A plant stand is such a simple idea and a great way to display house plants indoors or garden plants on the patio. And it's an easy thing to DIY if you’ve got a wooden ladder shelf that’s looking a little worse for wear or have bought a cheap ladder shelf to customise. Why not transform plain or tired storage into a statement display for your finest herbs and plants this weekend?
Simply choose a selection of stand-out colours to paint the shelves and some plant pots, creating a vibrant focal point that gives your plants the attention they deserve. Whether you’ve got a large patio, small balcony, bland kitchen, plain bathroom it’s the perfect way to maximise your space (and the beauty of your plants) on a budget.
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You will need:
- 2 x 1ltr Cuprinol Garden Shades in your choice of colours
- 2in paint brush
- Small roller and tray
- Unpainted wooden ladder shelving
- Terracotta pots which you can paint to match your colour scheme
- A selection of your favourite growing herbs or plants
1. Sand and clean your shelves
Before you begin your DIY plant stand transformation, ensure its shelves are as smooth and clean as possible. Any textural imperfections now will show up after you've painted, so it's worth spending a little extra time getting this right. Brush away any dust and ensure your shelves are completely dry before your start painting.
2. Paint two coats of your first colour onto the legs
Using a brush, paint your first coat on to the legs of your shelving unit. Allow to dry completely before adding a second coat. Two coats will ensure a quality finish, and also make your paint job more durable and last longer. Follow the wood grain for a neat look.
3. Tape off the edges where the legs meet the ladder steps
To ensure a pristine finish, use a good-quality masking tape to cover the edges you have just painted, where the legs meet the ladder steps. This means you don't even need to have a steady hand when painting around the corners, as the masking tape takes the strain and does all the hard work for you, guaranteeing (in an ideal world) a straight line.
4. Apply two coats of your second colour to the ladder shelves with a small roller and brush
Use your roller to paint the shelves, again rolling in the direction of the wood grain. Try not to put too much paint on your roller, as it could end up looking a little gloopy, and also make a mess. This is where your masking tape comes in handy as you can just roll straight onto it. Again, wait to dry before applying a second coat. Peel off the masking tape and voila!
5. Paint your terracotta pots and allow to dry
Don't let your paint go to waste. Paint your plant pots in corresponding colours to draw your little shelving scheme together.
6. Select your plants, arrange them on the shelves and watch them grow
Whether this will be a herb station for your kitchen, a green display for your bathroom, or a statement feature on your patio, select your plants accordingly. Basil, parsley, coriander, mint, rosemary and thyme are great to have within grab–able distance to your cooking area. Trailing ivy, string of hearts and string of pearls are pretty trailing plants which will grown down from your higher shelves, creating an elegant feel.