Planter Design for Indoor Spaces

Trend Alert: The Latest in Planter Design for Indoor Spaces

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Indoor planters are a great way to add life and light to your space. According to Allied Market Research, the worldwide flower pots and planters market reached a value of USD 978.70 million in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% from 2021 to 2030, reaching a projected value of USD 1.5 billion. 

This growth is expected to be driven by several factors, including rising demand for houseplants and an increase in spending on home decor products. 

Like other aspects of home decor, the latest trends in indoor planter and container design showcase a variety of features that can enhance your home’s style, beauty, and comfort. From sustainable materials to modular designs and beyond, here's what you need to know about these popular planters:

1. Sustainable Materials

As eco-consciousness grows, many designers are incorporating sustainable materials into planter design. These include recycled plastics or biodegradable materials.

Biodegradable materials are a great option for both indoor and outdoor planters because they break down naturally over time. They're also often made from renewable resources like cornstarch, wheat straw, and bamboo fibers (to name just a few).

Recycled plastics can be used to make planter pots that look like traditional clay pots but have the added benefit of being completely recyclable at the end of their lifespan. This makes them perfect for use in spaces where you want your plants to blend seamlessly into their surroundings, like an office lobby or apartment lobby, without sacrificing style or comfort.

2. Creative Shapes and Sizes

Before you get started, it's important to consider the size of your planters and how many plants you want to add to them. Smaller planters can add visual interest and color to a space without taking up too much floor space. Tall plants with flowers can be placed in larger containers, so they become a focal point and stand out from other elements in the room. 

Short plants, like succulents, cacti, or fresh herbs, look best when grouped in clusters or rows that mimic their natural growth pattern. These plants easily fit inside small planters and look great in a window box

If you're uncertain about which shapes and sizes would be ideal for your living space, you can explore various options on online platforms such as Crescent Garden. These platforms offer a wide range of choices, especially if you're interested in something more unconventional than standard rectangular pots and flower beds

Some of the innovative shapes you can find include:

  • Round
  • Oval
  • Square
  • Rectangular with rounded corners

3. Modular Designs

Modular planter designs that can be used to create different arrangements are becoming popular, allowing for versatility in indoor spaces. These modular planters can be used on their own or combined with other modular designs to create a cohesive look. 

They're equally great for indoor and outdoor spaces, so you can use them anywhere from your garden to your home's entryway.

4. Multi-Functional Planters

There are many ways to incorporate planter design into your indoor space. Some planters now include additional features, such as built-in lighting and storage.

Some of the most popular multi-functional planter ideas include:

  • Planters that double as benches: These are great for seating areas in your home, office, or patio, where you can put your feet up and enjoy the view of your plants at the same time.
  • Planters that double as chairs: Another option is to place these on either side of a dining table and use them as extra seating during dinner parties or other social gatherings.
  • Planters that double as stools: You can even turn these into extra seats if needed. This works especially well when you have limited floor space available.

5. Natural Materials

Natural materials, such as wood or terracotta, are making a comeback in planter design. These materials add warmth and interesting textures to any indoor and outdoor space. They can be used to create a variety of styles, from rustic to modern.

6. Color and Pattern

Color and pattern are important considerations when selecting planters. Consider how different elements of your collection will complement each other to create a cohesive look that is both visually appealing and functional.

Here are some examples:

  • Colorful planters in varying shapes and sizes can add visual interest and color to an indoor space. For example, if you have dark furniture, consider using bright colors like red or orange for your planters (or vice versa). This way, they won't blend in with the rest of your decorating scheme but rather stand out as a focal point within it.
  • Patterned designs are another way to make sure everyone knows where their eyes should go when they walk into a room. And that's right over at those pretty potted plants.

7. Hanging Planters

Hanging planters are becoming increasingly popular, offering a unique and space-saving way to incorporate greenery into indoor spaces. They can be hung from the ceiling or placed on a shelf or table.

Hanging planters come in all shapes and sizes. Some are made with wood, and others are constructed out of metal or plastic. The options are endless.

MBG Lifestyle suggests that for hanging plants, those with trailing foliage are typically the most visually appealing, although any small to medium-sized plant can be used. Unlike plants with an upright growth habit that eventually outgrow the available space, trailing plants cascade downward and create an attractive shape.

Vining plants, such as the sweet potato vine, that require staking for support and grow upward are generally not suitable for hanging planters. Popular choices for hanging plants include the Heart-Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum), Lipstick Vine (Aeschynanthus), String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii), creeping jenny, and most species of hoyas.

8. Smart Planters

Move over planters with a drainage hole or self-watering features. Smart planters are the latest innovation in gardening design. With in-built tech functionalities, these smart planters can monitor plant health, provide automated watering and fertilizing, and even adjust lighting conditions for optimal growth. 

GNL Magazine reports that smart devices such as plant monitors can be beneficial in overseeing the health and growth of your indoor plants. These devices can measure essential factors, such as soil moisture, temperature, and light exposure, and provide alerts when adjustments to your plant's environment, watering, or fertilization are required. 

Additionally, personalized recommendations are available to assist in promoting the vitality and robustness of your houseplants.

9. Minimalist Designs

Minimalist designs are also growing in popularity, with clean lines and understated colors that allow the plants to be the focus. These planters can be used in any indoor or outdoor space for a simple, elegant look that works well with any decor scheme.

Minimalist planter ideas are not just for home gardens. They're also perfect for offices and other places where you want to create an environment that's inviting and relaxing while still being professional.

10. Customizable Designs

Customizable planters have been all the rage for a while. These planters can be tailored to specific spaces or styles and allow for a more personalized touch in indoor gardens. Customizable planters are better for branding than traditional plastic or ceramic pots, which often look the same from one retailer to another. 

A customized planter is also a great marketing tool. If you run a business, you can put your company's name on them, making them more visible when people walk by your store window or enter your lobby.

Conclusion

With so many options for planter ideas and designs, it's easy to find something that fits your home and lifestyle. Whether you're looking for something simple or more creative (like a tiered planter), there are plenty of options out there. 

If you want something unique but don't know where to start, consider choosing one of these trending styles.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.