16 Repurposed Drawer Planter Ideas for Porches and Patios

You know that old dresser drawer sitting in the garage or basement? The one from a broken piece of furniture you couldn’t bear to throw away? I’ve got a few of those too—beautiful old wood with dovetail joints and worn knobs that just feel like they should have a second life.

Here’s the thing: a single drawer is the perfect size for a planter. It’s deep enough for roots, wide enough for a display, and the front adds instant character that store-bought pots just don’t have. In this post, I’ll walk you through sixteen repurposed drawer planter ideas that turn forgotten furniture into charming garden features for your porch or patio.

1. Single Drawer with Legs

A drawer on short legs becomes a miniature raised planter. It’s like a tiny piece of furniture for your plants.

How this idea works:

1. Step 1: Find a sturdy wooden drawer and attach small furniture legs or wooden blocks to the bottom corners.
2. Step 2: Line the inside with landscape fabric or plastic, adding drainage holes if needed.
3. Step 3: Fill with potting soil and plant with trailing flowers like petunias or ivy.
4. Step 4: Place it on a porch step or patio corner where it can be admired up close.

2. Stacked Drawers Tower

Stack multiple drawers to create a tiered planter tower. It looks like a quirky piece of garden furniture.

How this idea works:

1. Step 1: Collect three or four drawers of graduated sizes, with the largest at the bottom.
2. Step 2: Stack them securely, attaching with brackets or construction adhesive.
3. Step 3: Line each drawer and add drainage holes.
4. Step 4: Plant each level with different flowers or trailing plants that cascade down.

3. Drawer Wall Planter

Mount a drawer on a fence or house wall for vertical interest. It’s like a shadow box for living plants.

How this idea works:

1. Step 1: Secure a sturdy drawer to a wall or fence using heavy-duty brackets.
2. Step 2: Line the drawer and add drainage holes in the bottom.
3. Step 3: Plant with shallow-rooted succulents or trailing plants.
4. Step 4: Let the plants spill over the front edge for a soft, living look.

4. Drawer Window Box

A long, shallow drawer becomes a charming window box. Perfect for adding flowers under a porch window.

How this idea works:

1. Step 1: Measure your window width and find a drawer that fits, or use multiple drawers side by side.
2. Step 2: Attach mounting brackets to the drawer and secure under the window.
3. Step 3: Line with plastic, add drainage, and fill with potting soil.
4. Step 4: Plant with cheerful annuals like geraniums or petunias.

5. Drawer on a Stand

Place a drawer on an old table or stand for a raised planter. It brings flowers up to eye level.

How this idea works:

1. Step 1: Find a small table, stool, or plant stand at a comfortable height.
2. Step 2: Place a lined drawer on top, securing it so it doesn’t tip.
3. Step 3: Fill with potting soil and plant with colorful flowers.
4. Step 4: Add smaller pots around the base for a layered look.

6. Drawer Herb Garden

A kitchen drawer becomes a culinary herb garden. Keep it near the door for easy harvesting while cooking.

How this idea works:

1. Step 1: Choose a shallow drawer and line it with plastic, adding drainage holes.
2. Step 2: Fill with herb-specific potting soil.
3. Step 3: Plant with culinary herbs like basil, thyme, parsley, and chives.
4. Step 4: Label each herb with small markers for easy identification.

7. Drawer with Knob Hooks

Use the existing drawer knobs to hang small tools or decorations. It adds function and charm.

How this idea works:

1. Step 1: Prepare the drawer as a planter, keeping the original knobs in place.
2. Step 2: Plant with flowers that won’t cover the knobs completely.
3. Step 3: Hang small gardening tools, tags, or decorations from the knobs.
4. Step 4: Let the plants grow around the hanging items.

8. Painted Drawer Planter

A coat of paint transforms an old drawer. Choose colors that complement your porch or patio decor.

How this idea works:

1. Step 1: Sand the drawer lightly and clean off dust.
2. Step 2: Apply outdoor paint in your chosen color, letting it dry between coats.
3. Step 3: Seal with a clear outdoor sealer for durability.
4. Step 4: Line, add drainage, and plant with flowers that contrast or complement the color.

9. Drawer with Chalkboard Front

Paint the drawer front with chalkboard paint for a customizable planter. Change the message with the seasons.

How this idea works:

1. Step 1: Tape off the drawer front and apply chalkboard paint according to instructions.
2. Step 2: Let it cure completely before using.
3. Step 3: Prepare the drawer as a planter with lining and drainage.
4. Step 4: Write seasonal messages or plant names on the chalkboard surface.

10. Drawer Trio on a Shelf

Three small drawers lined up on a shelf create a cottage garden feel. Perfect for narrow porches.

How this idea works:

1. Step 1: Find three small matching or coordinating drawers.
2. Step 2: Place them side by side on a shelf or bench.
3. Step 3: Prepare each with lining and drainage.
4. Step 4: Plant each with a different flower or herb for variety.

11. Drawer with Moss and Succulents

Create a living sculpture with moss and succulents. The drawer becomes a frame for a textured arrangement.

How this idea works:

1. Step 1: Line the drawer with plastic and add a layer of succulent potting mix.
2. Step 2: Plant a variety of succulents in different colors and textures.
3. Step 3: Fill gaps with preserved moss for a finished look.
4. Step 4: Water sparingly and keep in bright, indirect light.

12. Drawer with Built-in Trellis

Add a small trellis to the back of a drawer for climbing plants. It creates height and interest.

How this idea works:

1. Step 1: Attach a small wooden or wire trellis to the back edge of the drawer.
2. Step 2: Prepare the drawer with lining and drainage.
3. Step 3: Plant a climbing plant like morning glory or sweet pea at the back.
4. Step 4: Train the vines up the trellis as they grow.

13. Drawer Fairy Garden

Create a miniature world inside a drawer. Perfect for children or the young at heart.

How this idea works:

1. Step 1: Line the drawer and add a layer of potting soil.
2. Step 2: Plant tiny succulents and moss to create a landscape.
3. Step 3: Add miniature fairy figures, tiny houses, and small stones.
4. Step 4: Arrange everything to tell a story or create a scene.

14. Drawer with Rolling Base

Add casters to a drawer for a mobile planter. Move it around to follow the sun or change your patio layout.

How this idea works:

1. Step 1: Attach heavy-duty casters to the bottom of the drawer, making sure they lock.
2. Step 2: Line the drawer and add drainage.
3. Step 3: Fill with potting soil and plant with flowers.
4. Step 4: Roll it wherever you need a pop of color.

15. Drawer with Vintage Finds

Combine a drawer planter with other vintage items for a collected look. Old tins, tools, and bottles add character.

How this idea works:

1. Step 1: Prepare the drawer as a planter and place it on a porch or patio.
2. Step 2: Arrange vintage items around it—old watering cans, tins, or bottles.
3. Step 3: Let the plants grow and mingle with the vintage pieces.
4. Step 4: Change the accessories seasonally for fresh looks.

16. Drawer with Seasonal Displays

Change what you plant in the drawer with the seasons. Spring bulbs, summer annuals, fall mums, winter greens.

How this idea works:

1. Step 1: Keep one drawer planter and refresh it seasonally.
2. Step 2: Plant spring bulbs in fall for early color, summer annuals after frost, fall mums in autumn, and evergreen cuttings in winter.
3. Step 3: Add seasonal decorations around the base.
4. Step 4: Enjoy a changing display that always feels fresh.