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!
wow this is soo cool, I love the yellow can too so prefect for spring!
Posted by: Tereza | 04/03/2013 at 10:23 PM
Oh Rachel, I LOVE this project so much. I've often seen these stands at garage sales and thrifts, but have never quite come to the point of knowing what to do with them! I love how this turned out - so simple and beautiful. <3
Posted by: Stephanie May* | 04/03/2013 at 11:05 PM
OMGOSH!!! I literally just picked up the exact. same. plant stand off the side of the road 2 nights ago!!! I was planning on spraying mine a bright yellow or green :) I like the idea of the top on it though...may have to go buy some wood. It's crazy what people throw away. We have "bulk collection" in our suburb at the moment. My hubby scored 6 power tools! In their cases and everything, a couple of drills, a jigsaw etc. one man's trash...
Posted by: Jacinta | 04/03/2013 at 11:14 PM
They sell these exact plant stands in two sizes, in both black and white at Big Lots stores for $5! Just for anyone who really wants to make this and doesn't have luck finding one thrifted. I have two of these stands from one of our old places that have been weathered by desert air, so excited to repurpose them like this! Great tutorial, thanks Rachel!
Posted by: Vivid | 04/04/2013 at 05:40 AM
Very cute! I have also seen this done with a record for the top of table. (probably not as sturdy as the wood..but cute!
Posted by: Cookie | 04/04/2013 at 06:42 AM
I have two square pieces of wood that I was wanting to make tables out of. This is a great idea.
Posted by: Seriously Sassy Mama | 04/04/2013 at 06:53 AM
Vivid,
I thought I'd seen something like this at the Dollar Store, too, so I'm glad I'm not just imagining it. Thanks for sharing that source!
Posted by: Rachel Denbow | 04/04/2013 at 07:09 AM
I need one of these so bad. My plants are taking over.
Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com
Posted by: Rachel | 04/04/2013 at 07:50 AM
So cute! I need to find something like that! I think it would look great inside and outside of my house. :-)
Posted by: Angela | 04/04/2013 at 09:08 AM
Love this, Rachel!
Posted by: Lexi | 04/04/2013 at 11:36 AM
I have one of these that is vintage in the god awful brass color. The top size is totally useless and I never thought of attaching wood and painting it. I think I just found a way to make it a pretty AND functional plant stand for in front of our bedroom window.
Posted by: Cait L | 04/04/2013 at 11:39 AM
Thanks, Rachel and Vivid! Big Lots, here I come!
Posted by: Jill Kane | 04/04/2013 at 11:59 AM
This is adorable! Love the color of the spray paint ;)
Posted by: LARY@ Inspiration Nook | 04/04/2013 at 12:23 PM
Love it!
Posted by: Kaisa | 04/04/2013 at 01:20 PM
Picked up two small stands and one large stand at Big Lots last night. Might have just made my entire week. ;)
Posted by: Jill Kane | 04/05/2013 at 10:07 AM
I bought an identical stand at Relics in Springfield last weekend--it's painted a hazard yellow and I'm definitely going to take it to a neutral, especially after seeing how nicely yours turned out! Love it.
Posted by: Catherine | 04/05/2013 at 11:53 AM
i can't wait to try my hand at several of your DIY projects! i'm moving into a new apartment soon and already have a list of your projects to tackle! this one made the list :)
xo,
aimée
http://aimstar-thrives.blogspot.com
Posted by: Aimée | 04/08/2013 at 09:22 AM
Rachel,
This is wonderful. You are amazing!
p.s. I haven't heard from the dress company (can't think of their name!) that I was lucky enough to win the giveaway to a few weeks back. I've been keeping my eye on my spam folder too. Should I wait a little longer?
Posted by: sarah kate branine | 04/08/2013 at 12:27 PM
Rachel,
This is wonderful. You are amazing!
p.s. I haven't heard from the dress company (can't think of their name!) that I was lucky enough to win the giveaway to a few weeks back. I've been keeping my eye on my spam folder too. Should I wait a little longer?
Posted by: sarah kate branine | 04/08/2013 at 12:27 PM
Rachel,
This is wonderful. You are amazing!
p.s. I haven't heard from the dress company (can't think of their name!) that I was lucky enough to win the giveaway to a few weeks back. I've been keeping my eye on my spam folder too. Should I wait a little longer?
www.crannyandme.com
Posted by: sarah kate branine | 04/08/2013 at 12:28 PM
Rachel,
This is wonderful. You are amazing!
p.s. I haven't heard from the dress company (can't think of their name!) that I was lucky enough to win the giveaway to a few weeks back. I've been keeping my eye on my spam folder too. Should I wait a little longer?
www.crannyandme.com
Posted by: sarah kate branine | 04/08/2013 at 12:29 PM
(holy cow. how did I post four times?!)
Posted by: Www | 04/08/2013 at 12:31 PM