Woman Uses An Old Bakers Rack To Create A Functional Plant Shelf On A Budget

In your kitchen, the common baker's rack extends your counterspace, provides a resting spot for cooling pies, and houses your coffee bar. Many modern versions of these kitchen pieces boast added features, like outlets and S-hooks, to create an all-in-one repository for kitchen stuff. However, as content creator sableelise demonstrated on TikTok, a plain old metal baker's rack can be upcycled to hold garden items. Instead of cupcakes and coffee mugs, its multi-tier set-up becomes a home for potted plants. If you're all in about trying this hack and on a budget, a bargain baker's rack can be found second-hand for as little as $10 or less.

The content creator set her baker's rack up on her front porch. The design, which included all-wire shelves and curlicue flourishes, became home to plants, like ferns, and to decorative pieces, like ceramic bunnies. It was light enough for her to carry it without strain. This feature makes moving it convenient. 

However, a rack that's too light might also be too weak to hold heftier potted plants. To avoid spilled plants, test the strength of your upcycled stand before putting potted plants on it. Alternatively, if you haven't bought one yet, consider the money test: The more expensive it is — at least $150 at the normal, not thrifted, retail price — the sturdier it likely is, too. Or simply ask yourself: Would I put a heavy microwave on it? If not, then it might be too flimsy to hold heavy planters.

Baker's racks come in myriad styles. Some are all metal. Others have all the bells and whistles. When you're looking for one, consider how you'd like to use it. That makes it easier to decide on which design to buy.

@sableelise

Part 2 of the bakers rack repurposed into a plant rack! I loveeeee how this turned out, I'm sure I will be adding more to it as time goes on & I'll update again then! 🌿🪴💚 #diy #repurpose #plants #plantcommunity #thrift

♬ sonido original – Pandem-On

If you get one like the TikTokker's version, the wire racks will provide proper drainage for your plants. Draining water will drip out of the pots and onto the concrete or dirt below. However, the metal wires may also rust over time. If you find a secondhand one with rust already on it, scrub it off with baking soda and lemon or vinegar before setting your plants on it. Additionally, saucers placed under the plants will catch any dripping water, cutting down on the risk of rust. The saucers may even support the bees and butterflies in your yard by providing them with water.

Or, a more elaborate baker's rack, with features like S-hooks, small mug shelves, and electrical outlets can be handy. For example, if you're using the plant stand in a gardening area, small watering cans, hand trowels, and gardening gloves hang nicely on the hooks. Seedlings in small pots are logical items to place on the mug shelf. If you have a houseplant setup indoors, the rack's outlets will be useful if you want to add grow lights to the plant stand.