Pallet furniture ideas: 11 stylish and affordable ways to add tables, benches, bars and more

Pallet furniture ideas are having a moment. And really, we're not surprised. First of all, they are incredibly budget-friendly – and by that, we mean you can often get them for free. Second, pallet furniture is totally on-trend – it's got a chic, pared-back look that we adore. And third (if you need another reason to be persuaded), it is hugely customisable. You can paint it all your favourite colours, you can add wheels, you can even turn pallets into a bar! Now we're talking.

Our best garden furniture may have you inspired, but what's the harm in a little mix and match? Plus, an outdoor project is good for the soul – especially when the results are this functional and stylish. Of course, it's also an eco-friendly alternative to buying new.

So what are you waiting for? Take a look at our favourite pallet furniture ideas and get inspired to create your own DIY masterpiece.

BY HOLLY CROSSLEY

If you want to add a playful edge to your plot, then take inspiration from this fabulous idea from The Merrythought. All you need is a couple of pallets, a covered mattress, a strong branch overhead, some rope, and a scattering of soft cushions and throws. And voila – a great feature for your plot, that will draw everyone's attention in the best kind of way.

Adults, think of it as an alternative to swing seats. Just imagine lying back on a summer's afternoon, admiring the leafy canopy above or reading a good book, as you gently sway back and forth. Bliss! No doubt kids will find slightly less relaxing uses for it – but you can be sure everyone will love it.

Just two pallets is all is takes to create a quaint picnic table, perfect for when the warmer weather arrives. It'll look adorable surrounded by comfy outdoor cushions or the best outdoor beanbags.

String bunting nearby and add a glass jar of freshly cut blooms for an extra touch of vintage charm.

One of the plus points of pallet furniture is the ability to get creative with your customisation. Here, just three pallets have been transformed into a stunning outdoor sofa with a bit of DIY skills, a lick of the best exterior wood paint, and a few complementary cushions.

The result is a great alternative to our best wooden garden furniture and is bound to turn heads. A perfect example of how to inject a good dose of vibrancy into your upcycled treasures.

If you love a touch of boho-chic in your garden, then try this idea. Build a coffee table from pallets and then paint in a sumptuous purple tone, before piling on masses of potted plants. It makes a stunning feature – a lovely way to liven up a patio.

Sometimes a simple idea can be all it takes to transform a dull corner of your plot. This beautiful blue pallet is a perfect example – painted in soothing hues and hung on a stone wall.

But don't let the creativity stop there. Turn your brushes to old tins and containers to create upcycled plant pots, then attach these to the newly-painted pallet. Fill with your favourite flowers or foliage and you have yourself a beautiful, and very affordable, new display.

It'll look fantastic in all kinds of plots. But, it's a particularly great option for small gardens, as it optimises vertical space.

Every garden has it's less-Instagram-worthy bits. The compost bins, a jumble of bikes... Or, perhaps you'd simply like to create a little more privacy between you and your neighbours.

Either way, a pallet is a quick and easy way to create a versatile screen. And what's more, it can be decorated however you see fit. Festoon lights, plants, and bunting are all used to decorate the scene above and make it into an eye-catching display. And we love the use of apple boxes too, for extra interest.

If you love garden benches but fancy getting a little handy with some DIY, why not give this idea a go?

Simply stack a few pallets and screw them together. Sand it down (you don't want to sit on a splinter), brush over a protective coating, and add a cushion or two. Before you'll know it, you'll have a handy bench which can also double up as a plant stand or table.

If you're ready for a serious project and would love to add more shelter to your seating area, then this idea is for you. All you need is a bit of creativity, a handful of pallets, a splash of vivid colour, and a bit of DIY-know-how to create an ingenious covered bench.

Once assembled, you could surround with climbing plants, or even fairy lights, for an extra dose of enchantment.

Everyone loves a herb garden. Not only do they look great and smell fantastic, freshly chopped herbs add a ton of flavour to cooking. If you've been wanting one of your own, then check out this idea.

All you need to do it hang your pallet on a wall and secure a panel of wood at the bottom of each 'shelf', ready for soil and plants. Our favourite part of the example above is the addition of chalkboard paint – it's a modern twist and means you'll always know what's what.

Ready to make pallets a part of your tropical garden? Then it's time to get out the neon-bright colours, add a show-stopping parasol, and a flamingo or two (naturally).

It goes to show how pallets can be used all across your seating area. A bench and small table makes a budget-friendly alternative to bistro sets, whilst you can spot another one being used as a pretty planter to the right.

As the RHS Campaign for School Gardening explains, tidy gardeners often like to clear away debris to make their plot more attractive – and understandably so. And, with the rise in popularity for low-maintenance, contemporary plots, there are often less natural materials around anyway, having been replaced with hard surfaces or artificial lawns.

This is all fine and well, except when it comes to insects, who usually would use the extra debris to shelter from bad weather or predators. But, don't worry – you can still give them a helping hand.

Our pallet furniture ideas are just what you need if you're looking to update your plot on a budget