Why settle for boring terracotta pots when your plants could live in something truly unexpected—and beautiful? These 15 unusual plant container ideas don’t just hold soil—they become a statement piece in your garden, balcony, or even living room. From upcycled kitchenware to sculptural forms that blur the line between nature and design, these containers are all about turning your green space into art.
Whether you’re working with a tiny patio or a sprawling yard, creative containers can instantly elevate the look and feel of your plants. They add texture, color, and personality—often using items you already have at home. The key is thinking outside the pot: old boots, broken ceramics, vintage drawers, and hanging frames can all become thriving homes for herbs, flowers, or succulents.
The best part? Most of these ideas are budget-friendly and surprisingly easy to make happen. So if you want your garden to stand out—and spark conversation—these plant containers might just be the makeover it needs.
Vintage Suitcase Planter
Imagine a garden where luggage tells stories. A vintage suitcase transformed into a planter can add a nostalgic charm to any outdoor space. Fill it with vibrant blooms and cascading greens to create a mobile garden centerpiece. Not only is it a conversation starter, but it also offers portability. Perfect for those who like to rearrange their green spaces often. Choose a suitcase with character—think weathered leather or faded prints. Did you know? Suitcases have been used as plant containers as a nod to travel and adventure.
Tea Tin Herb Garden
Revive the tradition of afternoon tea with a twist by using tea tins as herb planters. These tins provide a quaint and compact solution for an indoor herb garden. Place them on a kitchen windowsill where their aromatic leaves are within arm’s reach for cooking. The tins’ intricate designs add a touch of elegance and nostalgia. Often a conversation piece, these containers bring the charm of a tea party into everyday life. Remember to puncture the bottoms for drainage to keep your herbs thriving.
Boot Planter
Old boots aren’t just meant for walking; they can also take your garden down a creative path. Their sturdy build makes them perfect for withstanding the elements while housing your favorite plants. Flowers spilling over the edges add a whimsical touch to any garden. Ideal for outdoor spaces with a rustic theme, boot planters evoke a sense of adventure and stories untold. Line them along a garden path or place them on a porch for a playful, inviting look.
Birdcage Planter
A vintage birdcage can be transformed into a sanctuary for your plants. Its open structure allows plants to cascade gracefully, creating a living chandelier. Hang it from a tree or place it on a stand for a focal point that adds height and drama to your garden. The intricate design of the cage juxtaposed with lush greenery offers a romantic, fairytale-like ambiance. Ensure to line the base for proper plant support and to prevent soil spillage.
Colander Hanging Basket
Turn a colander into a hanging planter that’s both functional and stylish. Its natural drainage holes make it an ideal container for plants. Fill it with trailing varieties to create a waterfall effect. This quirky container brings a touch of the kitchen to the garden, ideal for those who appreciate upcycling. Hang it near a kitchen window or on a porch to marry indoor cooking spaces with outdoor greenery. The holes ensure no waterlogging occurs, keeping plant roots healthy.
Wine Barrel Planter
Repurpose a wine barrel to create a robust planter that exudes rustic elegance. Its size makes it perfect for larger plants or even small trees, offering ample root space. A wine barrel planter can anchor a garden, adding a touch of vineyard charm. Place it near an entrance or use it as a standalone feature in a garden bed. These barrels are not only durable but also imbue your garden with a sense of history and craftsmanship.
Toy Truck Planter
Bring childhood memories into your garden with a toy truck planter. Its playful nature makes it perfect for a whimsical touch, especially loved by children. Fill the truck bed with low-maintenance succulents for a delightful, miniaturized garden scene. Position it along a garden path or on a patio table as a conversation starter. This planter is a perfect example of how play and nature can combine to create something truly unique and personal.
Log Planter
Utilize natural elements by transforming a log into a planter. This eco-friendly option blends seamlessly with garden landscapes, particularly in woodland settings. Carve out the center to create space for soil and plants, making sure not to disturb the log’s exterior charm. Moss, ferns, or small flowers thrive in this environment, drawing inspiration from nature itself. A log planter offers a rustic feel that can soften the lines of a garden path or add interest to a corner space.
Canoe Planter
Imagine a canoe sailing through seas of green. An old canoe, repurposed as a planter, can become a stunning garden feature. Its elongated shape is ideal for creating layers of diverse plantings, providing a unique horizontal garden space. Place it prominently in an open area to maximize its visual impact. This planter not only recycles old maritime equipment but also adds an unexpected aquatic theme to your garden.
Typewriter Succulent Planter
For writers and romantics alike, a typewriter planter makes a poetic statement. The juxtaposition of sturdy, vintage machinery and tender succulents creates an artistic balance. Perfect for a deck or patio, this planter is sure to inspire creativity and conversation. It serves as a reminder of the beauty in blending old with new. While the typewriter may no longer tell stories with words, it does so with plants, each succulent a new chapter of growth.
Bathtub Planter
An old clawfoot bathtub can be more than just a relic of the past; it can be a vibrant garden feature. With its generous size, it can house a variety of plants or create a themed garden, such as a water garden with aquatic plants. Its white porcelain contrasts beautifully against the greens and colors of the plants. Place it in a sunny spot to become the centerpiece of your garden. Ensure proper drainage to maintain plant health.
Tire Planter
Old tires can be given a second life in your garden. By stacking and painting them, you can create vibrant, tiered planters. Ideal for small gardens or urban spaces, tire planters add height and a splash of color. Fill each layer with different plants to create diversity and interest. They are durable and withstand the elements well, making them perfect for an outdoor setting. This eco-friendly option recycles materials while adding a creative touch to your garden.
Jeans Planter
Ever thought about giving your old denim a new purpose? Fill a pair of jeans with soil and plants for a quirky garden addition. This anthropomorphic planter adds personality and humor to any garden. Position them as if they’re standing among the flowers, creating a whimsical scene that’s sure to bring smiles. Jeans planters are a fun project that encourages recycling and adds a touch of personal style to your outdoor space.
Book Planters
For bibliophiles, book planters offer a novel way to incorporate literature into the garden. Hollow out old books to create space for succulents, transforming them into literary-inspired plant homes. These planters make excellent centerpieces for garden tables or indoor shelves. Each book tells a story, now enriched with living art. They are perfect for adding intellectual charm to your space, combining the love of reading with a passion for gardening.
Bicycle Basket Planter
Transform a vintage bicycle into a mobile planter by using its basket to hold your favorite blooms. This artistic and practical feature can add charm to any garden corner or patio. The bicycle itself becomes a piece of garden art, its weathered frame telling tales of past adventures. Flowering plants cascading from the basket create movement and life, inviting visitors to imagine journeys through colorful landscapes. Secure the bicycle in a stable position to maintain the integrity of the planting.