planters

Originally, small planters and pots were once found filled with African Violets and other small plants and they made complete rows across window sills and filled up plant stands.

For whatever the reason (lack of greenthumbs, perhaps?) smaller plants and their small homes are less popular, making these vintage pottery items less desireable, and as a result, quite inexpensive. In fact, if it doesn’t have ‘one of those names’ on it, such as McCoy, Shawnee, or California, these little planters are dirt cheap.

Because so many folks do not see past their obvious uses to grow plants, or place fresh flowers, you can grab these charming pottery items for a song, put them to very practical uses holding household odds and ends, and have a wonderful, whimsical, decor.

Hobbyists will appreciate the versatility of planters for storage. Larger planters can be used outside on a deck to hold gardening tools, gloves etc. Crafters, use these vintage ceramic pots to hold paint brushes and tubes. Larger posts can hold balls of yarn, knitting needles, and other tools when not in use — yet the supplies remain close, and on display, until you can pick up that stitch again.

Sewers can use vintage planters to hold pins, thread, needles, etc. This little bull dog was a snap to turn into a pin cushion — just a few cotton balls wrapped in Aida cloth stuffed in the opening, and voila!

As an alternative to baskets, pottery pieces are easier to dust and offer more colorful options. Imagine them in colorful rows along window sills, tucked in book cases, filling in small areas on shelves, these pieces not only add bits of color and unexpected charm to your home, but practical solutions to storage as well.

Distinctive planters keep clutter off the counter and make for a unique and unforgettable way to hold keys, sunglasses and other items which seem to walk away or be forgotten.

While many of these pots are figural (and so sweet they can give you a toothache), there are more sophisticated artist planters, retro bold colored ‘moderns’ in squares and rectangles, and the more traditional round pot shapes in solid colors too.

On a desk, use a planters and pots to hold pencils, pens, markers and other office supplies within reach. Larger pots, such as , retro rectangular pots can hold CDs and DVDs, envelopes, etc.

In the kitchen, taller planters and bud vases not only are cute holders for cooking utensils, but by holding them upright, they take up less space than trivets and spoon rests.

In the bathroom, use well-cleaned vases and small planters as toothbrush holders, or as an organizer for ponytail holders, hair ribbons etc. On vanities and in baby’s room, they hold cotton balls and Q-tips.

These vintage planters also work well for scenting your home holding potpourri. Resistant to flame, they also make nice candle holders — and with the use of marbles or floral stones, they can even hold incense.

Of course, you’ll want to keep things in scale, for visual impression as well as practical concerns such as the stability of the planter or pot, but with so many options, the only thing to limit you is the size of the planter and your imagination.

Those of you who worry about wear and tear devaluing the planters, you may want to reconsider some of these ideas — for any use beyond a high shelf or packed in bubblewrap has it’s potential for damages and risks of condition. But with so many pots available, I don’t think you’re risking lots of dollars or damages to historical items.