- Design Inspo
The 17 Best Planters to Add Life to Your Home
Houseplants are an absolute obsession for many people—and Nest Casa is totally on board with that. Indoor plants have been shown to reduce stress levels and can even have therapeutic properties. Did we mention that they make pretty great and expressive decorative items? Outside of basic terracotta pots, though, there are many styles of planters and plant stands that you likely haven’t seen or considered. In fact, a planter or plant stand can be just as important a part of a home’s décor as the plant that’s in it.
Best Plant Stands
Because there’s not always a chic corner vanity or end table for you to place your plants on, you may have to look for a plant stand. This is particularly true if you’re trying to ensure your plant gets enough light from a high window. Luckily, we’ve found a wicker plant stand—as well as a metal plant stand and a number of pedestal plant stands—for you to choose from. If you’re choosing something tiered, try placing a crystal or two on the lower tier for an energetically charged piece of décor. You could also try decorating with small books or magazines for a look that says you’re well-read.
Plants and Light
While finding the right plant and pot aesthetically is very important, you’re not going to be able to keep the plant alive for very long if you don’t have the right amount of light and humidity in the area where it’s residing. It only makes sense: A plant that is meant to survive in the dark, damp environment of the tropical rainforest floor isn’t going to thrive in a high-sun, desert environment. Conversely, something like a cactus will need a lot of light and thrive most when there is virtually no humidity. It’s all about choosing the correct plant for the space and positioning it in an area that has a light level that’s best for it. Thankfully, a good plant stand can help.
Potting Plants
Again, choosing a suitable pot for your new plant isn’t always just about looks. While you might want to hang that Calathea, tropical plants like prayer plants need to be potted in a vessel that drains easily so as to not drown your plant. Not all pots need holes, though, as some species have evolved to be more tolerant to wet environments. Those are the ones you can use for hanging plants without worrying about water dripping to the floor. Ceramic and terracotta plant pots also help wick moisture away from soil and prevent overwatering.
Pets and Plants
Unfortunately, not all plants are safe for all homes. Just as you, a human, know not to chew on certain plants for fear that they might make you sick, you should ensure that your furry friends don’t have access to things that may hurt them. Some of the most common and easiest houseplants (like Philodendrons, Pothos, and ZZ plants) are unfortunately just not pet friendly. If you have a dog, it may be easier to keep the plants away from them if you keep them up high. Luckily, there are plenty out there that are easy to take care of and safe for your four-legged pals.
Market Edit:
From Willy Guhl—who was instrumental to the evolution of furniture design in Switzerland—comes an hourglass-shaped mid-century plant stand with a beautiful patina that only age can bring. Fill this planter with something lush, vine-based, and green that doesn’t need any drainage. We suggest a lipstick plant (a.k.a., an Aeschynanthus).
Initially designed by Arthur Umanoff in the 1960s, these rattan and metal plant stands are wonderful for drawing attention to your leafy friends. Buy just one to spruce up a corner—or, buy all three to add a multi-level pop of life to any room.
This planter and plinth combination takes porcelain planters to a new level, literally. Practically made for minimally decorated homes, the planter features white and gray tones offset the greenery.
If you’re angling for a more earthy feel, no material is better than terracotta. These planters mix the classic earthenware with high-end design.
A wicker planter is timeless in a natural way. It’s also versatile enough for any room in the house.
Woven from straw and jute, this set of three baskets will effectively brighten any corner that needs a bit of life. There’s no drainage hole, though, so be sure to pick the right plant.
Galvanized iron gives these two-tiered metal plant stands an added texture. It’s also an incredibly durable material, meaning that the stands will be with you for years to come.
Classical pots like these give a regal air to the yard they’re put in. In particular, they look great with ferns.
Terrazzo is so on-trend right now. This pink octagonal planter is the ultimate unexpected splash of color and shape.
This mid-century French planter by Max Ingrand features gilded wood, making any plant look more formidable.
These eight faux bois (or, false wood that’s often handmade) planters come from 1950s France. They’re fairly large, so stagger them around a garden for a forest-like effect.
Made of ribbed terracotta, this planter is great for outdoor spaces. Group a few together or spread them apart for a cohesive-looking arrangement.
Manufactured in a modern iteration of the Chinese Chippendale style first introduced by Thomas Chippendale, this Celerie Kemble for One Kings Lane collaboration comes in a beautiful sage color.
This made-to-order marble planter can be made in 15 different colors, ensuring there’s something for everyone’s décor.
Another faux bois planter, this hyper-contemporary item can come in five different colors and with or without handles.
When life gives you lemons, make a lemon-inspired large ceramic planter. This piece is certainly eye-catching. Plus, you can bet that nobody you know will have anything like it.
Italian-made pots like these could go anywhere inside your home and look amazing—and they come in all sorts of fun colors. Put them in your kitchen against a fancy new backsplash for an elevated look.
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