Unusual ways to reuse shutters in your home

I’m always on the lookout for surprising, useful upcycles. So, when I came across numerous projects that involved repurposed window shutters, I did a happy dance. Take a look at just a few of my favorite, unusual ways to reuse shutters in your home.

Create a shutter succulent garden

One of the most creative projects I’ve found is using old shutters to build a solid planter for the backyard. The greatest part about building this planter is the numerous methods you have to pull it off. My preference is to fashion the shutters into a rectangle with four walls. I would fasten the shutters at each corner using nails, hinges, or wood glue.

 

 

Find detailed instructions here.

Then, I would fill the slots and the top opening with gravel, plant a cluster of tiny green babies, and watch them flourish. But if you’re looking for something just a little simpler, fear not! You can always take those old shutters, lean them against your favorite patio wall, and use them as a vertical succulent garden or vine planter.

 

 

Craft rustic shutter shelving units

Another excellent upcycled design I'm itching to try is turning used shutters into shelving units. This project is also super easy to do. The combo console table/bookshelf above is really simple, but obviously striking and provides lots of great storage if you need it. Instructions here.

 

 

All that’s required to create a beautiful shutter wall shelf is the attachment of a couple of L-brackets and the proper hardware to support them. After that, you’ll be ready to hang these beachy shelves in your favorite spaces.

Of course, I like to have a little splash of color and personality in all my home décor. So, if you’re like me and are looking for a way to add a personal touch, slapping a fresh coat of paint or a new wood stain on those gorgeous shutters is an excellent choice. Or, if you feel like the original color is still fitting for the room, you can leave them as they are.

 

 

Build a bohemian shutter side table

When it comes to furniture and décor, my favorite pieces are always the ones that look as if they have a history behind them. And luckily for us, we can get that effect by upcycling our used shutters and transforming them into a stunning, rustic side table. This project works exceptionally well with older, worn shutters with significantly chipped paint, as this will give the side table the rustic aesthetic we’re going for.

Much like the planter, you’ll fasten four shutters into a rectangular form. The critical difference here is that instead of leaving the top open, you’ll want to find a glass top that fits snuggly over it. In my opinion, it’s best to go with a glass top that coordinates well with both your home’s color scheme and the color of your side table.

 

And if you need a coffee table rather than a side or end table, Bless This Nest has instructions for you. 

 

 

Make a coat rack

Tacking this last one on the end because I'm a sucker for anything that involves mismatched drawer pulls. Hop here for instructions.

So, if you’re looking to switch things up, try your hand at some of these unusual ways to reuse shutters in your home. These inspired projects are sure to give your favorite areas an extra splash of personality and style.