Plant your furniture…literally! We have run across these really neat ways to integrate plantings into your home, patio or backyard, with a planter bench or planter coffee table! Really unique containers, and I love the idea of having plants as part of the outdoor room, not just next to it. Some of these have some easy DIY instructions, and others are just inspirational to get your creative ideas flowing… but they are all great ideas for any garden seating area. Remember, you can always alter a tutorial to fit your style and needs. Use moss, or succulents, or try using all one type of flower or plant in a project instead of a mix. I actually love the simple green of the modern table planter with the grass… the deep green color also brings out the amazing wood the table is made of… Remember, if you decide to go it alone, and dive into creating a planter out of furniture, you must either accept that the weathering of the water and plants will eventually rot away the piece, or you must provide a moisture barrier to protect the furniture. This can be as simple as attaching some plastic sheeting with a staple gun. Remember, the thrift store and yard sales are your friend here. So here are our picks to plant your furniture!
Planter Bench Ideas
Modern Bench With Planters
Build this awesome planter bench from ‘Fine Woodworking‘. This one has complete tutorial with step by step directions and detailed plans.
Garden Pot Bench
Make this modern planter bench with this tutorial from ‘Sunset Magazine‘. You build the wood top, then two large pots create the legs, and the planters!
Modern Planter Bench
This planter bench combo DIY is from ‘HGTV‘. Perfect way to create space for patio seating, and also planters for your favorite herbs or flowers!
Rustic Chunky Wood Bench Planter
This project from ‘HomeJelly‘ is one of my favorites, and simple enough for anyone… Its a ceiling beam planter bench, and has a complete tutorial. All you need for this is a drill, a chisel, and wheels if you want it to be movable…You could also do this with railroad ties, but I would worry about seeping creosote myself… Don’t forget to read their safety advice!
Modern Planter With Bench
This next planter bench is actually for sale. Tao Concrete on Etsy sells this version. We could see this being DIY’able as well! Pretty simple design. Nice wood bench and then concrete for the planter and the opposite end.
Planter Coffee Tables & Side Tables
DIY Hypertufa Planter Side table
From ‘This Old House‘, this hypertufa planter table is clearly amazing… and the hypertufa is so much lighter and stronger than concrete. Great instructions for this project, and even a video.
Concrete & Wood Side table Planter Combo
Since we are on hypertufa, ‘Lowes‘ has this step by step for this hypertufa planter table as well, and this might be a better beginner project. So cute!
Hypertufa Coffee table With Plants
‘Cactus Jungle‘ took the hypertufa table idea, created two troughs and used succulents. Cool!
Indoor Planter Table
From Libby James, and totally inspirational, this is the modern table planter I talked about in my intro… This. Is. Cool.
Bathtub Planter Coffee Table
It is truly amazing what some people can come up with! This tin bathtub planter coffee table is great inspiration… This photo is by Hammers and High Heels from Bachmans in Minneapolis… This would be an easy DIY folks!
Coffee Table With Plants Repurposed From A Door
An engineering gardener created this planter coffee table from an old door, and some hairpin table legs. Amazing ingenuity!
Mid Century Modern Planter Coffee Table
A lot of mid-century furniture was designed with planters, it was part of the theory behind the modern movement to integrate nature in design. Keep your eye out for pieces like this coffee table with plants at yard and estate sales, and don’t be afraid to press them into use outdoors in a covered or protected area.
Other Planter Furniture Combos
Dresser Turned Into Planter
From ‘HGTV‘, this dresser planter is an easy one…just remember to line the drawers before you fill with soil if you want to preserve the wood. You could use the top as a serving buffet!
Make a Table Planter
From Katie Jackson Woodworks on Instructables, this Reclaimed Wood Picnic Table With Planter is pretty cool… you can use the center trough for ice and drinks, or plant herbs, pretty lettuce or edible flowers. This design is an award winner as well!
Chair Planter Idea
From ‘Four Generations, One Roof‘, we love this DIY chair planter. Color, not too cute but fun and fresh! Don’t forget to check out her complete tutorial.
Chandelier Planter
Who needs lighting? This DIY chandelier planter by ‘DIY Show Off‘ will make your outdoor room glow all by itself! Follow her step by step instructions to find our how to take your thrift store (or basement) find and turn it into garden treasure. (BTW, this project was featured by BHG!)
So whether you make a planter benche or a planter coffee table, just plant your furniture! It’s pretty cool. We think you will also love our posts on DIY Built In Outdoor Planters and may want to check out our post on Stunning Planter Box Ideas on our sister site, OhMeOhMy!