20 Creative Upcycled Plant Shelf Ideas for Green Homes
Upcycled DIY plant shelf ideas are the perfect solution if you want to display your plants in a creative and practical way. Instead of tossing out old materials, you can repurpose them into shelves that not only save space but also add personality to your room.
These designs allow you to bring greenery into bedrooms, bathrooms, or even small office corners, instantly making the space feel more alive.
A plant shelf also helps you organize your favorite pots at different heights, giving your plants the spotlight they deserve.
From old ladders and crates to hanging wood slices and window shelves, each idea shows how easy it is to blend style with sustainability. With just a little imagination, you can turn almost anything into a beautiful shelf that highlights your plants.
#1 Hanging Pallet Shelf Idea
This clever pallet shelf turns rustic wood into a lively vertical garden. Each opening is repurposed to cradle fresh herbs and leafy greens, creating a stacked display that feels both functional and stylish.
You can hang it on a chain, just like in the picture, to save floor space and bring greenery to eye level. A quick sanding and light coat of sealant will protect the wood, making it last longer indoors or outdoors.
Try planting herbs like basil, mint, and parsley for a kitchen-friendly garden that s always within reach. It s an eco-friendly project that adds charm and gives new life to an old pallet.
#2 Macrame Shelf Hanger
This macrame shelf hanger combines boho style with practical charm. The knotted cotton cords cradle a round wooden base, making it the perfect stage for a leafy fern or a small trailing plant.
Hanging it by a hook instantly frees up counter space while drawing the eye upward, giving any corner a fresh, airy feel. To make your own, all you need is a sturdy wooden ring, some macrame cord, and a bit of patience with knotting.
Try experimenting with colored ropes or beads to match your room s vibe. It s a simple yet artistic way to bring texture and greenery into your home.
#3 DIY Round Wood Shelf Plant Hanger
This round wood shelf plant hanger is a beautiful mix of rustic and modern design. A simple wooden slice becomes the base, suspended by strong cords to hold your favorite plant.
It looks especially stunning with trailing greenery like ivy or pothos, allowing the vines to cascade gracefully. To make your own, drill four evenly spaced holes into the wood, thread sturdy rope or twine through, and knot securely.
Hang it from a ceiling hook or wall bracket where it can get enough light. It s an effortless way to add greenery while keeping your space uncluttered and stylish.
#4 Pipe Shelf Idea
This pipe shelf design blends rustic wood with industrial-style metal pipes, creating a sturdy and stylish plant display. The warm wooden planks add natural charm while the pipe supports give it a modern edge, making it perfect for corners or smaller spaces.
You can use the lower shelf for larger plants or even small terrariums, while the upper one is ideal for cascading greenery or framed décor. To build this, secure metal pipes to the wall and attach them to wooden boards for stability.
Finish the wood with stain or varnish to highlight its texture. It s a versatile idea that works well in living rooms, offices, or kitchens where plants need both style and function.
#5 Hanging Wooden Plant Shelf
This hanging wooden plant shelf transforms your window into a mini indoor garden. The simple design uses wooden planks suspended by sturdy ropes, creating multiple levels for your pots while still letting sunlight stream through.
It s an excellent choice if you want to maximize space and keep plants like succulents, herbs, or trailing vines right where they thrive most. To make one, drill holes in wooden boards, thread ropes through, and secure them to hooks at the top.
Adjust the height of each shelf to fit taller or smaller pots with ease. This setup not only looks elegant but also keeps your greenery bathed in natural light all day.
#6 DIY Plant Ladder Shelf
A plant ladder shelf is a fantastic way to maximize vertical space while keeping your greenery beautifully displayed. Each step acts as a tiered shelf, allowing you to showcase a mix of plants from tall snake plants on top to trailing vines and herbs below.
The natural wood gives it a warm and minimalist look, making it fit perfectly in modern or rustic homes. You can build one using reclaimed wood or a small ladder with added planks as shelves.
