Brick planter ideas needed

Question

Hello! We have an indoor brick planter that I want to do something with! I have already whitewashed the brick and it looks great. But, the top is a dirty looking concrete. I had convinced myself to build a mantle type piece for the top but now I'm second guessing myself (of course since we are gonna start tomorrow!). My mom's suggestion was just to paint the top to match our wall color. I want the inside filled up and have bought some decorative pieces for the top.  What would you do?  Thanks a,

Beth H. Makemeprettyagain.blogspot · Answer

I would do some reclaimed wood and glue to the concrete. You could get different lengths and lay it out like you would do a wood floor. or you could actually take leftover flooring and cut it in strips to lay on top. I would also do a reclaimed wood wall directly behind the planter bed. Now that would look cool.

Then I would have that planter full of, yep, plants! you could do terrariums, or herbs or a succulent garden, ferns,,etc. Get some colored glass they use for fireplaces and lay that on top of the dirt. 
as for the vertical wall directly behind it, I like the idea of what's in the pics I've attached.

The first one is actually peel and stick. you could also use pallet wood in a chevron pattern, as they did on the table in pic 2. 
Do some wood shelves-pic 3. or in the pic 4, take different types and thicknesses of wood and glue them. 
I also like the idea in pic 5 how they just painted it white, like yours, but filled it with plants and then have the pendant bulb lights hanging above it!

Much better than just painting the cement!

Dfm · Answer

i would make a lid for it out of wood and trim pieces- curved moldings or molding that coordinate w/ the house, and use the the brick part for storing not in season items, whether it is decor or hats mittens etc. continue the same molding you have on your wall around the bottom of the storage box.

Moxie · Answer

I would paint the wall behind it a rich color and set a fountain on top of the rocks for a water feature

Jack · Answer

I would frame it with plywood and beautiful molding before painting it to match the rest of your walls, trim, etc. I'd use kilz, paint and poly acrylic to 'faux stone' the top and fill it with living breathing potted plants that could be switched out to work with the seasons. If you have enough light - consider putting in an herb garden....

Diane Lucas · Answer

You could put an aquarium inside the bricks.

Sandra · Answer

I would take it out. Tear it down and replace the flooring. No more catch all and it makes the room more open. I say, just get rid of it.

Leslie Lazzarini · Answer

I like the fountain idea but would double check to make sure it's a 'functional planter' last thing you need is water damage to the hardwood floor! Also Ace (and I'm sure most local hardware stores) have concrete stain. Comes in some really pretty colors or you can mix to make your own. Since this is indoors there is very little wear and tear which would extend the life of the stain tremendously. You can also buy a sealant after you stain. Good Luck!

Marlene Haigh · Answer

crazy idea maybe but if you don't have a fire place I would brick the wall next to it and make the middle a fire pit!

Patricia · Answer

I've painted concrete with chalk paint and had good results. I'll include a photo of a concrete bird bath for an example.

Me · Answer

you can never go wrong with plants inside the home. Just make sure you won't wind up with a leaky or moldy situation.

Karen Coulas · Answer

It looks like this is right in a high traffic area. One where you come in the door. If this is the case, I would remove it. I great dresser for a catch all in the door, or a bench seat with hangers above for coats and purses.

Cindi · Answer

If you want to keep it, maybe get a nice piece of wood and just top it off, since it'll probably be a catch all space no matter what you do with it, maybe put a big vase or appropriately sized statue in the middle.

Liz · Answer

I like Cindi's idea. A pretty piece of wood on the top, and then you could attach matching wood shelves up the wall for extra storage/display. Lots of possibilities.

Avianut · Answer

I'd paint it and pop a plant in.. You can always do something requiring more work if you change your mind.

C · Answer

I would suggest painting it first... if you don't like it, THEN spend the money on a mantle ;-)

Don't know if you already have a plan for the inside of the planter..... but a couple ideas come to mind depending on your needs, and your personal tastes.
1. Invest a good quality artificial tree and {if you like them} create a fairy garden in the rocks around the tree base {I like this option, since it can easily be changed in the future}
2. Build a shelf/cubby/ on top of it to be your catch-all

Sandra Staton · Answer

I'd put a beautiful plant in it. I love it, and not everyone has a built-in planter in their home.

Kathy Bitzan · Answer

Wow great ideas, I started with the wood top and first since you can't really remove it. Then as I was looking again I think it would be a great spot for an aquarium. Lets us know what you did.

Julie · Answer

See pics for update and another question!  Thanks!

Anne · Answer

If you want it for a countertop type table/display area, why not get a premade countertop slab that you can get and just put it on top of the whole thing? We got a countertop made at Lowes for our island that has a recessed area that slips over the top of the cabinets so it doesnt move around.

Brick planter ideas needed

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