These Decorative Flower Pots and Planters Will Make Your Plants Pop
Whether you're into ceramic pots, brass bases, or a particular color scheme, there's something here for every avid gardener.
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Bringing home new plants is a fast way to add a splash of color and character to your house, especially when those plants are placed in the perfect container. Think of your flower pots and planters in the same way you would as frames for your art—they can be simple and sleek, allowing what's inside to do the talking, or they can make a statement all on their own. For example, a bright, fluffy fern contrasts nicely against a matte black ceramic pot. But if you have a small olive tree that has a narrow profile at the base, a textural white terra-cotta vessel creates an interesting design moment and can make up for all of that negative space.
Of course, you aren't limited to quiet or loud options. Planters come in so many shapes, sizes, and colors, some with self-watering capabilities built right in, others with hidden drainage compartments. It's easy to walk into your local nursery or hardware store and grab a pot off the shelves, but the more decorative options—the ones that work well within the context of your specific décor—are often a little harder to find. Still, they're worth seeking out; these pieces can bring serious visual intrigue to just about every room in your house, wherever you decide to position your houseplant.
To help you on your hunt, we've curated several of our current favorites that boast something unique, whether that be an interesting hand hewn shape or an unusual color palette—or simply offer a beautiful design opportunity.
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Basket Style
Searching for a basket-inspired option to place on the ground, perhaps at the foot of your porch? We love this option, which was designed by our founder to mimic a wicker trough, handles and all.
Shop Now: Martha Stewart Faux Wicker Planter Basket, $55, amazon.com.
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Terra-Cotta Creation
These hand-thrown and hand-glazed planters will easily brighten up your indoor or outdoor spaces. Inspired by a Southwestern sunset, the terra-cotta pots are dipped in speckled cream washes for an earthy orange finish.
Shop Now: Crate & Barrel Dyssodia Terracotta Planters, from $119, crateandbarrel.com.
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Classic Ceramic
Made from glazed porcelain, these Ming-style planters are designed to resemble the hand-painted Chinese originals. Plus, the botanical pattern speaks to the classic blue-and-white style.
Shop Now: Williams Sonoma Blue & White Ceramic Planter, from $54.95, williams-sonoma.com.
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Serene Scene
Looking for a colorful new home for your plants? These planters mimic nature with their sunny tones and oceanic hues, thanks to a color-dip technique.
Shop Now: Crate & Barrel Juxton Planters, from $34.95, crateandbarrel.com.
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Natural Beauty
Add a rustic feel to your spaces with this tree trunk-like planter. Need a pro tip from Martha? "Use a piece of screen to cover the extra-large drainage hole to prevent soil from escaping while still allowing for proper drainage and air circulation," she said of using the item.
Shop Now: Martha Stewart Faux Bois Planter, $35, amazon.com.
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Bold and Brassy
Plants with a tall and slim profile, like rubber plants or palms, will pop in this statement planter. Bonus: It comes with an X-shaped design for added style, too.
Shop Now: West Elm Metal Standing Planter Brass, from $96, westelm.com.
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On a Pedestal
Add some height to your favorite plants—whether they're inside or outdoors—with this tall planter, complete with a removable bowl for easy watering.
Shop Now: West Elm Bishop Pedestal Planters, $100, westelm.com.
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Ridged Concrete
Available in a variety of colors and sizes, these ridged concrete pots are great in a collection or on their own. The material is frost-resistant, making them a nice option for your winter planters.
Shop Now: Terrain Fiber Concrete Barrel Pot, from $32, shopterrain.com.
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Mauve Beauty
This handmade ceramic planter is a gorgeous mauve color that makes it perfect for richly colored plants like chocolate mint coleus or Persian shield—though bright green ones, like this one, offer a pretty contrast.
Shop Now: Bloomist Abelia Footed Ceramic Planter, $58, bloomist.com.
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Pretty in Peach
Plant negligence, be cured! This peach colored vessel is self-watering, and sure to keep your plants happy. Add a little height with a natural birch stand, and your plant will be looking its very best.
Shop Now: Yield Spun Peach and Natural Birch Planter Stand, $335, yielddesign.co.
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Architect Approved
Designed by Copenhagen's Norm Architects, this simple powder-coated wire base can be used to elevate any mid-size plant. These planters look great in sets of three for variety—perfect on an entry stairway or spacious balcony.
Shop Now: Norm Architects Wire Pot, $59.95, menudesignshop.com.
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On a Pedestal
Made in Portland, these ceramic pedestal planters have a detachable base that catches the drainage from the pot; fill them with maidenhair fern, a lush ivy plant, or a trailing floral option.
Shop Now: Kati Von Lehman Ceramic Pedestal Planter, $102, spartan-shop.com.
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Stylish Speckle
If you're in the market for something that looks handmade, this large terra-cotta option with contrasting speckled legs should do the trick. Variegated Algerian ivy, with its soft white edges, would look beautiful in this planter.
Shop Now: CB2 "Santos" Speckled Planter, $89.95, cb2.com.
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Minimalist Maven
A work of art designed by Farrah Sit, this ceramic beauty comes in both a tabletop size that's great for floral plants or fresh cut flowers and a larger option that can hold large indoor plants and trees.
Shop Now: Radnor "Vayu" Planter, $620, radnor.co.
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Vintage Inspired
Made in Australia, this sleek planter is available in two colorways and vintage-inspired patterns. It's a great size for medium plants, and the drainage dish is practically camouflaged by the design.
Shop Now: Capra Designs Large Etch Planter, $179, capradesigns.com.
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Fit for a Tree
Measuring in at 20.5 inches in diameter, this whitewashed terra-cotta beauty can house just about anything—and can be strung up from the ceiling, thanks to its conveniently-placed holes.
Shop Now: CB2 "Zola" XL Planter, from $17.94, cb2.com.