Planters - variety, design and function for the garden, patio and home
Planters are often regarded as simple containers for soil and plants and therefore receive too little attention in garden design. However, they are much more than that. Planters are design elements that structure spaces, bring colours and shapes into play and enrich life in the garden, on the patio, on the balcony or in the house.
It can be a classic flower pot, a modern planter or an elegant container made of ceramic, fibre cement or wood. The right choice makes the difference between a functional solution and a stylish design that characterises the exterior and interior.
Planters as design elements
A planter is part of the architecture of the garden and should therefore not be underestimated. It defines space, creates height and structure and brings greenery to where it is needed.
In terms of decoration, planters are just as important as furniture or lighting. They set accents, create transitions and bring the garden or home to life.
The assortment ranges from small plant pots for herbs to large planters for trees and for partitioning. Each size and shape has its own effect, as small pots have a playful effect, while large tubs are monumental and can even be used as privacy screens or to structure different areas in the garden. The selection is so varied that there is something to suit every taste and every situation.
Materials - variety and appearance
The choice of material is one of the most important steps when selecting design elements in the garden, and this also includes planters. Each material has its own effect, its own properties and its own price, which varies considerably. Some materials are particularly robust and weatherproof, while others stand out for their natural look or lightness. Anyone equipping their home or garden with planters should therefore carefully consider which requirements are most important. Is it about durability, ease of care, appearance or flexibility? Does the planter that I like visually fulfil all my requirements and needs?
Typical materials for plant pots are:
- Sound: Classic, breathable, ideal for Mediterranean planting. Clay provides a healthy root climate, but needs protection from frost, which is why suitable plants should be selected.
- Concrete / fibre cement: Robust, modern, with a clear design language. Concrete planters have a simple architectural appearance and are particularly durable.
- Wood: Natural, warm, ideal for rustic gardens but also for modern gardens and herb gardens, depending on the type of container. Wood requires care, but offers a unique look.
- Plastic: Lightweight, versatile, available in many colours and shapes. Plastic is easy to clean and favourably priced.
- Steel / aluminium: Modern, elegant, extremely robust. Particularly suitable for clear, urban designs.
Shapes and sizes - structure and effect
The shape and size of a planter have a significant influence on the effect in the room and therefore depend not only on the plant that is to thrive in it. A small flower pot can have a playful effect, while a large planter creates presence and structure. Height also plays a role, as tall containers create vertical accents, while shallow bowls are often more decorative and lightweight. Anyone designing their garden or balcony should therefore consciously play with different shapes and sizes to create dynamism and harmony.
Important shapes and sizes are
- Round pots: classic, versatile, ideal for flowers and small plants and in larger versions for small trees.
- Square planters: modern, clear, structuring.
- Tall vessels: create vertical accents, ideal for entrances or terraces.
- Flat trays: decorative, perfect for herbs or small arrangements.
Colours and optics - an expression of taste
Alongside the shape, colours are another decisive factor when selecting planters. They determine whether a planter remains discreetly in the background or is deliberately used as an accent. Neutral colours such as grey or white make the plants stand out, while bold colours such as red or blue attract attention. The choice of colour is an expression of personal taste and should match the overall concept of the garden or house.
Popular colour schemes for planters:
- Neutral: Grey, white, black - go with any design and make all kinds of plants look good.
- Of course: Brown, beige, green - harmonise with wood and stone.
- Accent colours: Red, blue, yellow - set highlights and create contrasts.
Planters for different rooms
Planters are versatile and fit into different spaces and situations. They can create structure in the garden, serve as a room divider on the patio, create a herb garden on the balcony or act as a decorative element indoors. Every environment has different requirements in terms of material, size and appearance.
Typical locations for planters:
- Garden: Large planters for trees, flower pots for flower beds, combinations for structure
- Terrace: Planters as room dividers, tall containers for privacy screens, decorative pots for flowers
- Balcony: Lightweight plastic pots, hanging planters, small herb gardens
- Indoor area: Elegant ceramic pots, clay for Mediterranean plants, modern designs for living rooms or studios
Categories and possible applications
The range of plant pots is large and can be divided into different categories. Each category has its own advantages and possible uses. Anyone designing their garden or home should be aware of the differences in order to make the right choice.
Important categories are:
- Flower pots: Classic, versatile, for flowers and small plants
- Planters: large, robust, for trees and shrubs
- Plant trays: Decorative, ideal for herbs or small arrangements
- Hanging vessels: Space-saving, perfect for balconies
- Inner vessels: Elegant designs for the living room or office
Function and protection
In addition to their appearance, their function plays an important role - after all, plants, flowers and trees should thrive in them. Plant pots must offer the plants protection from wind, weather and frost. They should also be practical so that caring for the plants does not become a problem, for example if the water does not run off or they are difficult to reach.
WThe most important functions are
- Drainage: important to avoid waterlogging.
- Insulation: protects roots from the cold.
- Stability: Prevents tipping over in windy conditions.
- Water reservoir: facilitates care and prevents dryness.
Combination and design - plant pots from Atelier Vierkant and Domani
The combination of different planters creates exciting effects and this is exactly what you can utilise in the garden. Different shapes, colours and materials can be combined to create contrasts or harmony. If you are creative, you can even use plant pots as room dividers or decorative sculptures. There is a large selection of plant pots on the market. If you want something really special, we recommend handmade plant pots from Studio Vierkant or Domani, which will certainly meet all your requirements.
Practical aspects - price, range and delivery
In addition to design and function, practical aspects play a role in the choice of planters. Planters are products that need to be purchased, delivered and maintained. It is therefore worth considering these factors too.
Important practical aspects that you should consider when making your choice:
- Price: depending on material, size, order quantity and quality.
- Selection: The assortment is large and ranges from small plant pots to monumental planters.
- Delivery: Large pots often require a special delivery, smaller pots are easy to transport, you will receive all information about delivery from us during the consultation.
Planters as the centrepiece of the design
Plant pots are design elements that structure spaces, showcase plants and enrich the home, while at the same time working for the plants. The right choice of shapes, materials and colours creates a harmonious picture that brings gardens, patios, balconies and interiors to life.
Each material has its own effect and each size and shape creates a different atmosphere. The variety of categories and possibilities makes planters a central element of garden design and we at egli jona realise these products with our partner Amadeo Ambiente in a targeted manner.
Find the right containers for your plants with egli jona
Personalise your home with planters that combine design and function. At egli jona, we work with a diverse range and know how to incorporate classic flower pots, modern planters or handmade products into a green garden concept to maximise the desired effect.
Get in touch with us and browse through our site. Discover in our reference projects how we use plant pots to create new living environments. Transform your garden, patio or balcony into a green oasis full of life and style with products that perfectly combine quality, appearance and function.
