You can see a plain wooden crate, the kind that often gets overlooked or tossed aside, can easily become a cozy home for your plants.
By tucking in terracotta pots filled with succulents, herbs, or faux greenery, you create a rustic centerpiece that feels organic and welcoming.
Specially, it works in any setting, line it up in the kitchen to keep fresh herbs within reach, place it on a dining table for a casual yet elegant arrangement, or let it brighten up a window ledge.
It’s a simple upgrade that makes your plants feel intentional, almost like they’re part of a curated display rather than just sitting in mismatched pots.
Materials Needed
- 1 wooden crate (16-18″ long, 5-6″ wide, 4-5″ tall)
- 4-5 small terracotta pots (3-4″ diameter each)
- Sandpaper (120 grit)
- Wood stain or whitewash (optional)
- Small paintbrush or rag
- Plants of your choice like succulents, herbs, or faux greenery
- Plastic liner or tray (optional)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Sand the crate lightly, keeping just enough roughness to highlight the rustic look. Then smooth out sharp corners so it feels pleasant to handle.
Step 2: If you want a farmhouse finish, brush on stain or whitewash, then wipe it back with a rag so the natural wood shows through. Allow it to dry completely.
Step 3: Place a plastic liner or shallow tray inside the crate to catch any drips. This protects the wood and makes it easier to keep clean.
Step 4: Nestle your terracotta pots inside the crate. Don’t worry if they don’t fit perfectly, that little bit of uneven spacing only adds to the charm.
Step 5: Fill your pots with greenery. Mixing different plant heights and textures gives the arrangement a natural, overflowing look. Succulents pair beautifully with trailing vines or herbs like basil and thyme.
Step 6: Position your crate where it can shine like on a coffee table, along the center of a dining table, or even as a cheerful welcome piece in the entryway.
Tip: If you’re short on time, try faux succulents or greens. I’ve mixed real and artificial plants before, and honestly, most people can’t even tell the difference.