10 Creative Ways to Use Pots and Planters
Summer is quickly winding down, and it's time to shift your focus from outdoor gardening to creating a lush, green oasis inside your home.
Indoor pots and planters offer the perfect solution for plant enthusiasts looking to bring a touch of nature indoors. Best of all, you can add a stylish element to your decor. Whether you're a seasoned plant enthusiast or a beginner looking to spruce up your space, decorative planters can transform any room with their vibrant, natural beauty.
Natural Elements Are Trending with Home Decor
Natural-based decor is trending in interior design, with homeowners looking to create calming, organic environments. The trend expresses itself with wood flooring, animal hide rugs, and lush greenery that brings the outdoors in.
Pots and planters are among the most versatile and creative ways to achieve this look. So, let's explore ten innovative ways to incorporate decorative planters into your home decor.
1. Statement Planters as Focal Points
Decorative planters can do more than house your favorite plants—they can also be stunning focal points in your home decor. A well-chosen statement plant pot can instantly elevate the look of any room, drawing attention to a space and adding a touch of personality.
Living Rooms and Entryways
Large, eye-catching indoor plant pots are perfect for living rooms and entryways. They greet guests and set the tone for your home. Consider placing a sculptural, tall planter beside your sofa or the front door.
Choose a unique design, such as a marbled finish or hand-painted patterns, for an added wow factor. Then, pair it with a bold plant, like a fiddle-leaf fig, monstera, or large fern.
Choosing the Right Style Pot
When selecting a statement indoor plant pot, consider how it will complement your decor. If your style is more minimalist, opt for sleek, modern designs in neutral colors like white, black, or gray. For a boho or eclectic vibe, go for one with intricate details, vibrant colors, or woven textures.
Styling Tip
Make sure the size of the planter is proportional to the space. A small one can get lost in a large room, and an oversized one can overwhelm a smaller space. The goal is to create a harmonious balance that enhances the room’s aesthetic.
2. Hanging Planters for Vertical Spaces
Hanging planters are a fantastic way to add greenery to your home without occupying precious floor space. They’re perfect for smaller apartments or homes where space is at a premium. You can use them to add visual interest to any room, from the kitchen to the bedroom.
Maximize Vertical Space with Hanging Bowl Planters
Hanging planters can transform bare walls and empty corners into lush, green displays. In the kitchen, hang herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary near a sunny window to create a living spice rack. Consider adding a hanging plant pot with humidity-loving plants like ferns or pothos in the bathroom to create a spa-like atmosphere.
Creating a Floating Green Wall
Try grouping multiple hanging planters to build a floating green wall for a truly stunning effect. Mix and match different plant types and plant pot styles for a dynamic, layered look. You can add hanging shelves to display small decorative items alongside your plants.
Styling Tip
When selecting a hanging planter, consider the plant’s weight and soil. Make sure the ceiling or wall can support the load, and use sturdy hooks or anchors. Opt for lightweight materials like macramé or plastic, and choose a style that complements the rest of your decor.
3. Adding Small Pots to Shelves
Bookshelves and open shelving offer an ideal opportunity to creatively showcase your favorite small plants. Styling shelves with decorative planters can add depth and texture to your decor. As a result, you can make these often-overlooked spaces more curated and intentional.
Mixing Pots and Planters with Decor Items
Start by choosing a variety of small pots in different shapes, sizes, and materials. For instance, don't be afraid to mix round planters with square planters. Arrange them alongside books, framed photos, and other decorative items on your shelves. The key is to balance the elements without overcrowding—leave some open space to allow each item to shine.
Choosing the Right Plants
Not all plants suit shelf styling. Look for small, low-maintenance options like succulents, cacti, or air plants that thrive in indirect light. Their compact size and unique forms make them ideal for adding greenery without overwhelming the space.
Styling Tip
Use plant pots of varying heights to create a layered look. To add dimension, elevate small bowl planters on books or stands. Stick to a consistent color palette for a cohesive aesthetic, but feel free to play with textures.
