Gardening is all about creativity, so why not think outside the box when it comes to planters?
Sure, traditional pots are great, but using unconventional containers can add a unique and playful touch to your garden.
Find and repurpose items that you never would’ve thought of for plant decor that is timeless and always within budget.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration or finding homes for an overflowing plant collection, these fun planter ideas will inspire you to turn everyday things into fabulous homes for your plants.
Where to Find Unique Planters
While my favorite place to source planters is from from thrift stores, you can also check online marketplaces like Etsy and Facebook.
Garage sales and flea markets are also great places to discover hidden gems.
For DIY projects, look around your home—you’d be surprised what can be turned into a planter with a bit of creativity!
Read: The Ultimate Guide to Finding Cheap Pots and Containers
Tips for Displaying Plants
Consider all elements. When displaying your planters, think about height, color, and texture. Group different sizes and shapes together for a dynamic look.
Create height. Use plant stands, shelves, or hangers to create different levels and add interest. Stools and ladders are always a good idea to add variety with different tiers.
Mix and match. Don’t be afraid to mix and match materials—metal, wood, and ceramic all look great together and look great with any type of decor!
And remember, your garden is a reflection of your personality, so have fun with it!
18 Unconventional Planter Ideas for a Unique Vibe
1. Classy Tea Cup or Wine Glass Planter
Turn old teacups into adorable mini planters!
These are perfect for small plants like succulents or herbs.
You can find teacups and glass collections at thrift stores or use mismatched ones you have at home.
Simply drill a small hole in the bottom for drainage, or add a layer of pebbles before planting.
Display them on a windowsill or as part of a centerpiece on your dining table.
2. Classic Board Game Piece Planter
If you love classic games and plants, how about upgrading a chess board with cacti?
These succulents of different variety and texture look good against the crisp black and white background, making stylish and practical planters.
Simply place on a table as an amazing centerpiece and definite conversation starter with friends.
3. Old Rain Boot Planters
Don’t throw away those old boots—turn them into quirky planters!
Boots are sturdy and can hold a good amount of soil, making them perfect for flowers or small vegetables.
Just drill a few holes in the bottom for drainage and fill them with soil and your favorite plants.
These planters look great by your front door or scattered around the garden for a fun, rustic look.
4. Vintage Glass Cake Top Planters
For a classy and airy space, glass is a classic material for traditional planters that are pretty and lets sunlight shine through.
Think vintage items like candle holders, bowls, glasses, and even cake toppers! These items add charm with their intricate designs.
You can easily find these at thrift stores, which is a great way to find personalized decor within a budget.
5. Mounted Wood Box Planters
Not much room in your space? Go vertical with your planters!
A simple wooden planter box looks good in this neutral color scheme with white brick walls.
The sharp and geometric edges are perfect for an industrial aesthetic that still has life.
For edgy decor, plant a trailing vine to give additional texture to the wall.
6. Unique Art Wall Planters
For those who like to mix plants with art, a unique wall planter is perfect.
These are ideal for growing herbs, small flowers, or even succulents. Just make sure not to overwater.
Create a vignette for a whimsical and humorous feel.
Decorating with art gives a personalized and comforting feel that can’t be replicated.
7. Recycled Bar Cart Planters
I’m obsessed with bar carts.
It doesn’t matter if they are glass and art deco inspired or a more traditional wood version like above.
Look how they transformed the old compartment into a beautiful focal point with just a bit of creativity!
Replicate the same idea by lining the container or compartment with plastic or burlap to hold the soil, and add your favorite plants.
Perfect for flowering plants or trailing vines.
8. Celebratory Wine Bottle Planters
Wine bottles are perfect for creating creative planters with a rustic touch.
You can cut a barrel in half to create two large planters or use it whole for deep-rooted plants like tomatoes or small trees.
Wine bottles are great for outdoor spaces and add a touch of vineyard charm to your garden. Place them on your patio or in a sunny spot in your yard.
9. Thrifted Bust Planters
If you’re leaning towards an original Zen or European inspired-look, busts make elegant and eye-catching planters.
You can fill the bottom with soil and plant flowers or trailing vines that will can resemble hair that cascades down through the bars or grows to the heavens!
Busts are perfect for creating focal points or placing on a pedestal in empty corners.
They add a touch of vintage charm and are sure to be a conversation starter.
10. Tiny Glass Terrarium Planters
For a creative and intricate gardening project, consider making a terrarium!
These are so fun and look great hanging or simply placed a desk to admire.
Plant an assortment of mosses, succulents, or air plants to create a mini environment.
Minimalistic design that has a big impact is therapeutic will definitely have you loving this planter activity.
11. Old and Vintage Suitcase Planters
Old suitcases make charming planters that are perfect for flowers, herbs, or even small vegetables.
Just line the suitcase with plastic to protect it from moisture, fill it with soil, and plant.
Suitcase planters are great for adding a vintage touch to your garden, and they look fabulous on a patio or as a centerpiece in your yard.
12. Repurposed Tire Planter
Old tires can be turned into colorful planters with a bit of paint and imagination.
Stack them to create a tiered garden or lay them flat for a single planter.
Tires are perfect for flowers, vegetables, or even small shrubs.
Place them in a sunny spot in your garden, and they’ll add a fun, eco-friendly touch to your space.
13. Wacky Planter
A weird and wacky planter is a must for every plant collection.
The face matched with the funky fern hair of the plant is perfect for displaying in a bathroom or kitchen to entertain guests.
This creative planter is sure to brighten up any indoor space.
14. Fun Roller Skate Planters
Old roller skates are the perfect size for small plants or herbs.
You can leave them as is for an nostalgic look or paint them in colors to match your decor aesthetic.
Just drill a few drainage holes in the bottom and fill with soil and plants.
These roller skates are great for grouping together on a patio or hanging from a fence.
15. Drawer Planters
Old dresser drawers can be transformed into lovely, rustic planters.
Simply line the drawer with plastic to protect the wood, fill it with soil, and add your favorite plants.
Drawers are great for creating a tiered garden by stacking them or placing them at different heights.
They add a charming, repurposed look to any garden.
16. Tropical Coconut Shell Planters
Coconut shells make eco-friendly and attractive planters, especially for small plants or succulents.
The natural material is perfect for adding a tropical touch to your space.
You can hang them from a tree or place them on a table as a centerpiece.
Coconut shell planters are great for both indoor and outdoor spaces.
17. DIY Planter
A DIY project planter makes for a crafty and one of a kind home for your plant.
I love how they made the most out of this broken terracotta pot.
Instead of throwing it away, they turned the pot into a home for multiple mini plants!
Do whatever you like whether it’s painting pots bright a fun bright color or repurposing a container in a personalized way.
18. Paint Can Planter
Empty paint cans are the perfect size for small plants or herbs.
You can leave them as is for an industrial look or paint them in bright colors to match your garden decor.
Just drill a few drainage holes in the bottom and fill with soil and plants.
Paint can planters are great for grouping together on a patio or hanging from a fence.
Best Plants for Different Planter Materials
- Metal Planters: Great for heat-loving plants like succulents or cacti.
- Wooden Planters: Perfect for herbs and flowering plants, as wood helps retain moisture.
- Glass Planters: Ideal for air plants or indoor plants that don’t require much water.
- Ceramic Planters: Suitable for most indoor plants, as they help retain moisture.
- Plastic Planters: Versatile and lightweight, good for all types of plants.
These fun and unconventional planter ideas are just the beginning. With a little imagination, you can turn almost anything into a planter and create a garden that’s uniquely yours.
