Make your own aged, antique-looking clay pots without the high-end price tag.
There’s something timeless and earthy about vintage terracotta planters. Maybe it’s the natural textures. Maybe it’s the way they make any plant look like it came from an old Italian garden. Whatever it is, I’m officially obsessed.
But let’s be real: those dreamy, aged clay pots you see on Pinterest or in Anthropologie catalogs can cost upwards of $40… each. That adds up fast—especially if you’re styling a shelf, porch, or windowsill.
So I found a way to get the same look, using a $3 planter and one thing you probably never thought to use in a DIY: Lightweight Wallboard Joint Compound. Yes, really.
This is a fun, beginner-friendly DIY you can knock out in under an hour (plus dry time), and it looks so good, no one will know you didn’t splurge on the real deal.
What You’ll Need:
- Terracotta pots (new or used)
- Lightweight All-Purpose Joint Compound (available at Home Depot, Lowe’s, or any hardware store)
- Disposable gloves
- Plastic spreader or your hands (I prefer hands for more organic texture!)
- Drop cloth or newspaper
- Optional: fine-grit sandpaper or a dry brush
DIY Steps
Step 1: Grab Your Supplies
Start with clean terracotta pots. You can use new ones from your local hardware store or thrift old ones. Either works! Spread out a drop cloth to protect your surface.
Step 2: Apply the Joint Compound
With gloves on, scoop a small amount of joint compound and start spreading it across the surface of your pot. Work in small sections, using a swirling or patting motion to create texture. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s that imperfect, aged look.
Want a chalkier finish? Apply a thicker layer. Want something subtle? Just skim the surface.
You can even mix in a little dry soil or sand to create extra grit and natural imperfections. Don’t overthink it—let the texture build naturally.
Step 3: Let It Dry
Set your pot aside in a dry, warm area and let it sit overnight or until fully dry. The drying time will depend on how thick you applied the compound, but most pots are dry within 8–12 hours.
Step 4: Optional Finishing Touches
Once dry, you can lightly sand areas to reveal some of the original terracotta beneath or use a dry brush with white paint for a limewashed look. You can also gently scrape off chunks for a more weathered vibe.
How to Style Your Vintage Planters
Now that you’ve made your beautiful, budget-friendly pots, here are some ways to style them:
- Group in Threes: Cluster three pots of varying heights on a patio table or windowsill.
- Mix With Real Vintage: Combine your DIY versions with one or two authentic aged planters for an eclectic vibe.
- Indoor Shelf Styling: Use them for houseplants, dried eucalyptus, or even as a catchall for paintbrushes or kitchen utensils.
- Outdoor Garden Nook: Add to your porch or garden for that perfectly imperfect cottagecore moment.
These planters also make thoughtful, handmade gifts—especially when paired with a pretty houseplant or fresh herbs.
Why I Love This DIY
I’ve always been drawn to that collected, curated feel you get from well-worn decor pieces—but I also love a good budget-friendly hack. This project gave me both.
And because the joint compound continues to age naturally with time (especially outdoors), these pots get better the longer you have them. Think of it as DIY that gets more beautiful with age—just like a good bottle of wine.
Pro Tip
If you want to seal your planter for outdoor use or watering, you can use a clear matte sealant spray once the compound is completely dry. Just keep in mind that the “aged” look might change slightly with moisture over time—and that’s kind of the beauty of it.
How Your Planters Will Age Outside
Once your planters are styled and placed outside, they’ll naturally develop even more character over time. Here’s what to expect:
1. The joint compound will continue to cure and settle.
Exposure to outdoor elements—sun, wind, and varying humidity—will help the texture deepen. Any micro-cracks or uneven edges will become more defined, enhancing that “aged over time” look.
2. Moisture will enhance the weathered finish.
If exposed to rain, dew, or even regular watering:
- The joint compound may slightly soften and re-harden in spots, giving it a more organic, patina-like texture.
- Areas with thicker application might chip or flake a bit—which only adds to the vintage effect.
3. Color variation will increase.
With exposure to the elements, you’ll start to see subtle shifts in tone:
- Whites and grays from the compound will mellow.
- Terracotta hues may peek through if parts wear down or crack.
- You might even see some natural moss or mineral buildup if the pot stays damp in shady areas—total garden fairytale vibes.
