10 Charming Old Colander Hanging Basket Planter

An old colander might seem like something that belongs at the back of a cupboard, but it can become one of the cutest hanging planters in your garden. Because colanders are already full of holes, they drain beautifully, which makes them perfect for flowers, trailing plants, and even herbs.

These ideas are for anyone who wants a small upgrade with a big payoff—whether you have a porch, balcony, patio, or a tiny side yard. You’ll find simple ways to hang a colander safely, line it neatly, and style it so it looks intentional instead of random. Best of all, most of these can be done with items you already have, or can thrift cheaply.

Quick List

1. Rusty Colander With Trailing Ivy
2. Enamel Colander Herb Hanging Basket
3. Painted Colander In Cottage Pastels
4. Two-Tier Colander Hanging Planter
5. Macramé-Colander Boho Basket
6. Galvanized Colander With Wildflowers
7. Kitchen Window Colander Planter Indoors
8. Colander Lined With Moss For A Woodland Look
9. Bright Color Pop Colander For A Modern Patio
10. Colander With Seasonal Blooms For The Front Porch

1. Rusty Colander With Trailing Ivy

A slightly rusty colander looks instantly charming when it’s filled with soft, trailing greenery. Line the inside with coco fiber or a scrap of landscape fabric, add potting mix, then plant ivy, alyssum, or another spiller that will drape through the holes and over the rim. Hang it where it gets bright shade or gentle morning sun so the leaves stay lush. The mix of weathered metal and fresh green gives that cozy, collected-garden feel.

• Best For: Shady porches, covered patios, and any spot where you want a relaxed, cottage mood.
• Budget Tip: Use a thrifted colander and leftover fabric from an old tote or burlap sack as a liner.
• Styling Idea: Pair with terracotta pots and natural wood for a warm, vintage look.
• Care & Maintenance: Water slowly so the soil absorbs before it drains out; trim spillers to keep it full.

2. Enamel Colander Herb Hanging Basket

A vintage enamel colander makes a clean, classic hanging herb planter, especially near a kitchen door. Use three equal lengths of rope or chain so it hangs level, then plant herbs you snip often—basil, parsley, thyme, or oregano. Because herbs like good drainage, the colander holes do the hard work for you. Hang it in bright light and close enough to reach with scissors, so it becomes both decor and a daily-use garden piece.

• Best For: Small patios, balconies, and anyone who cooks often.
• Budget Tip: Start with two or three herb seedlings and add more later as space opens up.
• Styling Idea: Keep it simple—white enamel, natural rope, and green herbs look fresh and tidy.
• Practical Note: Choose a spot sheltered from strong wind so herbs don’t dry out too fast.

3. Painted Colander In Cottage Pastels

If you want your hanging planter to feel more “decor” than “found object,” paint the colander in a soft pastel. Lightly sand, use a metal-friendly primer, then paint in dusty blue, sage, or cream. Fill it with bright blooms like calibrachoa and lobelia so the flowers pop against the soft color. Hang it at eye level where you’ll notice the details—distressed edges, flower clusters, and the sweet pattern of the holes.

• Best For: Front porches and fence lines that need a cheerful focal point.
• Budget Tip: Use sample-size paint or leftover outdoor paint from another project.
• Styling Idea: Repeat the same pastel in a small pot or watering can nearby for a coordinated look.
• Care & Maintenance: Seal the paint for weather resistance, and touch up chips once a season.

4. Two-Tier Colander Hanging Planter

Turn one cute colander into a statement by stacking two in a vertical “tier.” Use the top for upright plants (like geraniums or compact marigolds) and the bottom for trailing plants that soften the whole shape. Keep the chains short between tiers so it doesn’t sway too wildly, and make sure both colanders are lined well. This looks especially good in a patio corner where you want height without using floor space.

• Best For: Small patios and balcony corners that need vertical interest.
• Budget Tip: Mix and match thrifted colanders—mismatched can look intentional when the plants tie it together.
• Styling Idea: Do one color family of blooms (all pinks, or all whites and greens) for a polished effect.
• Practical Note: Hang from a strong hook anchored into a beam; two planters get heavy after watering.

5. Macramé-Colander Boho Basket

A macramé hanger instantly makes a colander look soft and styled. Choose a smaller colander so it sits neatly in the cords, then plant a mix of succulents or a trailing plant like string-of-pearls for a boho vibe. The contrast is the charm: crisp metal holes, earthy soil, and textured cotton knots. Hang it near seating so it feels like part of an outdoor room, not just a planter floating on its own.

• Best For: Covered patios, balconies, and sheltered nooks with bright light.
• Budget Tip: Use a simple DIY knot pattern or repurpose an old hanging basket hanger.
• Styling Idea: Keep the palette calm—neutral cord, muted plants, and natural wood furniture nearby.
• Care & Maintenance: Succulents prefer less frequent watering; let the mix dry slightly between drinks.

