How to Turn a Thrifted Chandelier into a Gorgeous Hanging Planter

Posted on June 11, 2013 by Roeshel

Looking for a unique garden project? This DIY outdoor chandelier planter is one of my favorite upcycled creations. It’s the perfect way to repurpose a vintage light fixture into a stunning hanging garden display. We hosted a family gathering – filled with good food, a fun DIY gardening project and great times…stuff special family memories are made of.

I started the prep work in advance, so that the fun part of planting flowers was the only concern on the part of my guests.

How to Make a Chandelier Planter

Repurposing a chandelier into a planter is a budget-friendly way to add charm to your outdoor space.

Materials:

Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Chandelier (try Craigs List, Ebay, thrift stores, yard sales)
Terra cotta pots and saucers (The same number as the “arms” of your chandelier. Ours all had 5.) Plastic pots would also work. Get creative! Try your own spin!
Outdoor-rated spray paint
Waterproof glue
Plumber’s epoxy putty – I used this to help create an elevation for draining (optional)
Flowers, plants
Moisture Control Potting Mix
“S” hook for hanging (and the chain that comes with the chandelier if needed)

Tools:

Wire cutters
Garden trowel

1. Slide off the plastic ‘candle’ holders and remove all electrical/wiring from the chandelier using the wire cutters.

2. Attach terra cotta saucers using epoxy putty and glue. The epoxy putty helped to keep the things in place since clamping isn’t possible as well as raise the pot a bit for draining.

Repeat for attaching the pots. I let the glue dry 1-2 hours before spray painting and allowed it to cure several days before planting.

3. Spray paint the entire thing (even your chain if you’ll be using it). I found that hanging the chandelier from a low tree branch to be the easiest spray painting process (especially if the chandelier’s shape doesn’t sit level) but you could also do a 2-step process (position upside down on drop cloth/cardboard, spray paint, dry, flip and the spray from top and let dry). Some parts of the chandelier’s design may also be removable (simply unscrew) and can be taken apart for spray painting if needed. Wear a mask if you’re working under poorly ventilated conditions or breezy weather and eye protection.

4. Dry. Since I worked in advance, the chandeliers had several days to dry/cure. The glue did expand and become visible. And a little scratching of the paint happened in places as well. But as we say around here, “imperfection adds character” and those things are not something you pick out and focus on when the project is complete (any imperfections stand out in the completed project below?… nope!) You could lightly sand and spray a base primer on your chandelier as well.

5. Plant! We had several color coordinated flower options on hand as well as some ivy and used Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Soil – perfect for container gardens. I set up the ‘planting station’ on our barn patio to escape the windy conditions.

Even the little ones had fun planting flowers for mom in little watering cans from the dollar store.

6. Water according to plant instructions. NOTE: The Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix protects against over & under watering. Virtually fool-proof if you do not possess a green thumb. Be sure to water your plants daily!

7. Hang!

DIY Hanging Chandelier Flower Planters Complete

A hanging chandelier makes a beautiful patio focal point or porch feature and is ideal for succulent or trailing flowers. Do you love thrifted garden DIY decor?

FAQ

Q: What kind of chandelier is best for a DIY planter?

A: Metal chandeliers with open arms or cup holders are ideal. They’re sturdy and easy to paint.

Q: Can I hang my chandelier planter indoors?

A: Absolutely! It makes a unique indoor hanging herb garden or boho planter too!

💡 Love this idea? Pin it for later!
Whether you’re upcycling a thrift store find or adding charm to your garden, repurposed garden decor like this DIY chandelier planter is worth saving.

👉 Don’t forget to share it with a fellow DIY-lover or tag @DIYShowOff if you make one!

Note: My upcycled chandelier planter is hanging from a plant hook on our patio. Sunlight and watering are not an issue. The design of some of the chandeliers posted above also allow for table top display. I only ‘display’ my chandelier planter like a ‘chandelier’ on our covered patio as party decorating (a few hours then back to the hook). Also, drainage is limited due to the glue however, I water daily and the Miracle Gro Moisture Control Potting Soil contributes to a healthy balance.

DIY Tire Planter

You may have spied my chandelier planter used indoors at our Summer Home Tour too…

and hanging in the tree as a photo prop for the easy shaded DIY DOG BED…

You might find these tutorials interesting too:

How to Build a Free-Standing Pallet Herb Garden

Featured

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Roeshel

Want to grow fresh herbs but don’t have a lot of space? This DIY free-standing pallet herb garden is an easy and affordable way to create a vertical garden for your patio, porch, or small backyard. Here’s how we built ours and what worked best.

Close-up views of herbs growing in a free-standing pallet herb garden with vertical planting pockets

Materials:

(Some affiliate links included.)

pallet (choose an untreated chemical-free pallet)
wood supports or frame
screws
drill
s taple r
la ndscape fabric
potting soil
herbs

Step-by-Step (what I did):

Step 1: Choose and Prep the Pallet

We started with a basic pallet and made sure it was sturdy enough to stand on its own. If you’re using an older pallet, check for loose boards or splinters before starting.

Step 2: Create a Free-Standing Frame

The goal was to create something that didn’t need to lean against a wall. We added simple support so the pallet could stand upright on its own, which makes it perfect for patios or small spaces.

Step 3: Add Landscape Fabric

To keep the soil in place, we used landscape fabric to form pockets behind each row. This helps hold everything together while still allowing for drainage. I used newspaper to create a pattern, then cut the pattern out of landscape fabric and stapled into place.

Step 4: Fill with Soil

Pack tightly so it holds shape.

