Transform your patio into a charming coastal retreat by adding coastal-themed planters that reflect the serene beauty of the ocean. DIY planters are a fun and creative way to bring the relaxing beach vibes to your outdoor space without breaking the bank. Whether you’re planting tropical palm trees or colorful flowers, these coastal-inspired planters will add a personal touch to your patio design.
In this guide, we’ll explore 10 DIY coastal-themed planters that are easy to make and perfect for creating a relaxing, beachy atmosphere in your outdoor space.
1. Driftwood Planter Box
Driftwood is an iconic coastal material that adds a rustic, beachy feel to any patio. Creating a driftwood planter box is a simple way to incorporate natural materials into your outdoor decor.
How to Make It
- Gather pieces of driftwood from the beach or use reclaimed wood.
- Attach the driftwood pieces together to form a rectangular box using nails or wood glue.
- Line the interior of the box with a plastic liner to protect the wood and add soil.
- Plant your favorite succulents or flowers.
💡 Tip: You can also add sand to the base of the planter for an added coastal touch!
2. Shell-Decorated Pots
Sea shells are a quintessential symbol of coastal life, and decorating your planters with them adds texture and a natural aesthetic. Shell-decorated pots are easy to make and give your patio a fun beachy vibe.
How to Make It
- Choose terracotta pots or ceramic planters.
- Use hot glue to attach a variety of shells, starfish, or sea glass around the base of the pot.
- Let the glue dry completely before adding soil and plants.
- Plant beachy flowers or succulents in your newly decorated pots.
💡 Tip: For an even more personalized touch, use seashells that you’ve collected yourself during a beach trip.
3. Rope-Wrapped Planter
Give your planter a nautical look by wrapping it with coarse rope. A rope-wrapped planter evokes the look of a ship’s dock or beachside cottages, making it perfect for a coastal-inspired patio.
How to Make It
- Start with a plastic planter or an old pot.
- Wrap coarse jute rope tightly around the planter, gluing the rope as you go.
- For added detail, paint the rope with a light blue or white color for that classic coastal vibe.
- Add a small potted plant like lavender, succulents, or cactus.
💡 Tip: You can also create a rope handle on the planter for an added nautical touch.
4. Sand and Shell Planters
Create a unique, beach-inspired planter by adding sand and shells to your pot’s base. This simple DIY project will give your plants the look of being right at the seashore.
How to Make It
- Choose a small to medium-sized planter.
- Fill the bottom of the planter with sand, then add your soil on top.
- Arrange seashells around the outer rim of the pot to add a beachy look.
- Plant beach grasses, lavender, or even a small palm tree.
💡 Tip: Opt for a wide-mouthed pot to give the sand and shells more space to create a full coastal effect.
5. Wooden Pallet Planter
Repurpose an old wooden pallet into a coastal-inspired planter. With a bit of creativity, you can turn it into a rustic, beachy piece that’s perfect for displaying multiple plants.
How to Make It
- Find a wooden pallet or use leftover wood to build your frame.
- Sand down the wood for a smooth finish, then paint it in a coastal color like navy blue or turquoise.
- Place small planter boxes or flower pots inside the pallet openings.
- Add plants like succulents, herbs, or climbing vines.
💡 Tip: You can mount the pallet vertically on a wall or place it flat on the ground to create a tiered garden.
6. Coconut Shell Planters
For a truly tropical feel, turn coconut shells into planters. These natural, earthy planters will add a beachy charm to your patio and give it a laid-back, island vibe.
How to Make It
- Cut a coconut shell in half, making sure the top is slightly flat.
- Hollow out the inside to create space for soil.
- Fill with soil and plant tropical plants like hibiscus or bougainvillea.
- If you want a hanging planter, you can add twine or fishing wire to create a rustic hanging effect.
💡 Tip: Be sure to drill drainage holes at the bottom of the coconut shell to avoid waterlogging your plants.
7. Painted Beach Rock Planters
Beach rocks, often found on the shore, can be easily turned into charming planters with a touch of paint and creativity. These natural planters add character and uniqueness to any coastal patio.
How to Make It
- Find smooth beach rocks that are large enough to hold plants.
- Paint the rocks with ocean-inspired colors, such as light blue, white, or seafoam green.
- After the paint dries, add a small succulent or air plant to the top of the rock.
- Optional: Add a protective sealant to ensure the paint doesn’t chip.
💡 Tip: Group a few painted rocks together for a creative display on a patio table or shelf.
8. Repurposed Wooden Crate Planter
Old wooden crates can be repurposed into charming coastal planters. With a little paint and creativity, a wooden crate can be transformed into a rustic coastal accent.
How to Make It
- Start with a wooden crate or a wine crate.
- Sand the wood down for a smooth surface and paint it with white or light blue paint.
- Line the inside with a plastic liner to prevent soil leakage.
- Fill the crate with soil and plant flowers, herbs, or succulents.
💡 Tip: For an added coastal touch, add stencils or nautical designs like anchors or waves on the sides.
9. Mason Jar Planters with Rope
Mason jars are incredibly versatile and can be easily transformed into coastal-inspired planters. By adding rope and natural elements, you can create a rustic yet chic look for your patio.
How to Make It
- Use mason jars as your planters and add a bit of sand at the bottom for drainage.
- Wrap jute or nautical rope around the lip of the mason jar to give it a coastal look.
- Fill the jar with soil and add succulents or small indoor plants.
- Hang the jars using twine or place them in a wooden crate for a more rustic touch.
💡 Tip: These planters are great for small spaces and can be hung or arranged in a tiered display for visual interest.
10. Upcycled Tire Planter
Give an old tire a second life by transforming it into a unique coastal planter. Upcycled tire planters are durable, eco-friendly, and can add an industrial charm to your coastal patio.
How to Make It
- Find a used tire that’s in good condition.
- Paint the tire with coastal colors like white, blue, or even a distressed weathered look.
- Stack the tire or place it horizontally for a fun multi-tiered planter.
- Fill with soil and plant coastal plants like beach grasses, cacti, or lavender.
💡 Tip: To add a more artistic touch, paint fun seaside designs on the tire, like waves, sunset patterns, or palm trees.
Conclusion
These 10 DIY coastal-themed planters will help bring the relaxing and natural beauty of the beach to your patio, no matter the size or style. From rustic driftwood planters to creative painted rocks, these projects are simple, budget-friendly, and fun to make. With a little creativity and some coastal inspiration, your patio will feel like the perfect seaside escape. 🌊🌿