This Rusted Patio Chair Was Turned Into a Garden Planter That Blooms With Color
Outdoor furniture often gets pushed aside once it starts to rust or lose its original function. A metal chair like this might look unusable at first, but its frame still offers structure that can be repurposed in a simple, creative way.
Instead of restoring it, this project transforms the chair into a raised planter. The seat becomes a planting area, while the curved arms and back frame the flowers, turning a forgotten object into a focal point in the garden.
The idea is simple: keep the original structure and let it define the new purpose.
How the Chair Planter Works
The metal frame supports a suspended planting basket where the seat used to be. The open structure allows the flowers to sit naturally within the shape of the chair.
The design includes three main parts:
- Metal frame that holds everything in place
- Wire basket shaped to fit the seat area
- Fabric liner that keeps soil contained
The curved lines of the chair give the planter a defined silhouette, making it feel like a deliberate garden feature rather than a quick DIY.
The Simple Build Process
This project keeps materials and steps to a minimum while using most of the original chair.
- Clean the surface – Remove loose debris and peeling paint, but keep the rust. The aged finish adds texture and fits well outdoors.
- Add metallic accents – A soft metallic paste is applied with a cloth. A rose gold tone works well to highlight edges and contrast with the darker metal.
- Build the basket – Cut and bend chicken wire to create a base where the seat used to be. Secure it to the frame with zip ties.
- Attach the liner – Place fabric over the wire to hold the soil. It can be tied, stitched, or fixed using parts of the frame.
- Plant the arrangement – Fill with soil and add flowers. Dense blooms like mums create a full, colorful look that fills the frame of the chair.
Why Mums Work So Well
- Thick, bushy growth fills the seat area completely
- Bright colors contrast nicely with rusted metal
- Low maintenance and easy to replace seasonally
- Ideal for fall displays and entry accents
Other Plants That Work Even Better (Depending on the Look)
For a Soft, Flowing Look (Spilling Over the Chair)
- Petunia
- Lobelia
- English Ivy
- Sweet Potato Vine
These soften the metal frame and create a relaxed, natural garden feel.
For a Clean, Modern Garden Accent
- Echeveria
- Sedum
- Sempervivum
Great if you want something low water and more structured.
For Seasonal Impact (Swap Throughout the Year)
- Spring: Pansy
- Summer: Geranium
- Fall: Ornamental Kale
- Winter: Small Evergreen arrangements
This keeps the chair relevant all year, not just one season.
What to Keep in Mind Before Planting
Because the base is made from wire and fabric, the setup behaves differently than a standard planter.
- Add small drainage holes so excess water can escape
- Use lightweight potting mix to avoid stressing the frame
- Choose shallow-root plants that don’t require deep soil
These small adjustments keep the structure stable and help the plants thrive without turning the chair into a heavy, waterlogged container.