4. Grouping Planters for a Mini Indoor Garden
Creating a mini indoor garden is a beautiful way to bring the outdoors in and make a statement in your home—group several decorative planters of different sizes and styles. You can create a lush, vibrant display that becomes a centerpiece in any room.
Choosing a Location for Your Plant Pots
Select a spot in your home that receives plenty of natural light. Windowsills, a sunny corner, or even a coffee table near a window are perfect. The location will determine the types of plants you can use, so choose wisely.
Mixing and Matching Pots
Variety is critical when grouping pots and planters. Combine different shapes, heights, and colors to create an exciting composition. For example, use a tall planter with leafy plants and a medium-sized one with bushy foliage. Then, add a smaller pot with delicate succulents or cacti.
Arrange them in a way that creates a sense of balance. For example, place taller ones at the back and shorter ones in front, or cluster them together on a tray or a plant stand. To enhance the display, you can also add decorative elements like pebbles, moss, or fairy lights.
Styling Tip
Use plant pots that complement each other but aren’t too matched. This will give your indoor garden a cohesive yet dynamic look.
5. Decorative Planters for Functional Spaces
Adding plant pots into functional areas like the kitchen or home office can enhance the aesthetics. Moreover, it can improve your overall well-being. Greenery in these workspaces can boost productivity and create a more pleasant environment.
In these functional spaces, where countertops and desks are often cluttered, opt for wall-mounted or hanging planters to save space. This keeps your surfaces free and adds an interesting vertical element to the decor.
Kitchen Planters
Consider using small, herb-filled planters on kitchen windowsills or countertops. They add a fresh, natural element to the space and serve a practical purpose.
Having fresh herbs like basil, mint, or rosemary within reach can make cooking more enjoyable and convenient. A trio planter is a perfect way to bring fresh herbs into your kitchen while using limited space.
Home Office Planters
For your home office, choose plants known to improve air quality and reduce stress, such as snake plants, peace lilies, or ZZ plants. Place them in decorative planters on your desk or shelves nearby to create a calming, green workspace. Opt for plant pots with clean lines and subtle colors to maintain a professional look.
Styling Tip
Choose self-watering planters for these busy areas to make plant care easier. You'll have fewer concerns about missing your regular watering schedules.
6. Planters as Room Dividers
Using plant pots as room dividers is a creative way to define spaces in open-plan living areas. Tall, lush plants in large planters can effectively separate living and dining areas and create a cozy reading nook within a larger room.
Choosing the Right Indoor Plant Pots
Select tall, narrow pots for a more structured look, or use wide planters with dense foliage to create a more organic, natural barrier. Consider the style of your home. Sleek, MCM planters work well in contemporary spaces, while woven or rustic plant pots add warmth to boho or farmhouse styles.
Ideal Plants for Dividing Spaces
Choose tall plants with a substantial presence, such as bamboo, rubber plants, or tall grasses. These plants create a visual partition and add a sense of privacy and seclusion to your space.
Styling Tip
Place pots and planters along the edge of an area you want to define, such as the boundary between your living and dining rooms. Arrange them in a row or cluster them in a staggered pattern for a more dynamic look. For added functionality, choose ones with wheels to move them around as needed quickly.
7. Pots and Planters for Seasonal Decor
Decorative planters are versatile elements that you can adapt to suit the changing seasons. You can keep your space looking current and inviting by swapping out plants and pots with each season.
Autumn-Inspired Plantings
Switch to warm-toned plant pots and seasonal plants as summer fades into fall. Consider using terracotta pots filled with mums, ornamental kale, or pansies. Add pumpkins or decorative gourds around the base for an extra festive touch.
Winter and Holiday Planting Ideas
For winter, choose indoor planters with metallic finishes or rustic textures. Fill them with evergreen branches, holly, or even small pine trees. You can also incorporate string lights or ornaments to give them a holiday vibe.
Spring and Summer Refresh
When spring arrives, opt for pastel-colored planters and vibrant flowering plants like tulips, daffodils, or hydrangeas. For summer, go bold with bright plant pots and tropical plants like hibiscus or bird of paradise.
