. Whimsical Painted Kids’ Chair Planter

Transform a small wooden kids’ chair into a miniature planter for succulents or pansies. Paint it in playful patterns like polka dots, stripes, or rainbow themes, and add a lined planting box in the seat area. It’s a fun project to do with children or as a gift. Use it to brighten up a front step, playhouse area, or garden nook. This whimsical piece adds personality and teaches kids about upcycling and gardening in a creative way.

Supplies

• Child-sized wooden chair
• Outdoor paint and brushes
• Small lined container
• Succulents or small flowers
• Potting soil

10. Chippy Painted Chair with Ferns

Celebrate aged beauty by embracing the natural chippy paint on an old chair and pairing it with a lush, leafy fern. Simply remove the seat and fit a planter into the opening. Let the fern drape over the sides for a soft, wild look. This style works especially well in shady garden corners or porches with antique decor. The weathered paint gives rustic texture without extra effort—just a clear topcoat for protection. This idea turns natural wear into charm with minimal supplies and timeless results.

Supplies

• Weathered wooden chair
• Clear sealant (optional)
• Medium planter pot
• Potting soil
• Fern