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Upcycled Footboard into Home & Garden Decor

It’s not a surprise I love a good challenge. However, this time around, my dad brought me this solitary footboard. I told him I really didn’t have room, but I’d take it. Do you feel an upcycled footboard project coming on? {{dramatic music begins}}

Cast-Off Footboard Before Upcycled Makeover by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

My sweet father brought this to me in late summer and I tucked it in for the winter hoping for inspiration to hit by spring. Honestly, I had in the back of my brain to just set it out for spring clean-up if nothing came to mind to do with. Funny, not funny, was I missed spring clean-up and now had this to work on. Maybe that was providential? IDK.

Since I am on a mad dash rush to clean out my entire shop, rebuild it, and start new, I needed to find a life for this. Truthfully, I didn’t want to quit on it, but couldn’t totally wrap my brain around what to do with it. Maybe Lily could help me?

Calico Cat Laying Under Vintage Footboard | prodigalpieces.com

The limit I placed on myself was that I only wanted to work on it if I could use the entire thing. I don’t like creating waste and I figured if I couldn’t make use of it all, that I would see if someone needed it. Footboards do break, ya know, and someone may need it.

DIY FUN

Okay, so finally I stared at the parts and came up with a few ideas. Let’s see what you think. First, I started by taking it all apart and remove all the trim pieces, and then set out to tackle the posts. However, the screws were stripped on both sides, so I used my circular saw to cut it apart. Not only that, but I am also bummed to see that the center board is particle wood. ugh. I can’t stand that stuff.

Then, I used my coping saw to cut off the rest of the center board. This little saw is one of my must-haves as it allows you to make powerful cuts, intricate design cuts, and only costs a couple bucks.

Cutting Footboard apart | prodigalpieces.com

Next, you know that funky hardware needed to come off. And, you’ll be happy to know I even saved that for a later purpose.

Removing Hardware from Upcycled Footboard | prodigalpieces.com

The vision I had for the posts was to create a set of hanging plant stands. In order to do that I cut off the top finial, again using my coping saw. No worries! Those finials will get a new life in a bit.

Cutting Finial Off of Old Footboard | prodigalpieces.com

FIXIN’

Next, I needed to fill in all the holes and gaps in the post. I used scrap wood and a whole lotta wood filler. Once set, I sanded it down with my sander and we’re ready for the next step.

Cutting With Hack Saw | prodigalpieces.com

Applying Wood Filler to Bed Posts | prodigalpieces.com

In order for my DIY plant hanger stands to actually stand, I needed to create a base. Afterward, I put in a wood dowel pin and attached a piece of scrap wood.

Plant Hanger Stand Assembly | prodigalpieces.com

Last, I attached that base to a bigger base with my nailer for stability and height.

Nailing DIY Plant Hanger Stand Base | prodigalpieces.com

Once the base is assembled, I add some trim, top off with more wood filler, and then stain to have make it cohesive.

Applying Stain to DIY Plant Stand Hangers | prodigalpieces.com

UPCYCLE

While the stain is curing, I begin to formulate my other upcycled footboard projects. Secondly, I dive into my thrifted wood project stash I’ve mentioned in these past posts and pull out these handmade sconces.

Vintage Handmade Candle Holders for Repurposed Bookends | prodigalpieces.com

I cut the sconces apart and reassembled them to create these to reclaimed bookends. Do you recognize the parts? They are ready for a new look with paint. My small spray shelter and turn table always come in handy.

Upcycled Bookends Before Makeover | prodigalpieces.com

While those are drying, I begin assembly of my last upcycled footboard project. I have the center board and trim to make use of. Hmm…it finally hit me to create a flower box. I called in JC’s help as I was dealing with a bit of back pain at this point. I cut up the board on my miter saw, and then he finished the cuts of the trim pieces.

THE REVEAL

Are you ready to see all my projects in their final state? I’m excited to show you! First, here are my plant hanger stands.

Farmhouse Style Garden Shed with Upcycled Decor by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #garden #diy #home #homedecor #farmhouse

Repurposed Bed Post Garden Plant Hanger created by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | DIY tutorial at prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #home #garden #homedecor #diy #farmhouse

So fun right? I’ve staged them on my garden shed that got a bit of a makeover last year. (see HERE) It’s due for a complete overhaul on the interior. With that in mind, you can see the complete remodel HERE.

Spring Garden Shed with Upcycled DIY Decor by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #home #garden #homedecor

Reclaimed Bed Post Plant Hanger for Garden Decor | Tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #home #homedecor #garden #farmhouse

These DIY plant hanger stands make for fun accents to display in an entry, along a garden path, or even inside your home too. How would you use them?

DIY Garden Shed Decor from Upcycled Materials by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #home #homedecor #garden #farmhouse

 

Video Tutorial for a Broken Crock Planter for your Garden Beds by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Upcycled Bed Post Plant Hanger DIY Tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #home #handmade #garden #homedecor

Backyard Garden Shed Decor Made from Upcycled Finds by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #home #homedecor #garden #summer

I don’t know about you, but summertime is one of my favorite seasons to be outside and relishing in all of creation. Moreover, our DIY fire pit is definitely a hot spot (pun intended)

Upcycled Footboard for Garden Shed Decor by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #home #garden #farmhouse #homedecor #summer #diy

Okay, so what happened to the rest of my upcycled footboard? Well, here are those architectural salvage style bookends.

