Whether you are an expert plant parent or just starting out, you want to create the perfect spot for your plants to thrive. Initially, scattering your plants around the house near different windows can be a great option. Yet, as your plant family continues to grow, you may find that you are running out of space. Luckily, there are many common household items you can turn into beautiful planters. With some time and effort, you can turn an old piano bench into a unique plant holder that’s perfect for your home or garden.

An old piano bench may be an easy find if you know someone who’s getting rid of one. Otherwise, you may have to search at thrift stores, flea markets, or garage sales for a wood bench with no upholstery. If you find an upholstered piano bench, you can still use it with a few adjustments. Because the wood for the padded bench is usually not made from the same material as the rest of the bench, simply removing the fabric will not work. Instead, if you are planning on using the bench inside, you could reupholster the top with a unique fabric. Or, if you want to use the bench outside, you could replace the top of the bench with a different piece of wood or simply remove the top of the bench.

Start by sanding the top of the bench to remove any finishes, and then remove the entire top of the bench. Usually, this just requires a screw driver. Then, you’re ready to apply color like you would paint any kind of wood furniture. Use a primer followed by a few coats of paint. When deciding on the paint color, think about where it will be located. While you can get creative with the design, you also want to be cognizant of the space to help it fit into your cohesive color palette for your home. You can then layer other colors that complement the color you chose to create a more eclectic design, or you could stick with a solid color for a modern look. Other embellishment ideas include self-adhesive decals, decorative metal corner guards, or seed packets decoupaged onto the bench. 

Once you’re done with the design of your piano bench, protect your project with a sealant. Even though your paint may already have a sealant in it, adding an additional clear coat cannot hurt, especially if you add decals or plan on using your bench outdoors. Finally, screw the seat back on the bench and add your plants. Use the top of the bench to hold your potted plants and hide the planting necessities inside the bench. Or, you can open the bench up to show off your design and place your plants in there.

While this project is a great opportunity to repurpose something that may otherwise go to waste, there are some important things to keep in mind when creating this DIY planter. Using the upcycled piece outside could be great for small potted plants or for a cute flower garden. However, this is not the best option for plants that need a deep space for their roots to grow as piano benches are only a few inches deep. Because piano benches are made of wood, they can become susceptible to the weather elements over time. Make sure the piano bench is made from sturdy wood that’s not decaying, and apply a waterproof sealant formulated for outdoor use. You can also try adding a plastic cover inside the bench before adding the dirt to protect the wood and have a simpler clean up. 

When painting the bench, avoid covering the hardware with paint, primer, or sealant. On the inside of the bench, there are little nuts that can be turned to help tighten the bench legs to make it less wobbly. Over time, the wood will change, so you may need to tighten the nuts in the future. Most DIY projects come with their pitfalls, but if you take time to consider these before beginning the project, you can save yourself from disappointment in the future.