A Stunning Ladder DIY Creates The Perfect Place To Put Hanging Plants

Hanging plants can be an excellent way to bring the outdoors inside. Not only do they allow you to have gracefully dangling vines that fill space and bring an organic element to interiors, they also don't take up valuable floor and tabletop/shelf space. They also can make your home healthier. Hanging the plants, however, can be a challenge, especially indoors where you have to install individual hooks for hangers, which can damage plaster and limit where you can put them securely. An ingenious solution that not only solves these problems, but introduces a lot of rustic design charm, is mounting a ladder to the ceiling where you can hang plants from. By suspending a wooden ladder with some chain into carefully sunk hooks in the ceiling joists, you can build a large hanger for your plants that looks as beautiful as it is functional. 

This is a clever way to repurpose a ladder that you can install anywhere you desire lots of greenery. In your entryway, over a kitchen island, or even over a bathtub/shower that makes watering the plants super easy. This also works outdoors over a seating area or on a porch. You can even add other elements like hanging decor and lighting. Simple hanging bulbs, jar lanterns, or twinkle lights will show off your plants even in the dark.

To create your plant rack, all you need is a wooden ladder, some chain, and four ceiling hooks (depending on the size of the ladder) that you can fasten into the joists. Vintage wooden ladders are a great option. You can often find them at antique stores and flea markets. You can also buy new ones distressed to look old at many home décor stores, where they are often sold as throw blanket racks. If your available space is more square oriented, try using a vintage wagon wheel instead. You can even build a simple ladder rack exactly to the size you need (a project which can also be used to hang pots and pans). Keep in mind, the more plants you hang and the heavier the planters, the more sturdy your ladder will have to be to support their weight. Always err on the side of caution, especially over high traffic areas. 

Fasten the chain into the wood with hooks at each end of the side supports and hang from the ceiling via heavy capacity drywall. Leave the ladder in its original wood weathered finish for a rustic look, or paint it white or another color to make it more cottage chic. Hang an assortment of plants or baskets from the rungs and rails at different heights to get the most impact. You can use planters that are all uniform in color or material, or mix and match different planter shapes, colors, and designs for a more eclectic look. For budget-friendly containers, try creating stunning DIY hanging planters.