If you have an old dresser sitting in your garage or attic, don’t throw it away just yet! There are many creative old dresser garden ideas that can transform your worn-out furniture into a stunning garden feature. Repurposing an old dresser is not only an eco-friendly way to recycle, but it also adds a quirky and unique look to your garden. Whether you want a vertical planter or a whimsical display of flowers, there are endless ways to turn that old dresser into a beautiful centerpiece for your outdoor space.
Why Use an Old Dresser in Your Garden?
Repurposing old furniture is a growing trend, and it’s easy to see why. Upcycling an old dresser into a garden feature not only helps reduce waste, but it also creates a functional and decorative piece for your yard. An old dresser offers multiple compartments that can be filled with plants, soil, or gardening tools. Whether you paint it in bright colors or leave it rustic for a vintage look, this repurposed furniture adds charm to any garden.
Must read Top Taiwan Garden Tools Brands for Quality and Durability
How to Start Your Old Dresser Garden Project
Prepare the Dresser
Before you start your old dresser garden ideas project, it’s important to properly prepare the dresser. If the dresser has been sitting around for a while, it may need cleaning or minor repairs. Remove any old drawers that you won’t be using, or adjust them if you plan on keeping them as planter boxes. You can also sand down the dresser if you want to apply a new coat of paint or leave it as-is for a weathered, rustic look.
Waterproof the Dresser
Since the dresser will be outside and exposed to the elements, it’s crucial to make it weatherproof. Use waterproof sealants to protect the wood from rain and moisture. Line the drawers or inside compartments with plastic to prevent water damage. This will help extend the life of your dresser garden and keep it looking beautiful year-round.
Choose the Right Plants
Not all plants will thrive in a dresser garden, so it’s important to choose the right ones for the drawers or compartments. Consider small plants that have shallow roots, such as succulents, herbs, or small flowers. You can even dedicate each drawer to a different plant type, creating a tiered effect with cascading flowers or greenery spilling over the edges.
Creative Old Dresser Garden Ideas
Vertical Herb Garden
One of the most popular old dresser garden ideas is turning it into a vertical herb garden. Use the dresser drawers as individual planters, each filled with different types of herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme, and mint. This is a great way to keep your herbs organized and easily accessible while also adding a beautiful, functional feature to your garden. Place the dresser against a wall or fence to save space, or make it a standalone piece in the garden.
Flower Display
An old dresser makes for a lovely flower display. You can plant colorful flowers in the dresser’s drawers or on top of the dresser for a layered look. Choose flowers that complement each other in color and size, such as petunias, marigolds, or daisies. If you’re feeling extra creative, you can even paint the dresser to match the color scheme of the flowers for a coordinated and eye-catching display.
Succulent Garden
Succulents are ideal plants for upcycled furniture gardens because they don’t require a lot of water and have shallow roots. Fill the dresser drawers with a variety of succulent species to create a stunning display. You can also place small pebbles or decorative stones in the drawers to enhance the look of your succulent garden. Since succulents come in different shapes, colors, and textures, they add an interesting and modern touch to your outdoor space.
Turning an Old Dresser into a Potting Bench
Repurpose Drawers for Storage
Another functional idea for an old dresser in your garden is turning it into a potting bench. The drawers can be repurposed to store gardening tools, seeds, and pots, while the top of the dresser serves as a workspace for planting and arranging. This creates a practical solution for organizing your garden supplies while adding charm to your yard.
Add Hooks or Shelves
To make your potting bench even more functional, consider adding hooks or shelves to the sides of the dresser. This allows you to hang gardening gloves, small tools, or other essentials. You can also use the extra space to display decorative garden items, such as lanterns or small potted plants.
Keep It Rustic or Give It a Makeover
Depending on the look you want for your garden, you can either keep the dresser in its original, rustic state or give it a complete makeover with paint and new hardware. A weathered, old dresser can create a charming vintage feel, while a fresh coat of paint can brighten up the space and make your potting bench stand out.
Painting and Decorating Your Old Dresser Garden Ideas
Bright Colors
One way to make your old dresser garden ideas pop is by painting the dresser in bright, bold colors. Choose a color scheme that complements the plants or flowers you’ll be growing in the dresser. For example, painting the dresser a sunny yellow or vibrant teal can add a splash of color to your garden, making it a cheerful focal point.
Vintage or Shabby Chic Style
If you prefer a more classic or vintage look, you can paint your dresser in pastel tones or give it a distressed finish. This shabby chic style works beautifully in cottage gardens or traditional garden settings. Adding vintage handles or knobs can enhance the overall look, giving your dresser garden a unique and personalized touch.
Stenciling or Hand-Painted Designs
For an extra creative touch, consider adding stencils or hand-painted designs to your dresser garden. You can stencil flowers, leaves, or other nature-inspired patterns to give the dresser a whimsical or artistic feel. This adds character to your garden and turns the dresser into a statement piece.
Making Your Old Dresser Garden Ideas Eco-Friendly
Recycle and Upcycle
Repurposing an old dresser for your garden is already a great way to recycle, but you can take your eco-friendly efforts even further. Use organic soil, plant native species, or incorporate rainwater collection systems to water your plants. This helps reduce waste and supports a more sustainable gardening practice.
Compost in the Drawers
You can even use one of the dresser drawers for composting! This allows you to recycle kitchen scraps and yard waste, creating nutrient-rich soil for your plants. Line the drawer with a waterproof material and drill small holes for ventilation to make it an effective compost bin.
DIY Garden Markers
To complete your dresser garden project, consider making DIY garden markers out of repurposed materials like old spoons, stones, or wooden sticks. Label each drawer with the name of the plants you’ve chosen to grow, adding a fun and practical element to your garden.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, old dresser garden ideas offer a fun and creative way to recycle furniture and enhance your outdoor space. From turning an old dresser into a vertical herb garden or a vibrant flower display to repurposing it as a potting bench, the possibilities are endless. Whether you keep it rustic or give it a fresh coat of paint, an old dresser garden is a unique and eco-friendly addition to any yard. With a little creativity and some simple DIY work, you can transform a piece of old furniture into a beautiful garden feature that will impress your friends and neighbors. Click here for more.
What type of plants work best in an old dresser garden?
Small plants with shallow roots, like succulents, herbs, or small flowers, work best in an old dresser garden. These plants thrive in smaller spaces and need less soil.
How do I waterproof an old dresser for outdoor use?
You can use waterproof sealants to protect the wood from moisture and line the drawers with plastic. This will help prevent water damage and extend the life of your dresser garden.
Can I turn my old dresser into a vertical garden?
Yes, a vertical herb garden is one of the most popular old dresser garden ideas. Simply plant herbs or small flowers in each drawer, creating a tiered effect.
Do I need to repaint the dresser, or can I keep it rustic?
It depends on your style preference. You can either leave the dresser in its original state for a rustic, vintage look or repaint it in bright colors for a bold garden feature.
Can I use my old dresser as a potting bench?
Yes, an old dresser can be repurposed into a potting bench by using the drawers for storage and the top surface as a workspace for planting and gardening tasks.