Styling Tip
Keep a few neutral, classic planters that you can easily update with seasonal elements. That allows you to refresh your decor without investing in new planters each season.
8. Planters with Artistic Designs
Planters aren't only functional. They can also be works of art that enhance the overall aesthetic of your home. Choosing decorative planters with unique, artistic designs can make them stand out, adding personality and flair to your decor.
Geometric and Modern Designs
Planters with geometric patterns, bold colors, or modern silhouettes can add a contemporary touch to your home. Place these planters in minimalist spaces to create visual interest without overwhelming the room. They work particularly well in living rooms, offices, or entryways.
Handcrafted and Textured Pots and Planters
For a more eclectic or bohemian style, look for those with handcrafted details, such as ceramic pots with intricate carvings, woven baskets, or jute or macramé. These textures add warmth and character to your space, making the planters as much of a focal point as the plants they hold.
Styling Tip
Treat your indoor planters as you would any other piece of art. Arrange them on pedestals, group them in a gallery-like display, or use them to frame pieces of furniture. An urn planter, for example, adds a formal artistic touch to an entryway.
This approach elevates your greenery and transforms your plants into an integral part of your home’s design narrative.
9. Using Indoor Planters in Unexpected Places
One of the most exciting aspects of using decorative planters is finding unexpected places to use them. Think outside the box to add a touch of greenery to areas of your home that you might otherwise overlook.
Bathrooms and Hallways
Bathrooms, with their humidity and varying light conditions, are ideal for plants like ferns, orchids, or peace lilies. Place a planter on the vanity or hang a small pot from the shower curtain rod. Use a wall or tall floor planters in hallways to add life to these often-neglected spaces.
Staircases
Staircases provide a unique opportunity for plant styling. Place small planters on each step, or use tiered plant stands to create a cascading effect alongside the stairs. Choose plants that are easy to care for and can thrive in the varying light conditions typical of stairwells.
Ceiling Corners and High Shelves
Place planters on high shelves or hang them from ceiling corners to use the upper areas of rooms. Trailing plants like pothos or string of pearls are perfect for these spots. They create a lush, cascading look that draws the eye upward and makes the space feel more dynamic.
Styling Tip
Consider the lighting and humidity levels of these spots before choosing your plants. This will ensure they thrive and continue to beautify these unique areas.
10. Adding Decorative Planters on Furniture and Surfaces
When adding pots and planters to your decor, think beyond traditional spots like windowsills or shelves. Planters on furniture such as coffee tables, dressers, and bar carts can add a surprising and stylish element to your home.
Coffee Tables and Side Tables
Place a small cluster of planters on your coffee table for an eye-catching centerpiece. Choose a mix of indoor planters with varying heights and shapes to create visual interest. Low-growing succulents or small flowering plants work well here, as they won’t obstruct the view.
Dressers and Console Tables
Add life to your bedroom or hallway by placing a few planters on top of dressers or console tables. Choose plants with attractive foliage, such as calatheas or begonias, which can thrive in these spaces. Combine planters with decorative items like candles or photo frames to create a cohesive look.
Bar Carts and Kitchen Islands
Transform your bar cart into a mobile plant display, or place a few small herbs and decorative planters on your kitchen island. This adds greenery and keeps fresh herbs within reach for cooking. Use lightweight pots to make it easy to rearrange the setup as needed.
Styling Tip
Use trays or mats under your indoor planters to protect surfaces from water damage. They also keep the arrangement neat and organized.
Root & Vessel Has Decorative Planters for Any Space
Decorative planters are more than just containers for your plants—they’re versatile design elements that can transform your home. The possibilities are endless, whether you’re using them as statement pieces, room dividers, or seasonal decor.
As we move into the cooler months, now is the perfect time to get creative with indoor greenery. Root & Vessel offers pots and planters that reflect your personal style and home decor. Choose from a range of colors and sizes in numerous styles.
Our pots and planters come with a satisfaction guarantee. So go ahead, bring the outdoors in, and let your home flourish with the beauty of decorative planters!