Transform an Old Garden Planter into a High-End Knockoff

Transform an Old Garden Planter into a High-End Knockoff

If you’ve have ever admired the stunning, high-end garden planters at designer stores, you know how expensive they can be. $140 seems to be the going rate for the smaller ones, no thank you. I’m showing you how to achieve a high-end container garden for a fraction of the price. With just a little creativity, some basic supplies, and a few simple steps, you can give your used garden pots a luxe makeover that looks like it came straight from a high-end designer collection. You can find my inspiration here.

This upcycling project was completely free! On our neighborhood Facebook page, people oftentimes sell or give away things.  She was having an outdoor cleanup and posted a picture of all the items.  I was going to grab a planter that was the shape of a pig because my mom loved pigs and some coco liners, but both were gone.  However, I picked up this heavy planter, an elephant planter, and a beautiful basket, I was super happy!   

Here is the before

It’s our monthly thrift store post, so make sure you check out all of the beautiful projects at the end of the post! 

Affiliate links are listed below

Materials You’ll Need:

• Low-profile Garden Planter – Find a planter that needs an update. Mine was a ceramic pot. You can find them at a thrift shop, garden store, FB Marketplace, etc.

• Primer Spray Paint – Choose high-quality, weather-resistant paint for durability.

• Paint- I used the color Peppercorn from Sherwin Williams
  

• Paint Brush

• Sanding Paper (optional) – For smoothing rough edges and prepping surfaces.

• Drill (optional) – To create drainage holes if needed.

• Pink Stuff Cleaning Paste and a toothbrush

• Sealer

• Organic Soil or  Cactus soil if planting all succulents

• Pebbles small

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Choose Your Planter

Start with an old garden planter that you’re ready to give a makeover. It can be a weathered ceramic pot or an inexpensive plastic container. Make sure it has a solid structure.

Prep Your Planter

Make sure your planter is clean and free from dirt, moss, or any other debris. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the surface and remove any dust or grime. If your planter has seen its better days and has a peeling finish, use sandpaper to smooth out any rough areas. This will ensure that the new materials and paint adhere properly to the surface. Other than a little dirt, mine was in perfect condition.  I used a toothbrush and a little of the pink stuff to give it a thorough cleaning. I swear this stuff works on everything!

Create Drainage Holes (If Needed)

If your planter doesn’t have drainage holes, now’s the time to create them. Proper drainage is essential to keeping your plants healthy. Use a drill with a small bit to make several holes in the bottom of your planter. This will allow excess water to escape, preventing root rot and ensuring that your plants thrive.

Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

To give your old planter a sleek, modern look, start by spray painting your primer. I chose a neutral grey, knowing I would be painting a darker grey on top.

 Once the primer dried, I gave it 2 coats of Peppercorn from Sherwin Williams using a paint brush.

I let each coat dry completely before applying the next. I painted about 2 inches from the top on the inside.  I then sealed the whole pot. 

 Plant and Style

Add organic potting soil about 3/4 up the pot, adding more in the middle for height.

 I chose succulents and a few grassy plants. I sectioned different succulents together and added the largest succulent in the middle. 

I was able to clip everything from our backyard other than the green leafy plant you see below. I added decorative pebbles around the base of the plants.

  

Place your newly transformed high-end planter in a perfect place where you can show it off, and it becomes the focal point of your outdoor garden/space.

Additional Tips:

For a Modern, Minimalist Look, go for sleek matte black, white, or gray

Create Texture with Faux Stone or Concrete Coating

If you prefer metallics, opt for gold, silver, or copper spray paint, which will instantly make your garden planter look more sophisticated.

 

Modern Planters

 

This was such a fun project, and you can’t beat free!
Transforming an old garden planter into a high-end knockoff is an affordable and perfect way to give new life to your outdoor space. So grab that old garden planter, gather your materials, and start creating a beautiful modern planter. 

Here is the wicker basket I picked up for free, in perfect condition. I added potting soil and a plant to our back patio area.

The elephant is known to bring good luck and is a symbol of strength, power, stability, and wisdom. I simply added small succulents to the holes, how cute is he!

I still have lots more work to do in the backyard to get ready for summer, a little bit at a time!

It’s time to see all the great ideas our Thrift Store team came up with for April!

Just click the links below to bring you straight to their makeovers!

Petticoat Junktion-Rick Rack Home Decor
Our Southern Home-Spray Paint Wicker Table
Shop At Blu-Upcycled Thrift Store Antique Radio Table
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia- High-End Garden Planter Knockoff
My Repurposed Life-Upcycled Drawers | Wall Shelf

 

More Outdoor Project Ideas:

Wine Bottles turned into lights
DIY Stylish planters from the dollar store
Mason jars turned into bug repellent jars
DIY Solar-powered lights
Tin Cans turned into Lights
Hanging Planter

Thank you so much for taking the time to stop in today; it means so much to me!  I wish you a great week ahead!