DIY Antique Banister Wall Planter — A Charming Repurpose for the Breakfast Nook
I’m so excited — we finally have something hanging on the wall! After painting most of the main rooms in the new house, I was eager to add decor that complements the fresh colors. In a simple corner of the breakfast nook, a little wall planter felt like the perfect finishing touch.
A few weeks ago my mom and I went junking and I scored two chippy, antique banisters for almost nothing. I didn’t have a clear plan at first, but their shape and aged paint made them irresistible. They were ideal for a Trash to Treasure project: a quick, creative repurpose that adds character and function to our home. (If you’re curious, you can find more of my Trash to Treasure projects linked below.)
Once I decided on a wall planter, the project came together fast. If you find old banisters, spindles, or even an old ladder, this approach works well to create a decorative, space-saving planter that brings greenery to tight areas like a small breakfast nook.
Supplies Used: (Affiliate links are provided below for convenience.)
- 2 antique banisters or similar vintage wood pieces
- Clear matte spray acrylic
- 4 large D-ring hooks
- Level
- Power drill
- Planter hooks
- Drywall anchors and screws
- Pots sized to fit the planter hooks (I used 7″ cement pots)
- Artificial plants (or real plants if you can manage drainage)
To protect the fragile, flaking paint on the banisters while preserving their aged look, I misted them with a couple of thin coats of clear matte acrylic. That sealed the chipping paint without changing the patina I loved.
My husband and I mounted the banisters on the wall using D-rings and drywall anchors (they weren’t on studs). A level ensured they were straight and sturdy. Because the pots I chose were a bit heavy, I anchored the planter hooks securely with wall anchors as well.
I shopped around for planter hooks and was surprised to find a sale at Crate and Barrel that beat Walmart’s price — a reminder to compare before you buy. For pots I originally considered inexpensive terra cotta that I could whitewash, but the sizes didn’t match the hooks. Instead I used cement pots that fit perfectly — a small splurge but worth it for the fit and finish.
For plants I grabbed a few realistic sage and lavender stems from IKEA — they look surprisingly natural for about $6 each and require zero maintenance. That was ideal for our breakfast nook, which doesn’t get much natural light. Artificial plants keep the space green and fresh without the worry of upkeep.
The finished banister planter instantly brightened the nook. The mix of chippy vintage wood, textured cement pots, and soft greenery warms up the previously black-and-white corner and fits into our home’s blend of farmhouse and more formal details. The curved lines of the banisters add a touch of elegance while keeping the look relaxed.
This project feels fresh and unique — I haven’t seen many planters made from banisters, and I love the balance between rustic texture and refined details. It also sparked more ideas for the breakfast nook’s final styling, which I’ll be sharing soon. Think classic, chic, French-inspired rustic with a relaxed, elegant vibe.
If you want to recreate this look: seal the banister with a clear matte spray, mount securely with D-rings and anchors, install heavy-duty planter hooks, add pots that fit, and choose plants that suit the light conditions — artificial if the space is dim. It’s an easy, high-impact way to repurpose vintage finds into functional wall decor.
See other Trash to Treasure transformations from this month:
Clockwise from top left:
Girl in the Garage | Confessions of a Serial Do-It-Yourselfer | Prodigal Pieces | Artsy Chicks Rule
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Thanks for reading — hope your week is full of creative finds and fun repurposing projects!
