Key Takeaways

• Most planters can be reused around your home.
• Planters make great storage bins or organizers.
• Use large planters to create unique furniture pieces.

Our outdoor plants’ days are numbered as the warm weather season comes to an end, leaving many of us with an excess of pots and planters. Before you toss those planters out, consider giving them a new life by finding uses for them around your home.

We asked experts for their best recommendations on ways to reuse old planters—read on to get inspired.

Build a Coffee Table

You read that right—you can upgrade your living space by turning your large planters into a custom-made coffee table. 

“Larger planters, especially ones made of solid materials like wood, stone, or ceramics, can be used as furniture as well,” Karen Watts, founder of DomiSource, says.

First, clean the planters and add a sealant to prevent scuffs and other damage. Then, attach a simple wood or stone top, seal it, and voila!

Build a Bench

Experts suggest upcycling your large planters into a sweet bench for your entryway or garden.

“For example, you could stack two large concrete planters and place a reclaimed wood plank on top to create a rustic garden bench,” Watts says.

Before you start building, Watts warns to make sure the planters are sturdy enough to withstand weight.

Use As Indoor Storage Bins

Experts say the most versatile use for planters is turning them into indoor storage. They can hold all kinds of items in your pantry, living space, bathroom, and more.

“[Planters are] great for pet toys, rolled towels in a bathroom, or craft supplies,” Joseph Lopez, cleaning specialist and the owner of Number 2 Club, says.

As a bonus, ceramic, terracotta, or other natural materials add a little elegance to your space versus using traditional plastic organizers.

Clean the planters thoroughly with warm, soapy water. Once dry, line your planters with fabric or contact paper for cute and functional storage.

Reuse to Collect Trash

Nothing says sophisticated like a pretty container for the trash. All you need to do is add a clear plastic liner, and you’ve got a cute trash bin for your bathroom or office. Your space will instantly look more put together with minimal effort.

Turn It Into an Umbrella Stand

Got a tall planter on hand? Consider turning it into a unique umbrella stand near your entry or coat closet. If the planter is a simple one from a nursery, you can add decorative details to give it more personality, such as wrapping it with jute rope or painting a pattern.

Make Bird Baths or Feeders

Encourage daily visits from the birds by adding a few welcoming features to your patio. Lopez says you can create a bird bath from a shallow planter by simply adding water. Or, create a bird feeder by swapping the water with birdseed. 

“Just be sure to clean them out regularly so they do not develop a buildup of bacteria on the bottom,” Lopez says.

Use As Tabletop Centerpieces

Hosting a party or dinner soon? Lopez suggests using your planters as centerpieces.

“Small decorative planters can become elegant containers for festive seasonal decor,” Lopez says. 

Choose your favorite planters and decorate according to your taste or party theme. Some of our favorite ideas are filling the planters with potpourri, creating a tabletop wreath with a garland, or using small planters as tea light holders. 

Turn it Into a Candle

This one works well if you have mini ceramic planters you’re looking to upcycle. You can turn any planter into a sweet-smelling candle with a simple candle-making kit. Just make sure the planter doesn’t have holes or plug the holes yourself before adding wax. 

Create a Utensil Holder

Mid-size planters work well to keep your kitchen utensils organized and displayed on your kitchen counters. Ceramic pots are always charming, but if you have a plastic or terracotta planter, you can paint it to fit your kitchen decor.