6. Galvanized Colander With Wildflowers

A galvanized colander has a simple, farmhouse feel that pairs beautifully with a “mini meadow” planting. Fill it with small wildflower-style blooms and a bit of grass-like texture for movement. The colander holes help prevent soggy soil, which is key for many flowering plants. Hang it where it gets several hours of sun, then enjoy the soft, airy look as the plants spill and flutter in a light breeze.

• Best For: Sunny fences, pergolas, and garden gates where you want a relaxed, natural vibe.
• Budget Tip: Use seed mixes for compact flowers, or buy one tray of small plugs and split them.
• Styling Idea: Pair with weathered wood and simple metal hooks for a rustic, unfussy mood.
• Care & Maintenance: Deadhead regularly to keep blooms coming and the basket looking full.

7. Kitchen Window Colander Planter Indoors

Not every colander planter needs to live outside. Hang one near a bright kitchen window for an indoor green accent that feels fresh year-round. Use a drip tray solution: set the colander inside a slightly larger decorative bowl or hang it over a shallow tray to catch excess water. Pothos, small ferns, or other easy houseplants work well and soften the metal look with lush leaves.

• Best For: Renters and anyone without outdoor space.
• Budget Tip: Propagate pothos cuttings in water, then plant them once roots form.
• Styling Idea: Choose a colander that matches your kitchen vibe—enamel for farmhouse, stainless for modern.
• Practical Note: Protect ceilings and floors by using a tray or liner that reduces dripping.

8. Colander Lined With Moss For A Woodland Look

For a storybook feel, line the colander with sheet moss and tuck in small plants that suit shade. The moss hides the liner, softens the edges, and makes the planter look like it belongs in a woodland garden. Add a few pebbles or bark chips on top for texture, then plant creeping thyme, small hostas, or compact shade-friendly blooms. Hang it under a tree or covered area where the light is dappled.

• Best For: Shady gardens and anyone who loves a natural, whimsical style.
• Budget Tip: Use a thin layer of moss just around the rim and holes for impact without needing much.
• Styling Idea: Pair with stone, dark wood, and muted greens for a calm woodland mood.
• Care & Maintenance: Mist the moss in dry weather so it stays fresh and plush-looking.

9. Bright Color Pop Colander For A Modern Patio

A bold-painted colander can look surprisingly modern when you keep everything else simple. Choose one strong color—mustard, charcoal, or deep teal—and plant a high-contrast mix like white blooms with lime-green trailing vine. The perforated metal reads almost like a graphic pattern, especially in bright light. Hang it against a plain wall or near sleek planters so it looks like a deliberate design choice.

• Best For: Contemporary patios, small courtyards, and anyone who likes clean lines.
• Budget Tip: Paint one colander first; if you love it, add a second later to create a matching set.
• Styling Idea: Repeat the accent color in a cushion or small outdoor rug for a cohesive look.
• Practical Note: Use a sturdy hook and keep the basket slightly sheltered to reduce paint wear.

10. Colander With Seasonal Blooms For The Front Porch

Make your porch feel welcoming by swapping seasonal flowers in the same colander basket. In spring, try pansies; in summer, use petunias or marigolds; in autumn, go for small mums and trailing ivy. The colander becomes a reusable “frame” that keeps your entry looking cared-for without buying new containers every time. Hang it near the door where it catches warm light and feels like part of the greeting.

• Best For: Front porches, entryways, and anyone who likes to refresh decor through the year.
• Budget Tip: Replant just one section at a time—keep the trailing plant and swap only the flowers.
• Styling Idea: Match bloom colors to your door or porch cushions for an easy coordinated look.
• Care & Maintenance: Check moisture often; hanging baskets dry faster, especially in warm weather.

Conclusion

Old colanders make surprisingly beautiful hanging baskets because they’re practical, quirky, and full of built-in character. With a simple liner, a balanced hanger, and the right plants, you can turn a thrifted find into decor that feels warm and personal. Start with one colander in a spot you pass every day, then build a little collection as you discover what styles and plants you love most.

FAQs

1) Do I need to drill extra holes in a colander planter?
Usually no—colanders already have plenty of drainage. If the holes are very large, add a liner (coco fiber, burlap, or landscape fabric) to keep soil from washing out.

2) What’s the best liner for a hanging colander basket?
Coco fiber is the easiest and looks natural, but burlap, landscape fabric, or even a cut piece of an old reusable bag works well. The key is letting water drain while keeping soil in place.

3) How do I stop water dripping everywhere after watering?
Water slowly in stages so the soil absorbs more. If it’s indoors or over a clean patio, add a hidden catch tray beneath it or move the basket to water it, then return once it stops dripping.

4) Are colander hanging baskets safe for renters?
Yes—use a freestanding shepherd’s hook, a railing clamp hook, or a sturdy over-the-door bracket. That way you can hang it without drilling into walls or ceilings.

5) What plants work best in colander hanging planters?
Trailing plants (ivy, sweet potato vine, bacopa) look especially good spilling over the rim. Herbs also thrive thanks to great drainage, and compact flowers work well if you keep up with watering.