Every now and then I see a repurposed old vintage project online and think, “I’d love to do that but I can never find that item.” That happened a few years ago when I saw this antique gas fireplace used as a planter. In all our shopping trips I’ve never seen an old heater like that. But guess what… just a few days later Bikeman and I took some time to go to some local thrift shops and I found my very own antique heater!
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My Repurposed Vintage Planter
The one we found wasn’t as ornate as the one in the blog post I read, but similar. The ceramic part is broken on one side which is probably why it hadn’t sold. I figured we could take that part out and just use the cast iron part to hold a planter box. The guy working in the shop came down on the price when he saw us looking at it. So even though the price tag says $30.00 we only paid $7.00.
Then we got it home and Bikeman took over. He cleaned it up, decided to leave the ceramic part in even though it’s broken, then went to the nursery and bought some flowers. It’s now in his garden.
UPDATE: Bikeman loves marigolds but I’m not that thrilled about them so next spring I added some different flowers.
I still love the details on this old heater.
He’s getting pretty creative in our little patio garden so I thought I’d show you what else he’s come up with.
This is a really big deal for him because up until the past couple of years he never really did anything in the garden. Just cut the grass. But now he’s really enjoying it and it looks better than ever!
I bought this old tackle box at an estate sale. It was going to be sold, too, until Bikeman grabbed it, stuck some succulents in it, and hung it on the fence next to his grill.
We’re on the lookout for more so he can completely surround the grill. Yes, I might be addicted to Pinterest. But where else do you find such great repurposed vintage projects?
Hanging right next to the tackle box is a magazine rack. It’s not vintage. We found that at our local T. J. Maxx. Bikeman bought some coconut liner at our nursery, added dirt, and more succulents. We just have to make sure we water this every day in the summer. It dries out fast!
Now, share your upcycle garden project with us!
If you liked this repurposed vintage project, check out these:
- Planting Succulents in Vintage Teacups
- Succulent Centerpieces for a Wedding
- Repurpose a Light Fixture into a Succulent Terrarium
- Build Your Own Wooden Succulent Garden Box
- Herb Garden in a Suitcase
Originally published March 28, 2014. Featured on Over the Moon Link Party.
‘Til the next vintage repurposed project,
Ann @ Duct Tape and Denim
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Jessica Panos says
Wow!! Thank you so much for linking to my terrarium. I love what you did with that heater. Such a great idea! Pinning this for later.
Ali says
Great idea!
Shirley Wood says
Interesting and unique project. I remember those old heaters, does that tell my age. lol #merrymonday
Michelle says
Oh my goodness this is just gorgeous!!! 🙂
I’d like to invite you to share this at the Farmhouse Friday link party which starts tomorrow morning at 6am PST. When you link up, I will share it with a direct link back to your post on all my social media, including on the DIY Farmhouse Style Facebook group, which at this writing has 222,000+ members. I hope to see you there! 🙂
Lynn says
Love the tackle box planter! I have one similar made from an old toolbox.
FLORENCE says
Great idea for the old heater! I love the ornateness that’s there, even though it’s not as much as the other one you saw. And what a great price! Was there a bottom layer for the plants to sit on? I’m certainly going to keep an eye out for one now!
ducttapeanddenim says
I just stuck a little board down at the bottom so there would be a level surface to set the plants on.
Gracie Redfield says
Lovely idea! I had an antique gas wall heater that I had planned to use to make a faux fireplace. Unfortunately, one of the parts in the heater was asbestos, and I didn`t want to expose my family or myself to it.
Naomi S. says
The Heater As Planter–who would have guessed how cool it would look? It’s really quite a lovely piece in and of itself, I think. But the plants dress it up just enough. And the magazine holders with the succulents are interesting and appealing. Great projects. Wish I could find one of those old heaters!
Debrashoppeno5 says
Great idea for a unique heater. I like your other ideas for planters also.
Michele Michael says
Yeah baby . Miss my garden. Perfect idea.
Donna @ Modern on Monticello says
Definitely a conversation piece for your garden. I love the tool box as well. Thanks for sharing at #HomeMattersParty
maria says
Truly lovely. Pinning this to my recycle board.
ducttapeanddenim says
Thanks! Hope you can find one to try it!
Linda at Mixed Kreations says
What a clever way to add some interest to your gardens! Love this idea! I will have to keep my eye out for an old heater.
Connie says
That heater is so beautiful and ornate Ann. They don’t make um like that anymore. It’s a piece of art in your garden. ♥️