Upcycle An Old Coat Rack For A Stylish DIY Hanging Plant Stand

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Put that drill away. There's no need for super-strong self-adhesive hooks, either. An old floor-standing coat rack is all you need to give your space a fresh look with vining plants. If a tall pole with hooks can support bulky winter jackets, it should easily accommodate hanging planters. Plus, coat racks have a small footprint that's ideal for apartments. Next time you're thrifting or scrolling Facebook Marketplace, look for a simple coat rack at a good price. It doesn't matter the material — metal, wood, or even plastic would work. The important thing is that the rack is sturdy (you don't want it toppling when loaded with planters) and has a decent number of arms or hooks. Then all the coat rack needs is a fresh coat of paint in a hue of your choice and it's ready to show off your favorite plants.

Floor-standing coat racks come in an immense variety of styles, and most will lend themselves beautifully to this unexpected upcycle. On some racks, no two arms extend from the same point, ensuring enough space for each hanging pot. Also, no plant is hidden behind another, ensuring ample sunlight for all. This Dyrabrest Gold Metal Coat Stand for just $14 is one such example. If you find a coat rack with a crown of hooks all at the same height, like this Simple Houseware Standing Bronze Coat and Hat Hanger with 12 hooks for about $27, you can still stagger your hanging planters. Simply adjust the length of the rope or chain they hang from. Also keep your eyes out for racks with shelves that you can adorn with decor or potted plants. The Vecelo Walnut Freestanding Coat Rack has two shelves (not counting the wide base) and costs about $32 new.

Carved wood or hand-wrought iron floor-standing racks may just need some plants hanging from them and you're done. However, if your secondhand coat rack is in rough shape, it will need a facelift. You could simply sand and oil an old wooden rack or polish away the corrosion on a metal rack. Or you could take a leaf from our ultimate guide to maximalist decor and paint it a bold color, like chartreuse or cherry red. If you have the patience, turn the rack into a true statement piece by decoupaging it in patterned tissue paper. Or go boho and wrap the pole in thick twine — it could double as a cat scratcher. If you're really crafty, make your own teepee-style coat rack by tying four long wooden poles together at the top. Paint them in a hue that matches your existing decor and dangle a hanging planter in the center.

Your coat rack turned plant stand will work both indoors and out. Scope out the best places to hang plants in your home — a boring corner that needs brightening, for example — or pick a sheltered spot on a balcony, deck, or covered patio. Either way, you'll save yourself the trouble of getting out a ladder and screwing a hook into the ceiling. Consider the lighting needs of your plants when choosing a location. Some plants prefer bright sunlight all day, while others thrive in partial or even deep shade. Group plants with similar needs on a single rack, then add some lighting to really make the display pop. String lights would look great for a seasonal vibe, or hang a couple of stylish Dolucky Waterproof Warm White Solar Lanterns from the arms for extra outdoor lighting.