Farmhouse Style Architectural Salvage Bookends Created by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #home #homedecor #handmade #farmhouse

Shabby Chic Farmhouse Style Bookends Created by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #home #homedecor #farmhouse

Don’t you think those sconces look much better as bookends? I used every bit of that upcycled footboard in my projects. My brain is so happy to have these ideas out of my head. haha!

Furthermore, I spray paint all of my project pieces in a dark gray, then topped with a flat white to distress for the time-worn effect I adore.

Architectural Salvage Style Bookends for Farmhouse Decor by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #home #homedecor #farmhouse #handmade

ONE MORE

Last, but not least, here is the rest of the upcycled footboard with every last bit used up.

Handmade Upcycled Flower Planter Created from a Cast-off Footboard by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #home #homedecor #handmade #farmhouse #garden

Handmade Fresh Flower Planter from an Upcycled Footboard by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #handmade #farmhouse #home #garden #flower #homedecor

The planter contains two thrifted vases for my blooms, and I’ve filled it with cuts from my spring garden beds. I just love this time of year, don’t you?

Repurposed Footboard Made into a Flower Planter by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #handmade #flowers #homedecor #garden

Of course, I had to add some whimsy with typography. Last, but not least, I simply use my transfer method to apply my design and fill in with a sharpie. You can see my video demo in this post.

DIY Handmade Flower Box from and Upcycled Footboard by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #home #handmade #homedecor #farmhouse

In addition, if you’d like to own any of my pieces, you can find them available in my online shop.

  • Magic Linen Beige Waffle Blanket available at Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #bedding
    Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130

SHARE

 

Likewise, pin and share to inspire other to take their unwanteds and make them into something new.

DIY Upcycled Footboard Made into 3 Different Projects: Plant Hanger Stands, Bookends, and Planter Box | Full project at prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #home #homedecor #handmade #farmhouse #garden

Up next, it’s Trash to Treasure Tuesday and I will be making something out of these cart parts. Come join the fun HERE.

Target Bar Cart Parts Before Upcycled Makeover by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!

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Additionally, more DIY projects like this upcycled footboard:

Check out this super fun upcycled bookcase headboard hutch. From funky vintage to farmhouse chic. Full tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces at prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #handmade #home #vintage #homedecor #furntiureSimply beautiful. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces created this French Provincial headboard bench with a custom built frame as well as a handmade tufted French mattress. | DIY details at prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #handmade #diy #homedecor #furniture #shopping

Comments

  1. Cindy says

    Larissa great job. Your dad seems to bring you pieces often. Everything you made from this piece is great.

    Love the plant stands so clever. The planter is nice too and the graphic is the perfect finishing touch.

    Have to say I like the bookends better than the sconces.

    Enjoy them all.

    Cindy

    • Larissa says

      Thanks! He often does because he has rentals and people leave so much “junk” behind. Thank you for stopping by and sharing encouraging words.

  2. Marie says

    You always come up with the best ideas! Love the flower pot stands and pretty flower box. I never would’ve thought to turn the sconces into bookends. Great job as always 🙂 Pinned

    • Larissa says

      It may take me awhile, but something always pops up. haha! At least I’m not a quitter, right? 😀 Thanks so much, Marie.

  3. Becky says

    Well done! The plant stands are my favorite, with the “fresh flower” box as a close second. The bookends have to take third, as I can’t even picture my book shelves having space for a bookend to fit, haha! ? What a fantastic set of projects!

    • Larissa says

      Woot! Thank you! The flower box ( I think) is my favorite) Mostly because it was the most challenging. We have no room for bookends either, hence the mantel…hahaha!!

  4. Mary Loveland says

    Larissa you did a great job! I really like the plant stands but would use them as hanging candle lamp holders, they’d look great. I dearly love the Fresh Flower boxes! There’s something very cool (in a mystical way) about those bookends, hmm. Keep up the good work and take care of yourself!

    • Larissa says

      Thanks so much, Mary. Yes, the stands could be used for most anything. 🙂

  5. Barb says

    Really admire your ability to see beyond the original item. The projects are wonderful, particularly the plant stands. My only question is how do they not tip over when you water the plants? .

    • Larissa says

      Thank you for the love, Barb. They are built in such a way they are stable. No tipping here! 😀

  6. Christy James says

    Awesome that you were able to use every last piece of that footboard! Love every single project!! XOXO

    • Larissa says

      Thanks so much, Christy. It was a fun challenge to take on. 😀

  7. Megan Harpring says

    INCREDIBLE!!!!????❤

  8. Olga says

    Larissa, these ideas are awesome! New way of using the old headboard, love it!!

  9. Jennifer says

    Would you believe that all the way over here in East Texas I have the matching “junked” headboard , exact same lol. I’ve had it for some time now and it’s like writer’s block I have yet to come up with what I am to repurposed it as, would love to send you pic and see what your thoughts are!

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