Place it near a window so your plants get plenty of light, and rotate pots occasionally for even growth. This shelf is especially useful if you have a growing indoor plant collection but limited floor space.
#7 DIY A-Shaped Plant Shelf
An A-shaped plant shelf makes a striking centerpiece while giving your plants a stylish home. Its triangular frame offers stability and balance, making it perfect for displaying a mix of small pots, trailing plants, and even decorative items.
The open sides allow vines to drape down beautifully, creating a cascading green effect that softens any room. You can build one with wooden planks and simple joinery, or repurpose an old A-frame ladder and add shelves across.
Place larger plants at the bottom and delicate greenery on higher tiers for a natural flow. This type of shelf not only saves space but also turns your plant collection into a true indoor feature wall.
#8 DIY Plant Shelf Window
A window plant shelf is one of the best ways to make the most of natural light while keeping greenery within reach. By hanging shelves or hooks directly in front of your window, you create a vertical garden that thrives in the sunniest spot of your home.
This setup works well for herbs, trailing vines, or even small succulents, giving your kitchen or living room a refreshing burst of life. You can repurpose wire racks, wood planks, or hanging macrame shelves to build your own version.
For a neat look, use uniform pots, but mixing styles adds charm and personality. It is not just functional for plant growth but also turns your window into a vibrant living frame.
#9 Painted Cinder Block Shelf
This painted cinder block shelf is a fun and budget-friendly way to show off your plants while adding a pop of color to your space. By stacking cinder blocks and wooden planks, you can create a sturdy multi-tier display in just a few minutes. The bright purple blocks and green shelves in this example turn a simple setup into a cheerful focal point that feels playful and inviting. You can easily customize it with colors that match your porch, patio, or indoor theme. For more stability, place heavier pots on the bottom and lighter ones on the top. This design not only maximizes vertical storage but also gives your plants a stylish home.
#10 Ceiling Ladder Shelf
This ceiling ladder shelf idea turns an old wooden ladder into a creative plant hanger that doubles as décor. Suspended securely from the ceiling with sturdy ropes, the ladder acts as a base for hanging multiple planters at varying heights. This not only saves precious floor space but also creates a striking floating garden effect that instantly brightens up a room. It works especially well near windows where plants can soak in natural light. For extra charm, mix in different pot styles and cascading plants to achieve a layered, dynamic look. Make sure the ladder is firmly anchored for safety before adding your plants.
#11 Floating Wall Shelf
This floating wall shelf with ropes is a stylish way to bring greenery into your home without sacrificing floor space. Thick ropes secured to the wall and ceiling create a rustic, suspended effect that makes the wooden planks look like they re effortlessly floating. You can stack multiple shelves to display a mix of potted plants, decorative items, and even trailing vines that spill beautifully down the sides. The natural wood pairs perfectly with terracotta pots and lush green leaves, adding warmth to any room. Choose sturdy brackets and anchors to ensure the shelves can hold the weight of your plants. This idea works especially well in small apartments where every inch of space counts.
#12 DIY Corner Shelf
This clever corner shelf idea makes use of otherwise wasted space while creating a cozy spot for your plants to shine. The floating wooden shelves fit snugly into the corner, giving your greenery a neat, structured display. Plants like pothos or trailing vines look especially charming here as they spill gently over the edges. The natural wood finish softens the corner, blending warmth with the lush textures of your plants. Installation is straightforward: secure sturdy brackets hidden underneath for that floating look. This is a perfect solution if you re short on room but still want your plants to make a stylish statement.
#13 Hanging Branch Shelf
A simple tree branch can become a stunning plant display, just like in this idea. Suspended securely with ropes, the branch acts as a natural rod for hanging pots of different shapes and sizes. This setup not only saves floor space but also brings a rustic, woodland charm into your home. The uneven texture of the branch contrasts beautifully with the clean lines of the pots, making the greenery stand out even more. To recreate this look, choose a sturdy branch, sand it lightly, and ensure it s anchored safely to the ceiling or wall. Perfect for bright windows, this shelf lets your plants soak in the light while adding a touch of organic artistry to the room.
