Architectural Planters
Posted by Jason Wyrwicz on Oct 9th 2024
It’s no secret that the world of planters is a versatile one. Outdoor or indoor; square, round or rectangular; garden, patio, or porch - those are just a few examples of the types of planters you can find on the market.
An especially interesting case are architectural planters. If you don’t know what they are, those are large outdoor planters, typically used to enhance an outdoor space - not only in residential properties but also in public spaces such as parks or streets. What are their benefits? How to choose the right one? Learn all about it and more here.
Benefits of Architectural Planters
There are several reasons why you should consider investing in architectural planters. They can:
- help break open space up when you have a large area but no idea how to fill it up.
- increase your privacy, especially if you opt for tall architectural planters.
- add interest to the space through unconventional colors or textures.
- can draw attention to specific parts of your outdoor space through the creation of focal points.
What’s more, a well taken-care of outdoor space can increase the curb appeal and the appraisal value of the property.
Choosing the Right Architectural Planters
Choosing the right architectural planter can make a world of difference between a planter that will last you for years, and one that you will have to replace after one season. So, how do you pick it? You’ll have to pay close attention to a number of factors, including:
- Quality - This is probably the most important thing you need to assess. High-quality planters can last you for years compared to low-quality ones that are more susceptible to damage, and often need to be replaced every season.
- Color - While not the most important, it is still pretty significant. Do you want it to become one with your space, fitting its aesthetics perfectly? Or are you going for the complete opposite, making the planters the focal points of your outdoor space?
- Budget - Quality is important, but you shouldn’t break the bank to purchase a planter. If you are limited in terms of how much you can spend on it, stick to your budget.
There’s another pretty important factor, and that is the material - but we will talk about it more in the next section.
Materials to Consider
Some materials are better suited for planters than others. Fiberglass and fiberstone planters work great, while cheap plastic planters should be avoided at all costs, as they might contain harmful chemicals that will harm your plants.
Some other good materials for architectural planters include:
- Concrete - It’s a very durable material that can survive even in the harshest weather conditions, and won’t be knocked over if a stronger wind blows so your plants won’t be ruined. Additionally, concrete is also low maintenance, requiring only sealing to prevent cracks.
- Metal - Metal planters bring a modern and futuristic look to your outdoor space. They’re also durable and weather-resistant, ideal for a patio or a garden.
- Terracotta - If you’re looking for a material that will add a classic look to your outdoor space, then terracotta is the right choice. One disadvantage, however, is that it can be quite delicate, so placing them somewhere without strong winds is recommended.
Styling Architectural Planters
After you decide on the material for the planters comes the fun part - choosing how to style them. Here are some tips that might be helpful if you don’t know how to arrange them:
- Decide whether you want your planters to become the focal point of the outdoor space (opt for bolder colors) or to blend in with the rest of your decor (choose planters within the same color scheme).
- Combine different colors and textures to increase visual appeal and create an interesting arrangement.
- Remember about proportions - carefully choose the size of your planter, especially if you don’t have that much space. A planter that is too big might further diminish it. On the other hand, if you have a lot of space and choose a small planter, it can get lost in it.
- Consider using planters of different heights. Combining smaller and taller planters can not only ensure that every plant you have is visible but also add a visually interesting element to your space.
Architectural Planters in Different Spaces
- Architectural planters on an outdoor patio
- Architectural planters by the poolside
- Architectural planter in a public space
- Architectural planters on the street
- Architectural planters in the park
Caring for Architectural Planters
Generally speaking, architectural planters are very easy to maintain. Some materials might require additional sealing to prevent potential damage, especially cracks and scratches, but aside from that, all they require is basic cleaning. Mild soap and water should be fine for most materials.
As for taking care of them during winter, it all depends on the material they are made from. Some planters can be left outside during winter months without shattering (for example, fiberglass and fiberstone), while others should be kept inside (for example, terracotta and ceramic).
The Bottom Line
Architectural planters can be a great idea for anyone who has a big open space in their backyard but no idea how to fill it up. And with the number of available ones on the market, you are bound to find some that will fit its overall aesthetics to a T.
Whether you want to find something that will blend right in with the rest of the decor, or you prefer to use them to draw attention to specific parts of your outdoor space by creating focal points, the decision is completely up to you.
Browse through our selection of available outdoor planters and find the right one for your space today.