What should I do with an outdated 70s style brick planter?
+15
It's in my living room and the first thing you see when you come in the front door! It's made of bricks.
I would paint it the same color as your wall so it is not as obvious and place assorted plants inside.
Or cover it with a different material, wood or stone.
If you have it in a sunny spot I would turn it into a water feature. Even a small bubbler will make a lovely noise and many water/pond edge plants are tall and lovely.
If it is in good spot for your television you could put a tv lift inside. https://www.amazon.com/Whisper-Ride-750-TV-Lift/dp/B0083SGW58
You could face it with wood to make it look like a cabinet and your tv would be hidden until you want to watch it.
Paint it the same color as your walls, then put a varnished, stained board on the top and use it as an entry table. Otherwise, can it be taken out without ruining your pretty floor?
I had the same thing in my home, I decided to knock it out and had the wall and floor repaired and now it makes the space look bigger
If it is near an outlet you could use it for a fish tank base.
We have something similar, but is connected to the wall of our entryway. Since we wanted a temporary fix, we covered the top with a styrofoam sheet, about 1" thick. Then I decorate it according to the seasons. I cover the styrofoam with a folded tablecloth or a runner. I have used tree trunk slices as a "plate" top with a candle, add a ceramic figurine and a small vase of flowers. But it will soon be removed and look like the 21st century.
I would sand that awful paint off of it, level the top edges, fit it with a wooden top & use it as a serving table for when family & friends spill over into the living room area. The space underneath could be used to store Christmas decorations that you use the most & just don't want to lug back into the garage. You have such a beautiful tile floor there & I think bringing the brick back to its true color would make it blend in better & not be such an eye sore.
So many options: remove it and have the floor repaired, paint it the same color as the walls, add a cement or marble top, cover it with beadboard, add open shelving to the ceiling for displaying precious items, or use it as a planter or t.v. lift station. I had one and removed it allowing for the open space feel. Best of luck.
I'd cover it with beadboard and paint the brick a cream color. Add a nice thick piece of wood on the top, stained a dark brown/walnut and use it was display area for plants, candles, etc.
I would build a decorative screen to the ceiling on top and paint one color. https://www.google.com/search?q=build+a+decorative+screen+next+to+living+room&client=opera&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjEhq-IyKTTAhUSwmMKHb3vB0IQ7AkIiwE&biw=766&bih=366#imgrc=KkW0g74Rvx2eyM: or I would bust it down with a sledgehammer.
Oh jeez, I feel your pain. When I moved into this house in 1985 I had a similar situation. But worse! THE BACK OF A HIDEOUS BRICK FIREPLACE PAINTED WHITE! Zane it wrapped all the he way into the living room!!!
First week, I hired someone to Sheetrock over the ENTIRE thing, except for the hearth and firebox, which I faced w marble tile.
You COULD Sheetrock over it for now, ( use liquid nails) which would make it a half wall, until you get the guts to sledgehammer it out!
Or just go with it, and throw in a pathos plant! KIDDING!
I have the old 60’s brick planters on the front of house and throughout the yard. Not just 1 or 2 but more like 4 or 5 of them. I would like to update but need to do this on a budget. Any ideas? I would like to wrap them with the wide metal garden edge but not sure if i can wrap brick. Any ideas or suggestions will be greatly appreciated
Put reclaimed wood on it, and use for a bench, a table top or add shelving to it. I would paint it back to brick color using different shades of brick and paint it with a large car wash sponge dabbing into the different colors. Paint the mortar joints grey first.
I'd paint to match you walls, then get a topper for it. Maybe wood, or granite/marble. Then you could put a lamp and some plants on it. Or maybe the whole thing can be refaced.
My first thought would be to remove it but if that isn't an option perhaps put a piece of wood over the top and make this a table to put stuff on as you enter the house.
I would like to know what you ended up doing. We just bought a house with this same exact entry. Previous owners turned it into a bench with the top that opens so the inside is storage. I was trying to find other ideas out there.
If you can't remove it, cover the brick with wood and add a nice top to it. It could be a good place for a TV or just for display.