Unusual Planters for Big City Green Thumbs
Add a little foliage to your corner of the concrete jungle with these 10 small-space appropriate container options.
In a city where space is at a premium, making every corner count is key. These 10 unique cool planters and pots bring both style and function to your small-space retreat with plants. Whether you’re looking to enhance your balcony, condo, or outdoor space, these designs fit perfectly. From modern designs to creative takes on traditional vessels, these containers do more than house your greenery—they’re statement pieces in their own right.
Modern and Functional Design Solutions
Above left: Here’s one for condo dwellers looking to add a little unique greenery to their balconies without sacrificing floor space or committing to plastic, curlicued box planters. Simple, clean-edged galvanized-iron with drainage hole – done. Zinc rectangular rail planter, $45, and rail hook, $25, at Crate & Barrel.
Above right: Grow vegetables or robust flowers in these heavy-duty hanging sacks. Made from a recyclable geotextile, the sacks are tear- and UV-resistant, and permeable, meaning the soil can breathe and release excess water. 3 pouch BacSac, $63, at Ziggy’s at Home.
Creative and Sculptural Planter Designs
Above left: Designed by Spanish great Javier Mariscal, these polyethylene planters are cartoonish takes on the traditional vase. Two heights (1.3 and 1.75 metres) and multiple finishes available. Moma Mellizas planters by Vondom, at 18 Watt. Call for pricing.
Above right: Stack these soft, polyethylene vases into totemic compositions or, if you have more space to fill, scatter an arrangement of the five optional colours. Fuzzy pots by Plust, at Suite 22. Call for pricing.
Functional Botanical Vessels with a Modern Twist
Above left: Reduce clutter and get some height with this double-summit stand. Made of steel rod and mesh with matte black epoxy finish, this unit is meant for indoors and out. Angled plant stand, $200, at CB2.
Above right: Go graphic with these powder-coated steel pots and sinewy bases by Norm Architects for Menu. Choose from black and white, and three different heights. Wire planters, from $100, at Design Within Reach.
Unique Outdoor Planting Pots
Above left: No-fuss flora can add plenty of drama to a small outdoor space when given the right vessel to grow in. String up these weather-resistant stainless steel orbs to add a little flair. Hanging Orbs at Hauser. Call for pricing.
Above right: Here’s another idea for adding flavour to the outdoors without losing precious square-metreage: Mix and match the two colours and two sizes of these cool hand-glazed ceramic plant pots. Ceramic wallscape planters, from $20. (hanging hardware included), at West Elm.
Textured and Sculptural Vessels
Above left: Texture adds interest and these corrugated unique ceramic vessels have that in spades. Choose from the tall vase, short dish or super-smart self-watering planter. Pleated planters by MSDS, from $60, at Umbra.
Above right: “The shapes are inspired by insulators on high voltage lines,” says co-designer Chen Chen. “We’ve always found these utilitarian objects beautiful, and to wanted make the decorative profile relate to a function as well. The stacked rings disguise the fact that the bottom is a separate piece – the saucer for catching water, making these cool plant pots a functional and stylish addition.” Power Planters by Chen & Kai, $110, at Easy Tiger.