One of my favorite kinds of projects is one where I can repurpose something I picked up along the way either in a thrift store or, in this case, on the side of the road. I was coming home from the grocery store with the kids last summer and decided to take the alleys home just in case I came across anything shiny and metal. I lucked out with what looked like someone's garage sale leftovers. There was a busted treadmill from the 80's, lots of broken plastic pots, some odd bird cages, junky carpet, etc. In the midst of all that stuff were three vintage metal plant stands, a huge shop broom, metal plant hangers, and a metal basket for garden tools. I very happily plucked them from the wreckage and put them to use in our home.
I had been using this one as an actual plant stand in our bedroom until I realized it'd be really cute with a wooden top and utilized as an end table. I've had a few people ask where to get one and my best answer is to check your thrift shops and garage sales (when it's warmer). You may even find something similar at your locally owned hardware store or nursery.
1. Supplies: 16" round cut of wood (found at Lowe's), metal plant stand, sand paper, spray paint, wax or stain for the wood, power drill and bit, 6-10 1/2" screws, 3-5 two hole straps (found in electrical department), power drill and bit, screwdriver, cardboard, cloth, ruler, pencil or pen. In my photo I was going to hammer nails in and then bend them over the plant stand but that plan didn't work. Replace the hammer and nails with the screws and two hole straps. 2. Sand down your wood and plant stand if it's rusted. Wipe off with damp cloth and let dry. 3. Spray paint your metal stand. Be sure to protect your surface with a cardboard box or backdrop. 4. Apply stain or wax to your wood top according to manufacturer's directions. I used leftover stain from my dining table DIY. It's Briwax and may need to be ordered through Amazon. I love the richness it adds to the wood!
5. After your wax dries, flip it over onto a soft surface and center your metal stand on the bottom side of your wood cut. 6. Place 3-5 of your two hole straps evenly around your stand so that the inside hole is flush against the stand. This will secure the stand more than centering your straps and will hold it in place. Use more straps for more stability. Mark where your holes are and remove the stand. 7. This is a trick I learned from my friend, Ruthie. Tape your drill bit to mark how far down you want to drill so that you don't drill all the way through. My wood was about 1" thick and my screws ranged from 1/2"-3/4" long so I marked about 1/2" up from the end of my bit and drilled all of my holes. 8. Finally, I put my stand back in place and drilled my two hole straps on.
Although it's harder to tell in these photos, I used Krylon spray paint in Celery. It's my favorite minty color but can also look a little washed out surrounded by lots of white. I love the way it looks with the natural wood color. Very summery!
This size table is really versatile and can be repurposed as a plant stand (with more surface area for more plants!), an end table in our living room, or a side table to our platform bed.
Now I don't suggest junking up your house with stuff you find in alleys but this project is definitely a testament to how it can be profitable to see the potential in items you come across. If it's something I know I have the capacity, motivation, and time to transform and I've got the money (if applicable) and space to bring it home, I do. I now have a one-of-a-kind end table that cost me about $8 plus supplies I already had on hand. Holla!
Plus, it's kind of an excuse to buy more plants, right?
-Rachel
40 Projects: One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven
EDITED: Vivid has shared below that Big Lots carries very similar plant stands. You may also check the Dollar Store. Good luck!
I'm Rachel Denbow, an author, e-course writer, maker, craft stylist, and general DIY enthusiast. 