#14 Hanging Wood Box Shelf
This hanging wood box shelf is a stylish way to showcase multiple plants at once. The sturdy wooden box, suspended with colorful chains, creates a floating garden effect that looks modern yet earthy. It s an ideal option if you re short on floor space but still want a lush indoor display. You can arrange different plant types side by side, mixing trailing varieties with upright ones for extra visual appeal. Make sure the box is deep enough to hold the pots securely and always hang it from strong ceiling hooks. This creative idea turns unused air space into a striking vertical garden feature.
#15 Wood Crate Plant Shelf
This wood crate shelf is a rustic yet flexible way to build your own plant display. By stacking crates vertically and horizontally, you can create a custom shelving unit that fits any wall or corner. The open slats allow plants to breathe, and the multiple levels give you room for a wide mix of greenery, from tall cacti to trailing vines. To make it sturdier, secure the crates together with screws or strong rope accents. You can also stain or paint the wood to match your home s style. This DIY option is budget-friendly, practical, and can grow along with your plant collection.
#16 Old Chair Shelf
Turning an old chair into a plant shelf is a brilliant way to upcycle something that might otherwise go to waste. By cutting the seat and attaching it flat against a wall, you create a sturdy base for pots while the chair back acts as a decorative frame. A quick coat of paint or a distressed finish can transform it into a charming rustic accent. It works beautifully for small ferns, herbs, or trailing plants, giving them an elevated stage to shine. This idea adds character to patios, gardens, or brick walls with minimal effort. It s proof that even the most worn-out furniture can bloom into something beautiful again.
#17 Old Window Shelf
This clever shelf idea gives an old window shutter a brand-new life. Instead of tossing it away, you can mount jars or small containers onto the slats and fill them with flowers, herbs, or greenery. The rustic charm of the shutter pairs beautifully with the pops of color from plants, making it both decorative and functional. A sturdy strap or rope allows it to hang easily on any wall, adding instant vertical greenery without taking up floor space. It s perfect for small apartments, kitchens, or hallways where you want to bring nature indoors. With minimal effort, you turn a forgotten window piece into a refreshing plant display.
#18 Hanging Shelf Acrylic Plant Shelves
If you love a clean, modern aesthetic, these hanging acrylic shelves are a perfect choice. Their transparent design lets in maximum sunlight, making them ideal for windows filled with succulents, air plants, or other light-loving greenery. The shelves almost disappear against the glass, creating the illusion that your plants are floating in mid-air. Lightweight yet sturdy, they add a sleek touch without overwhelming your space. You can hang several tiers to maximize your window area and create a living curtain of greenery. This idea works especially well in kitchens where natural light is abundant, bringing freshness right where you need it most.
#19 Wood Shelf On Wall
Simple wooden wall shelves create a warm and inviting display for your plants while saving valuable floor space. Their rustic texture contrasts beautifully with the fresh green foliage, making each plant stand out as if it were part of a curated gallery. You can stagger the shelves for a playful arrangement or keep them in a straight line for a more organized look. Choose sturdy wood pieces so they can hold heavier pots and cascading plants without worry. This setup works especially well in living rooms, bedrooms, or hallways where you want greenery at eye level. It s an easy way to turn a plain wall into a lively, nature-inspired focal point.
#20 Honeycomb Shelves
Honeycomb shelves bring a modern, geometric flair to your plant display, instantly making your wall look like a piece of art. Their hexagonal shape naturally draws the eye, and when grouped together, they create a striking visual that feels both stylish and playful.
You can mix different plant sizes inside each cell, from trailing vines to upright succulents, for variety and depth. These shelves are lightweight yet sturdy, so they work well in living rooms, offices, or even bedrooms.
Arrange them in clusters for a bold statement or scatter them for a lighter, airy effect. This clever design makes your plants part of the décor while keeping them organized and beautifully showcased.