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Bringing home new plants is a simple way to add a splash of color and character to your house, especially when those plants are potted 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.
Our Favorite Pots and Planters
- West Elm Bishop Ceramic Pedestal Planter in Alabaster, $29
- Campania International Sem Glazed Planter in Riviera Blue, $110
- Martha Stewart Faux Bois 9-Inch Planter in Gray, $35
- Terrain Fiber Concrete Barrel Pot in Brown, $38
- Williams Sonoma Blue and White Ceramic Planter, from $69.95
Of course, you aren't limited to quiet or loud options. Planters come in so many shapes, sizes, materials, 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 part of your home, inside and out.
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.
Bergs Potter Gray Castle Pots and Saucers
Clay is a common material for planters, and runs the gamut of prices and styles. The most popular is terra-cotta, which has an elegant, old-world quality, but you can also find shades of brown, gray, and white. We're partial to these neutral iterations by esteemed pottery house Bergs Potter.
Seibert and Rice Artisan Rolled-Rim Pot
Clay is porous, so you'll need to water your plants often to keep them hydrated. Less-thirsty succulents make great occupants in this terra-cotta-with-a-twist pot by Seibert & Rice, which features a patina glaze and ribbed base.
Campo de' Fiori Berkshire Planters
Keep in mind that large clay pots can be very heavy—so proceed with caution when you're working with these substantial plant holders from Campo de' Fiori; they look like they have been moss-washed.
West Elm Bishop Ceramic Pedestal Planter in Alabaster
These glazed-clay containers are sealed, so they hold in moisture better than their clay brethren above. This sleek piece from West Elm looks lovely on a modern porch; fill it with a colorful plant for color contrast.
Bauer Pottery Biltmore Pot in Bauer Yellow
Or consider this option from Bauer Pottery—the cheerful buttercup hue will surely brighten up a patio or deck. Just be sure to handle it—and every ceramic pot, for that matter—with care. Like clay, they can chip or crack if knocked over or left outside in freezing temps.
Campania International Sem Glazed Planter in Riviera Blue
This matte-black ceramic piece from Campania works across a myriad of home styles; it would look stately against the exterior of a more traditional home, but speaks to modern minimalism, too.
Martha Stewart Faux Bois 9-Inch Planter in Gray
This planter from Martha's collection is composed from composite, a blend of materials—typically concrete or clay mixed with resin or fiber—that looks totally natural. This piece's log-inspired design reinforces that idea. Our founder has some advice if you purchase this pot: "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," says Martha.
Terrain Fiber Concrete Barrel Pot in Brown
Here's another composite option we love: These ribbed pieces are lightweight, sturdy (you don't need to worry about them cracking or chipping), and all-weather, meaning you can leave them outside in winter. These qualities make these vessels the ideal candidates for large shrubs and trees.
Pennoyer Newman Roped Edge Cylinder Planter
We love the brushed quality of this simple planter; its composite make means it's easy to move around your yard, so you can focus on finding just the right spot for it.
Veradek Corten-Steel Square Bowl Planter
Constructed from stainless, galvanized, or Corten steel, plus aluminum or zinc, metal planter styles are durable and do well outdoors year-round. We love the reddish tint of this square Corten steel piece, which gets better and better over time.
Detroit Garden Works Cast-Aluminum Urn
There's one caveat to metal pots, including this aluminum number from Detroit Garden Works—this material can heat up in warm temperatures, causing the soil inside to dry out quickly and scorch plants. If you live in a hot zone, position them in the shade.
Terrain Galvanized Ring Panter
For the ultimate rustic touch, place trailing plants in galvanized bucket-inspired urns. Stock up on these options from Terrain in a few sizes to compose a visually pleasing vignette.
Martha Stewart Faux Wicker Planter Basket
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.
Williams Sonoma Blue and White Ceramic Planter
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.
West Elm Metal Standing Planter Brass
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.
Terrain Fiber Concrete Barrel Pot
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.
Yield Spun Peach Planter
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.
Norm Architects Wire Pot
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.
Kati Von Lehman Ceramic Pedestal Planter
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.
CB2 "Santos" Speckled Planter
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.
Capra Designs Large Etch Planter
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.