Chippy Chair Planter
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Transforming a forgotten $5 chair into a charming garden feature is easier than you think. In this DIY project, Gail Wilson demonstrates how a bottomless, chippy-painted chair can be repurposed into a delightful planter with just a touch of whitewash and a well-fitted galvanized bucket. Add a lush Boston Fern, and you’ve got a unique piece that brings character and greenery to your outdoor space.
I’m a sucker for a $5 chair. I think y’all know that about me. Rarely do I pass up chairs, and never when they are only $5. I got this chair from John’s booth at Vendors’ Village.
Five Dollar Thrift Store Chair
He had two of these; the one with a seat was a little more expensive.
Thrift Store Galvanized Buckets
Little did I know that a couple of weeks later I would find these vintage galvanized buckets in the same booth. Imagine my surprise when I saw that the large bucket fit perfectly into the bottom less chair.
How to Whitewash a Chair
When I say chippy, I mean CHIPPY! I took the hose to this chair to blast away all the loose paint chips, then I used my bucket of whitewash to do a quick coat of paint. Having a readily available bucket of paint just for whitewashing makes it easy. I use a cansealid for my older buckets of paint that the lid no longer fits properly.
Such an easy chippy chair makeover using the watered down paint (whitewash) and a chippy paintbrush.
Add a Galvanized Bucket to a Bottomless Chair
I didn’t do anything to the galvanized bucket. See how perfectly the bucket fits in the seat of the bottomless chair.
Whitewashed Boston Fern Chair Planter
Insert a Boston Fern and you’re good! I haven’t had a Boston Fern in years, so when I spied this one at The Home Depot, I just knew it would be perfect for this garden chair.
Almost a month later and look how beautiful the fern is now!
This quick and budget-friendly makeover showcases the beauty of upcycling and the potential hidden in everyday items. For more creative repurposing ideas and step-by-step guides, explore the wealth of projects available at My Repurposed Life including the chairs highlighted below.
How about a couple of other chairs for the garden?
🌼 Turn an old dining chair into a charming garden planter with this easy DIY tutorial. Learn how to add personality and function to your outdoor space by repurposing a simple chair into a flower-filled focal point. Perfect for patios, porches, or garden paths! 🌿 Yellow Garden Chair
🪑🌸 Create a unique garden bench by repurposing old chairs! This step-by-step DIY shows you how to turn discarded seating into a charming and functional outdoor bench—perfect for your porch, patio, or garden. A great way to upcycle and add character to your space! Garden Bench made from Repurposed Chairs
🌿 Give new life to an old chair by transforming it into a beautiful DIY planter! This easy upcycle adds rustic charm to your garden or porch using just a chair, some paint, and your favorite flowers or plants. Chair Planter
Have you ever made a garden chair?
gail
See one of my first, and an all-time favorite chair projects here
I guess you’d call this “a happy accident…I picked up 2 metal barstools at the thriftstore. I liked the style but, unfortunately, they were too short. After spraying them blue, they’re both outside with baskets spilling over with flowers. So pretty in the garden!
Wonderful use of the 2 metal barstools Barb. While mowing the backyard today I saw a metal chair that is in need of a little makeover. I picked up some clearance spray paint today…. I think I just figured out my next project. Thanks for the inspiration. 🙂
gail
I just picked up 3 of the bentwood chairs at a thrift store for $1.00 each. One is already painted aqua and in use as a planter.