From Forgotten Ladder to Lush Plant Hanger: A DIY Transformation

If you love DIY projects and giving new life to old items, this one’s for you! I recently found an old wooden ladder on Facebook Marketplace for just a few bucks, and instead of using it for climbing, I turned it into a beautiful, rustic plant hanger. Here’s how I did it—and how you can too!

Finding the Perfect Ladder

I scrolled through Facebook Marketplace looking for something unique when I stumbled upon a vintage wooden ladder. It had chipping paint, a bit of wear and tear, but tons of character. For only $15, I knew I had found my next project.

Prepping the Ladder

Before I could start using it as a plant hanger, I needed to clean and prepare the ladder. Here’s what I did:

• Sanded it down: The ladder had rough edges and peeling paint, so I gave it a light sanding to smooth everything out.
• Cleaned it thoroughly: A simple mixture of warm water and mild soap removed dust and grime.
• Sealed the wood: Since I planned to use it indoors, I applied a clear matte sealer to maintain the rustic charm while protecting the wood.

Choosing the Right Setup

Depending on your space, you can position your ladder in a few ways:

1. Leaning Ladder: Lean it against a wall and add hanging planters to the steps.
2. Suspended Ladder: Hang it horizontally from the ceiling with chains to create a floating plant shelf.
3. Standing Shelf: Add wooden planks between the steps to create stable plant shelves.

I opted for the suspended ladder look to create a unique focal point in my living room.

Hanging the Ladder

Hanging the ladder from the ceiling required some extra steps:

• Found ceiling joists: Using a stud finder, I located secure spots for the hooks.
• Installed heavy-duty hooks: I used sturdy ceiling hooks that could support the weight.
• Attached chains: I connected the ladder to the hooks with metal chains, ensuring it was level.

Adding the Plants

Now for the fun part—decorating! I chose a mix of trailing and potted plants to create a lush, cascading effect. Some of my favorites included:

• Pothos (for trailing greenery)
• Spider Plant (easy to care for and adds volume)
• Marginata Tree (for added height)
• Rubber Plant (for variety and texture, and again, more height)
• Monstera (for the lush large leaves)

I used macramé hangers and S-hooks to attach my pots, creating an effortless boho vibe.

The Final Look

The result? A stunning, space-saving plant display that adds character and greenery to my home. What started as an old, forgotten ladder is now a statement piece—and a great conversation starter!

Try It Yourself!

If you have an old ladder lying around (or spot one online), don’t let it go to waste. With a little creativity and effort, you can transform it into a unique plant hanger that brings warmth and life to your space. Happy DIY-ing!