Adding Vintage Style with Houseplants
It’s still winter and everyone here is yearning for warmer, sunnier weather. By March, all holiday decorations have long since been put away (hopefully!) and the inside of my house is looking a bit boring.
A little cheering up is in order, and if you don’t have the cash for a new rug or couch, adding some new green leafy friends in vintage planters can be just the thing.
Adding vintage style with houseplants on any budget.
In keeping with our love of re-using old stuff all of the houseplant containers we use in our house have been found at thrift stores, flea markets, yard sales or have been gifts.
Vintage Planters Sources
Vintage planters don’t have to be expensive and can often be found for a few dollars or less. I’ve even found some for free (trash day score!). Some popular and collectible ceramic planters can get pricey depending on the make and rarity. Luckily, many of these planters were mass produced for the floral industry and therefore plentiful and cheap to pick up.
Collectible Vintage Planters
If you’d like to learn more about popular collectible vintage planters here’s a few links to check out:
It’s easy and affordable to start a collection…and maybe even a bit addictive. “Oh just one more green Floraline planter – thank you”.
Grouping several planters of the same color, shape or style is a great way to make an impact. Changing the plants I put in my planters is also a nice way to keep things fresh.
Experimenting with the endless options using different types of containers is a fun way to add vintage style.
Besides adding color and making our spaces healthier, houseplants and vintage planters can add some interesting texture.
Houseplants Sources
Houseplants can get pricey. But, don’t worry, if your willing to start small and shop around you can find some nice plants without spending a fortune. You may even find some for free! Check out your local paper or online “Meet up” listings for plant swaps where folks are giving away or swapping seedlings and plants.
We’ve rescued plants from the bargain, clearance section of our local Lowes and Home Depot. Garden experts will discourage this, due to a concern for bringing diseased plants into a healthy garden or home where other plants might become infected. We’ve had good luck finding plants for a fraction of the cost, that we nursed back to health with no pest problems. Even grocery stores can sometimes surprise you with their selection of live plants.
Cheap and easy to grow
Succulents are really popular right now and planting them in vintage containers is a great to show them off. They’re easy to care for and come in so many great shapes and colors, it’s easy to get hooked on these plants
Succulents are good starter plants if you’re new to keeping houseplants. These plants are affordable and can be grown in a variety of planters just make sure if your planter doesn’t have a drainage hole to provide a drainage layer since succulents don’t like wet roots.
Houseplant Resources
If you’re ready to add vintage style to your space with some houseplants here’s some of my favorite resources for inspiration and advice.
Hilton Carter – Plant stylist and author – check out his amazing loft/jungle! He also has some great videos on plant care.
The Sill – plant store located in NYC, CA and online.
Monty Don – Englands favorite garden expert – I love his garden shows on Netflix
Bloom and Grow Radio – fun and helpful podcast
Houseplant Journal – nice online resource
Gardenuity – custom garden kits based on your zip code
Homestead Brooklyn – really nice DIY’s, video’s and resources
For even more visual inspiration just head on over to Instagram and search on plants and houseplants! Have fun and get some vintage style going with your houseplants.
