Don't Toss Broken Chairs: Turn Them Into Vintage-Inspired Planters

Raise your hand if you have an old chair that's gotten a bit rough. After years of use, chairs often break, develop holes in the seat, or look decrepit. Getting rid of them can be a pain, too — especially if the only place they're destined for is the trash bin. But did you know there are lots of unexpected ways to repurpose a broken chair? Case in point: a project shared by the content creator from whimsybarn. She demonstrated how a chair can become a beautiful vintage planter by securing a flower pot into the seat. Don't worry, it gets revived with a makeover first.

You'll need a chair that you no longer plan on using for its intended purpose. For example, a wooden dining room chair, or one you kept around for extra patio seating. Perhaps there's a contender in your side yard baking in the sun. Keep in mind that you'll need to be able to create a hole in the seat, so certain materials (like metal) could be tricky. This is also a DIY that gives an old bucket new life. You see, one gets nestled into the chair to hold the pot in place. If you have a vintage bucket, even better, since it'll complement the old-school theme. However, what's most important is that it fits into the hole you created.

Start by forming an opening in the seat of the chair (unless there's one already). If it features cane webbing or another woven seat, you may be able to cut it easily with a utility knife. You could also unscrew the seat altogether, or cut a hole using a sawing tool. Now's time to get the chair in better shape. The method you use depends on its condition and your preferences. For example, you could clean the chair, then rejuvenate it with a paint that's made for outdoor pieces — like this Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch Spray Paint. Or, sand the chair and stain it instead. Don't hesitate to check out our handy furniture painting tips if needed.

After your chair is dry and looking fresh, set the bucket inside the hole. It should be able to rest in it without falling through. Place a potted plant into the bucket for completion. You'll now have a very unique planter with loads of vintage character. Fill it with dried or faux florals, or add drainage holes to the bucket and plant the real deal. The last thing is to decide where to keep the upcycled chair. It would look lovely as an accent piece on a patio, or it could "sit" by the front door. Plus, you can simply switch out the pot (or the chair's color) anytime you want to update the planter's look.