Outdoor Planters + Pots

If you’re wondering, “What’s the difference between a pot and a planter?”, but you’re too afraid to ask, we’re here to clear the air (much like plants do!). Here’s the inside scoop: Pots are usually smaller than planters, and they’re designed to contain one plant, often a small one. Planters are larger than pots and may contain one or more plants — like a fiddle leaf fig tree or an assortment of succulents or herbs.

Outdoor plant pots, which can also be used indoors, are well-suited to small decorative plants. Should you decide to use one of these pots inside, ensure that it’s equipped with a saucer. This is especially important if it has a drainage hole or is made of a porous material.

Modern outdoor planters, such as patio planter boxes, are often found dotting porches, courtyards, and pool decks. Square planters, especially, make a contemporary statement and play well with linear outdoor furniture, like a chaise. Some planters are also ideal for indoor use. Outdoor ceramic planters, for example, look equally chic in an office or living room — just be sure that the drainage hole is stopped with a plug. It’s easy to liven your space, indoors and out, with an assortment of pots and planters that speak to your decorative style.

Durable Planter Materials

While many materials — from stone and metal to wood and laminate — thrive in the great indoors, not all fair equally well outside where they’re exposed to the elements. It’s important to keep durability in mind when selecting a pot or planter for your outdoor space. Whether you have a petite balcony overlooking city streets or a sprawling pool deck, there’s a durable piece that’s ready to take on the harshest of weather conditions.

Recycled plastic plant pots, as well as plastic planter boxes, are waterproof, fade-resistant, and maintenance-free. Similarly, a polyethylene planter is UV- and weather-resistant. These types of pots and planters can add a modern touch to your outdoor space. If you want to brighten an area with a pop of color, consider a powder-coated steel planter box that reads contemporary-chic.

Outdoor ceramic planters and glazed earthenware pieces are also an ideal choice for use on a porch or sun deck. These convey a more natural, organic aesthetic.

Don’t forget: Play with shapes and sizes! Vary the heights of your pots and planters to create a lush and visually interesting landscape.

At Design Within Reach, we’re here to answer questions and more, with complementary design services to support you at every step of your interior design journey. Our staff of in-store design professionals can give advice and recommendations via chat, photos, and live video. They can also do 3-D renderings of your rooms so you can see how an arrangement might work. Look for the black chat icon at the lower right of webpages.