Display Plants On The Wall By Turning An Old Shoe Rack Into Shelves

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If the shoe (rack) fits.... hang it! Underused multi-tier shoe racks have tons of potential to act as storage. Among the many smart ways to repurpose a shoe rack around the house, hanging them from the wall to hold plants is an uncommon, yet brilliant, one. Shelf-style shoe racks are just the right size to hold potted plants, indoors or out. With a lick of paint and the right hardware, both the rack and the plants can become a refreshing focal point on a wall.

Lots of shoe racks have shelves that aren't completely solid. Often made from wire slats, mesh, or two or more parallel rods, shoe rack shelves provide built-in drainage for outdoor use and are lightweight enough to hold indoor plants without putting too much stress on your walls. Nearly any kind of shelf-style shoe rack will work, but if you've got an old one destined for the trash, give this upcycle a go instead. Help your potted friends go vertical with a salvaged shoe rack, some paint, a drill, and some shelf-hanging hardware.

A fresh coat of paint that matches your walls can give your shelf a sort of invisible "floating" look, particularly if you take apart the rack and install individual shelves. However, a bright makeover or sleek, dark neutral will frame the plants on it in an eye-catching way. Just make sure to choose a weather-proof paint if you're planning on hanging it outdoors.

Depending on the style of your shoe rack, you may be able to hang it with something like these ClosetMaid 2-Inch Shelf Clips that you can affix to the wall around a part of the shelf's frame. Although it won't be as secure a hold, you may also be able to slide the top shelf over a pair of floating shelf brackets or hammer in a few sawtooth picture hangers if the structure is made of wood. An easier option is to hang an intact shoe rack, since this will require making fewer holes in your walls. You may decide to hang the shoe rack upright, as it would stand on the floor. You can just as easily hang it upside down if the stand has unattractive or raw-looking feet.

Perhaps the best spot to hang your shoe rack-turned-plant stand is outdoors. If you're feeling confident about drilling holes in your home's exterior, a plain outdoor wall would look much more vibrant hung with plants. If you're trepid about drilling into your siding, give an old fence new life by outfitting it with your freshly-painted, plant-laden shoe rack.