Give Your Plants A Stylish New Home By Upgrading Old Glassware

If your plant decor is calling for an upgrade, skip the pricey new vases — the perfect solution might be hiding right in your cluttered glassware cupboard. Over the years, it's easy to collect a mix of glassware that doesn't quite match, from those commemorative glasses you never use but can't part with, to a charming vintage utensil holder that doesn't fit your kitchen's aesthetic. Instead of letting those unique pieces gather dust, you can turn them into stylish planters with a simple upgrade. All you'll need to do is drill a drainage hole into the bottom of your glass.

Whether you're looking for ways to repurpose drinking glasses that no longer match your dishware, or you simply want to switch up the style to your current plant decor, this creative upgrade is worth a try. But don't start drilling through all your antique glasses just yet. There are a few things to consider before you dive into this project. When done right, this approach can turn everyday glassware into unique planters that not only showcase your plants but also add a touch of charm to your decor.

When choosing glassware to repurpose as a plant holder, it's helpful to consider a few factors to make sure your plants will thrive. For one, you should check your vintage glassware for lead, as many older pieces can have trace amounts. While small amounts of lead are unlikely to impact plant growth, they could be hazardous if you're growing edible plants or herbs. Testing for lead can give you peace of mind before turning vintage finds into plant containers.

Next, think about the shape and size of the glassware. It's best to choose a piece with a flat bottom and enough space to accommodate the plant's roots comfortably. You'll also want to consider whether you want to use transparent or opaque glassware. Transparent glass can offer several benefits, like allowing you to monitor moisture levels and root health and even spot early signs of soil-based pests. However, it's worth noting that clear pots can also pose some challenges. In direct sunlight, they may heat up, potentially harming the roots. They can also encourage algae growth over time, which can be a burden to manage. 

It's helpful to consider the kind of plant you'll be placing in your planter, and whether or not it will benefit from the style of glassware you're choosing. If you want to avoid the disadvantages of transparent planters, consider using an opaque glassware option from your cabinet to avoid any issues.

To upgrade your glassware into a plant holder, you'll need to add a drainage hole to the bottom. There are many reasons why proper drainage is so important for houseplants, but it essentially comes down to preventing root rot and overwatering — two issues that can quickly harm your plants. Instagram creator @channygrayhome walked followers through this easy upgrade in a recent post, showing them how to drill a hole into the bottom of the glassware and noting in the caption, "All it takes is a diamond drill bit to make a drainage hole."

To get started, secure your glassware on a stable surface, like plywood, to keep it from sliding. To avoid any hazards, you'll want to wear safety goggles or a mask to protect against any glass dust. Next, apply painter's tape to make an "X" over the spot where you plan to drill; this helps the drill bit grip the glass without slipping. Use a diamond drill bit and start drilling at a low speed with gentle pressure, lubricating with water to keep the glass cool and minimize dust. Drill slowly until you create a small hole, then continue drilling gradually until you're through the glass. 

Once the hole is complete, all you need to do is clean off the area and pot your plant. With this easy upgrade, you'll finally find a purpose for old glassware, turning it into unique, functional plant holders that will showcase your greenery in style.