Step 5: Plant Herbs

We chose a mix of easy herbs like basil, parsley, and mint. If you’re new to gardening, these are forgiving and grow quickly.

Step 6: Water and Maintain

Sunlight + watering.

Best Herbs for a Pallet Garden

basil
parsley
rosemary
dill
oregano
thyme
peppermint
chocolate mint
spearmint
tarragon
lavender
another type of spicy globe basil

What I’d Do Differently/What Worked.

This worked well for adding greenery in a small space, but it does dry out quickly in full sun, so regular watering is key.

Free-standing pallet herb garden on a patio with tiered rows of basil, mint, and other fresh herbs

Doesn’t it look amazing?! I looooove it!

free standing vertical pallet herb garden

We spend most of our time on the patio on pretty days…I love the fresh herbal scents too!

And having fresh herbs right off of the kitchen is so convenient.

Whatcha think?

More Outdoor DIY Projects You’ll Love:

tire flower planter tutorial at DIYShowOff

Confident Room Method cover with interior design flatlay

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Patio Season {small updates}

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Roeshel

I love that the weather is warming up! We have a patio off of the back of the house which we utilize as an outdoor room in the spring, summer and fall. We spend a lot of time in this space, weather permitting. It’s not a pretty sight by the time winter ends. Blah! The Lowe’s Creative Ideas challenge this month is outdoor mini-makeovers. Perfect timing!

Trip down memory lane: When we purchased this house, we installed two sets of French doors. There were concrete sidewalks with ramps to the old ‘single’ doors. When we bought the house:

A few years ago, we installed a concrete patio…

but we never replaced the siding where the old ramps were located. (I also address the dirty concrete. Keep reading!)

I headed to Lowe’s with iphone pictures and measurements. The Lowe’s associates were super helpful in directing me to the siding supplies, advising what I’d need: a “J-channel” to match up/attach the vinyl siding. They even provided tin snips and a tape measure so I could cut it to fit in my vehicle.

Installing the J-channels was easy, just nail into place. Then we just a close-matching piece of vinyl siding (“heather”, also available at Lowe’s) and snapped it into place.

Finally! No more embarrassing eye sore of missing siding…it’s those little things that really bother the home owner more than anyone else, ya know and one that is so surprisingly easy and cheap, I’m wondering why we put it off. Hopefully with some age, it will blend in even better.

I moved all of the furniture and gave the concrete a good scrubbing (water + Krud Kutter). It cleaned off the surface dirt and mildew but not rust or grease. However, it looks a much brighter!

I used spray paint to freshen up some existing decorative accents, planters and a ‘grill cart’ and added some colorful flowers to planters and window boxes.

Some new things available at Lowe’s:

Outdoor area rug defines the cozy seating area…

Love this umbrella candelabra (misted with Rustoleum’s “Lagoon” spray paint to match other accents) and beautiful fat hanging flower baskets…

The sun sets on the other side of the house. Sometimes evenings are chilly. This wood burning firepit is perfect for a little heat (and roasting marshmallows)…

Cutest decorative owl candle holder…

When it’s warm and not raining, I start my day with a cup of tea here. When we entertain small groups and it’s warm, this is the party location…lots of family dinners/cookouts and since it’s right off the kitchen, hosting and clean up are super convenient. It’s also where we enter the house. Now it’s visitor-worthy, pretty and relaxing. C’mon over!

BEFORE

AFTER

More pics…

Next up for this space:

rearranging some of the furniture another time or two
pallet herb garden
canopied swing bling
patio pet bed
raised flower bed
grape arbor/gazebo path/patio is on the DIY list again (maybe this year?!)

Free Standing Pallet Herb Garden:

Patio Swing Makeover:

Sharing at Project Inspired.

See more fun DIY ideas at Lowe’s Creative Ideas, follow Lowe’s on Instagram, Pinterest and sign up for the Creative Ideas magazine and app!

*Disclaimer: As a member of the Lowe’s Creative Ideas Creators and Influencers network, I received a Lowe’s gift card to complete this project for a mini outdoor makeover challenge, however the tutorial images, instructions and opinions are my own.

DIY Feature: Vertical-Pallet-Garden

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Roeshel

Since finishing our wall mounted pallet project and we use a pallet as shelving in our faux mantel…

and I have a few more wood pallets for DIY projects, I wanted to share this beautiful vertical pallet garden from Amanda at Mommy is CooCoo.

before:

vertical pallet garden tutorial here

after:

Awesome, right? A beautiful garden feature! Love it! Now if the weather would cooperate around here, I’d be a copy cat!

Thanks so much for sharing, Amanda!

DIY Nursery Reveal (and more) – The House of Wood

Posted on July 12, 2012 by Roeshel

I love meeting “new-to-me” DIY blog friends. I just recently met Jen from The House of Wood. Jen is a songwriter. When she’s not writing, recording or touring, she is enjoying everything life has to offer with her husband and growing family. Being 7 months pregnant hasn’t stopped Jen from DIY-ing! She loves DIY as much as we do and she just calls it “nesting” so she doesn’t get any grief from her husband. haha!

She looks so cute too with her safety glasses and little baby bump (had to include this picture too, Jen!)

Her little girl’s room is super sweet and packed full of DIY projects.

Yellow and Gray Birdie Nursery Tour – a full nursery tour with a bunch of DIY projects involved: curtains, crib skirt, pillows, bookshelf, bunting, mobile, and more! Visit Jen’s original post for links to the ‘how to’ for each project and full details.