Home DIY Create Your Own Plant Shelf with these 5 DIY Designs for Beginners

Create Your Own Plant Shelf with these 5 DIY Designs for Beginners

By Sophia W. Martin
3.5K views 1 min read

If youโ€™ve been dreaming of a beautiful plant display but donโ€™t want to spend a fortune on pre-made shelves, DIY plant shelves are the perfect solution! 

Not only are they cost-effective, but they also let you personalize the design and size to fit your space. Besides, these DIY plant shelves are a fun and rewarding project, even if you’re a beginner with little to no woodworking or crafting experience

So, whether you’re working with a small corner, a wide wall, or an empty window space, there are plenty of easy DIY plant shelf designs that can be tailored to fit your needs.ย 

In this following blog, weโ€™ll walk you through a variety of simple designs that you can create on your own, transforming your plant collection into a stunning display. 

Read on to find out!

Why DIY Plant Shelves?

There are plenty of reasons why building your own plant shelves is a great idea:

  • Cost-Effective: Creating your own plant shelves is often much cheaper than buying pre-made ones from a store. You can find affordable materials or even repurpose items you already have at home.
  • Customization: DIY projects let you design shelves that are the exact size, style, and color you need. Whether you want a rustic wood shelf or a sleek, modern look, you have total control.
  • Satisfaction: Thereโ€™s something incredibly satisfying about building something with your own hands. Completing a DIY project gives you a sense of accomplishment, and your shelves will add a personal touch to your home.
  • Sustainable: DIY allows you to use recycled or repurposed materials, making it an eco-friendly option. Old crates, wood pallets, or even leftover lumber can all be turned into beautiful plant shelves.

Related Post: Creative Ideas & Techniques to Arrange Plants on a Shelf

Tools and Materials Youโ€™ll Need

Before starting your DIY plant shelf project, make sure you have the basic tools and materials ready. Hereโ€™s a quick list of what youโ€™ll typically need:

Basic Tools:

  • Hammer
  • Nails or screws
  • Electric drill (optional, but useful)
  • Measuring tape
  • Level
  • Sandpaper or sanding block

Materials:

  • Wood Planks: Ideal for basic shelves or corner designs.
  • Metal Brackets or Rope: For hanging or wall-mounted shelves.
  • Recycled Materials: Crates, pallets, or any old furniture you can repurpose.
  • Paint or Stain: To finish your shelves and match your home decor.

Simple 5 DIY Plant Shelf Designs Project

If you are new to this concept or maybe want to be a bit creative and have fun, then undoubtedly this section is for you. Each of the designs is unique and worth trying for.

However, as each person is different from one another, you must pick the one that best suits your style and skill level to get the desired result:

Floating Wooden Shelves

Floating shelves are one of the easiest and most versatile plant shelf designs. Hereโ€™s how to make your own:

Materials: Wood planks, brackets, screws.

Instructions:

  • Measure and cut the wood to your desired shelf size.
  • Sand the edges to create a smooth finish.
  • Use metal brackets to secure the shelf to the wall.
  • Optional: Paint or stain the wood to match your decor.

This design works well in any room and allows your plants to take center stage. Itโ€™s a great project for beginners because it requires minimal materials and tools.

Ladder Plant Shelf

Repurposing an old ladder into a plant shelf is not only simple but also adds a rustic, charming vibe to your home.

Ladder Plant Shelf
Ladder Plant Shelf

Materials: Old wooden ladder, sandpaper, paint or stain.

Instructions:

  • Find or repurpose an old wooden ladder.
  • Sand the ladder to smooth out any rough spots.
  • Paint or stain the ladder in your preferred color or leave it natural for a rustic look.
  • Lean the ladder against the wall and place plants on each rung.

This project is a breeze because thereโ€™s no cutting or drilling involvedโ€”just some sanding and painting! The result is a unique plant display that works especially well in corners or against empty walls.

Hanging Rope Shelves

For a more modern, airy look, try making hanging rope shelves. Theyโ€™re perfect for small spaces and give a floating, whimsical feel to your plant display.

Hanging Rope Shelves
Hanging Rope Shelves

Materials: Wood planks, strong rope, screws, wall anchors.

Instructions:

  • Drill holes in each corner of the wood plank.
  • Thread strong rope through the holes and tie secure knots underneath the plank.
  • Attach the top ends of the rope to the ceiling or wall using screws and anchors.
  • Place your plants on the suspended shelf.

The rope shelf design adds a natural, bohemian touch to your decor, and itโ€™s super simple to assemble. You can customize the length of the rope and the number of shelves for a unique look.

Crate Plant Shelf

Wooden crates are easy to find and can be transformed into charming plant shelves with minimal effort.

Crate Plant Shelf
Crate Plant Shelf

Materials: Wooden crates, screws, paint (optional).

Instructions:

  • Sand the crates to smooth out any rough edges.
  • Paint or stain the crates if you want to add color or a protective finish.
  • Stack or mount the crates on the wall in a design that suits your space.
  • Use the inside of each crate to hold your plants.

This project is perfect if youโ€™re looking for a rustic, farmhouse-style shelf. Plus, thereโ€™s no cutting involvedโ€”just attach the crates to the wall, and youโ€™re done!

Corner Shelves

Corner shelves are an excellent way to make use of small or awkward spaces, especially for plant lovers with limited room.

Materials: Wood planks, brackets, screws.

Instructions:

  • Measure and cut the wood to fit the corner space.
  • Attach the planks to the wall using metal brackets.
  • Arrange your plants on the tiered shelves to create a layered, cascading look.

This is a simple yet effective way to maximize corner space and display a variety of plants in a small area. Plus, itโ€™s an easy weekend project that requires minimal tools.

Tips for Success

Before you get started on your DIY plant shelf project, here are a few tips to ensure success:

  • Measure Twice, Cut Once: Always double-check your measurements before cutting wood or drilling holes to avoid mistakes.
  • Use Recycled Materials: Repurposing old crates, pallets, or furniture can save you money and give your shelves a unique look.
  • Start Small: If youโ€™re new to DIY, choose a small project to start with, like a single floating shelf or crate display, before moving on to more complex designs.
  • Safety First: Always wear protective gear like gloves and goggles when using power tools or handling sharp objects.

Styling Your DIY Plant Shelves

Once youโ€™ve built your plant shelves, itโ€™s time to style them! Below are some ideas for arranging your plants and decor:

  • Mix Plants of Different Sizes: Combine large, leafy plants with smaller succulents or trailing vines to create visual interest.
  • Add Decorative Elements: Mix in some non-plant decor like candles, books, or small figurines to enhance the look of your shelf.
  • Consider Lighting: Ensure your plants get the right amount of light by placing your shelves near a window or adding grow lights if needed.
  • Stagger Shelf Heights: If youโ€™re installing multiple shelves, stagger them at different heights for a more dynamic and visually appealing display.

Concluding Words

DIY plant shelves are an affordable and creative way to display your greenery while adding style to your home. 

Whether you choose a simple floating shelf, a rustic ladder design, or hanging rope shelves, these beginner-friendly projects are easy to complete and fully customizable to fit your space.

Ready to get started? Pick a project from the list, gather your materials, and watch your DIY plant shelf come to life!

Read More: 6 Simple Steps on Creating a Mini Indoor Greenhouse

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