How To Upgrade A Simple Dollar Tree Plant Stool Into A Statement Decor Piece

Plants are the perfect way to bring life into any room. Plus, they can be quite affordable, especially if you purchase them on sale and learn how to propagate like a pro with expert Hilton Carter's useful tips. However, once you get started with your plant collection, things can quickly grow out of control and take over a room. One way to manage the organization of plants is to use plant stands. Unfortunately, some of these plant stools can get quite expensive, particularly when they have special stone, metal, or other decorative elements. If you want a statement plant stool on a budget, get crafty and try out this Dollar Tree DIY.

You only need a few items to complete the simplest version of this project: a stool, Mod Podge, and a placemat. For those on a budget, the metal plant stand from Dollar Tree is a great option. It comes in six different colors, including black and white, so you can choose between a bold or more neutral look. 

There are many options for a placemat. Repurposing something from around your home is a great way to save money and the environment, but placemats can also be very affordable. For example, there are luau-themed table placemats at Dollar Tree that come in pineapple and tropical leaf shapes that would be great for this project. Finally, grab some Mod Podge, which acts as a glue, sealer, and varnish and can be purchased at Michaels.

The process of making this plant stool, as shown in user lizfenwickdiy's TikTok video, is quite simple. Start by removing any plastic, stickers, and tags before thoroughly cleaning and drying the plant stool. Then, choose your placemat. Depending on the size, you may need to cut the placemat to better fit the top of the stool. Inspect the placemat to make sure you are using a piece without any defects, and experiment with how you want to position the placemat on the stool before securing it. When you're ready, coat the top of the stool in a thin, even layer of Mod Podge. Gently put the placemat on the surface and smooth it out. Once the first layer is dry, add another thin, even layer of Mod Podge.

There are a few tricks to working with Mod Podge that can help your plant stool turn out as perfect as possible. First, you will want to consider which type of Mod Podge will work best. Matte Mod Podge works well for this project, but you could also try the Satin finish for a glossier look. Using the Outdoor finish can help protect your stool from dirt, water, and plant debris, but even Outdoor Mod Podge is not completely waterproof or immune to UV rays. So, consider an acrylic sealer for extra protection. Another tip is to use steel wool to sand between coats of Mod Podge for the smoothest possible finish.

There are quite a few ways to make this project perfect for your specific home. The first is to choose a unique and suitable placemat. A white placemat with a design around the edge, almost like a doily, will have a traditional vibe. Using an actual doily can also be one of a few creative ways to repurpose your old vintage doilies around the house. Alternatively, something colorful, floral, or geometric can seem more fresh and modern.

While Dollar Tree offers stools in a variety of colors, spray paint on the metal stools can make any of the stools better match your home's color scheme and style. You can even master spray painting your DIYs with two easy finds from Dollar Tree. For a more luxe look, gold or silver might be worth a try. Just make sure you lightly sand the stool before spray painting it, and carefully seal it once you are done for long-lasting results. 

Similarly, you can paint or dye whichever placemats you choose before sticking them to the stools. Contrasting colors will bring out the design of the placemat, but a monochromatic style between the stool and placemat could create a cool, textured look. For even more dimension, whether you're painting your materials or not, consider using multiple placemats. This could be done by applying multiple smaller placemats, cutting placemats to fit together, or even layering the mats to create a more geometric design.