5. Floating Wooden Crate Planters

Okay, so confession time — I used to think floating planters were one of those “you need a contractor for that” projects. Then I saw a wooden crate hanging in a friend’s apartment and thought, “Wait… is that just a storage bin from Target?” Spoiler: it was. And guess what? I made my own version the next weekend with stuff from Home Depot and about ten bucks.
Now, these floating wooden crate planters are seriously some of my favorite DIYs ever. They look like they belong in a rustic-chic coffee shop but take way less effort than you’d think. Plus, they’re perfect if you’re short on space (like me in my shoebox apartment) and still want to flex your green thumb.
How to Turn a Crate Into a Statement Piece
Alright, here’s how it started — I grabbed a basic pine crate from the hardware store. The kind they sell for organizing garage shelves or holding wine bottles at parties. Then I thought, “What if this wasn’t just storage?”
So I gave it a quick sanding, stained it in a soft walnut finish (because raw wood can look kinda cheap if you don’t seal it right), and drilled two small holes in the back — one at the top, one at the bottom — for rope hanging.
I threaded through some thick natural jute rope, tied secure knots, and then mounted two hooks into the wall. Hang it up, add a few potted plants inside, and boom — instant rustic-meets-modern magic.
No nails in the floor, no big furniture pieces. Just floating greenery that makes your space feel intentional and alive.
Hanging Tips That Actually Hold Up
Okay, real talk — the first time I did this, I didn’t measure twice before drilling. Rookie mistake. My rope came out uneven, and the whole thing tilted like a sad little shelf. 😅
So now I always use a level when mounting the hooks, and I make sure the rope is tightly knotted and tucked into the crate so it doesn’t slip. If you’re worried about weight (which you should be!), go with thick rope and heavy-duty anchors in the wall.
And if you’re a renter or live in an older building like me, test a small spot first. Some walls are stubborn. But once it’s up and stable? Total confidence boost.
Styling Ideas for Real Small Spaces
Let’s get honest — I live in a 600 sq ft apartment and I’ve got zero room for a full-on indoor garden. Enter: the floating wooden crate planter.
I hung three of them at different heights above my couch and filled them with low-maintenance plants like snake plants, ZZ plants, and a trailing philodendron. Instant jungle vibe without taking up any floor space.
You can even mix and match pot styles inside the crate — ceramic, concrete, rope-wrapped — for extra visual interest. It adds texture, depth, and a little personality without looking cluttered.
And bonus? These work great in dorm rooms, narrow hallways, or over dressers where you want decor but not more furniture.
If you’re feeling inspired and ready for something totally different (but just as stylish), click the next button below — we’re diving into DIY Terrarium Sconces! Yep, we’re bringing plants to your walls in the chicest way possible. You don’t wanna miss this one.
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