I killed my first fiddle leaf fig in the wrong-size pot. I blamed the plant, but the planter was at fault.
I have tried many pots in my own house since then.
You’ll find indoor planters ideas here. I selected 21 attractive styles that promote good root health. Each includes advice I learned the hard way.
Statement Planters for Empty Corners
For two years, a blank corner remained in my hallway. In an afternoon, one tall planter did it. The four designs accomplish the same task.
1. Fluted Ceramic Floor Planter
The ridged texture provides texture before the plant is filled in. It appears to be a design artifact, rather than a pot. Combine with a fiddle leaf fig or olive tree in a 16-20″ pot.
Ideal for: Use in a bare corner in a living room.
My suggestion: I put a plastic nursery pot inside so I can pull the plant out to water it.
2. Tall Fiberglass Cylinder Planter
Fiberglass provides the appearance of stone, but with less weight. The slim shape is ideal for tight areas, such as beside a sofa or door.
It’s home to a snake plant or dracaena that grows upward with minimal maintenance.
Ideal for: Rental companies and frequent movers.
My suggestion: I choose matte finishes, as glossy ones show water spots.
3. Woven Seagrass Basket Planter
Baskets quickly add a soft touch to any room, especially near hard furnishings. You can use them as a cover pot, keeping the plant in its plastic pot.
A rubber plant or monstera looks great in one.
Ideal for: Cozy rooms, boho rooms, or farmhouse rooms.
My suggestion: Place a saucer in first, as the damp seagrass will grow mold very quickly.
Check Out: 17 Captivating Outdoor Holiday Planters
4. Mid-Century Tripod Stand Planter
Elevated legs bring the plant closer to eye level and give it a light, contemporary look. The combination of wood legs and a white or copper bowl is classic.
A trailing pothos or bushy peace lily is a good choice for the top.
Ideal for : Contemporary living room and small entryways.
My suggestion: always make sure you don’t exceed the weight limit before loading it, as some stands can’t support a large, wet pot.
Small Space Planter Designs
My first apartment was windowless and had no floor. I soon discovered that it takes some creative planters to make a tiny home. These 5 designs don’t overwhelm you; they work hard.
5. Windowsill Terracotta Trio
Three identical pots, in slightly varying sizes, look effortless and purposeful. The soil dries faster, and roots stay secure as terracotta breathes.
Plant succulents, herbs, or jade plants in them.
Ideal for: Light and sunny kitchens.
My suggestion: I put a cork mat under each pot to keep the sill from getting damaged.
6. Wall-Mounted Shelf Planters
Vertical planting is an effective way to free up floor space and turn a plain wall into a feature. Search for metal or wood shelves with a small front lip.
Trailing philodendrons and hoyas work well.
Ideal for: Studios and narrow hallways.
My advice: I always put the shelves into studs, as watered pots are heavier than you think.
7. Rotating Vertical Planter Column
Stacked pots that spin let each plant get light. You have 5-6 plants on the footprint of 1. It’s ideal for peperomia, pilea, and other small plants.
Ideal for: Small spaces, sunny spots.
My suggestion: I turn mine a quarter turn every week to prevent it from leaning toward the window.
8. Desk Planters with Built-In Trays
A small planter with an attached tray will keep water off your work surface. Playful glazes are available for ceramic versions, which will lighten a dull desk.
A ZZ plant or mini snake plant is hardy and will thrive in office lighting and without water.
Ideal for: Home offices, cubicles.
My suggestion: I water mine once a week in the sink, and then place it back on the tray.
9. Hanging Macrame Planters
Hanging planters use space that would otherwise go unused on the ceiling. The cotton rope brings texture and movement, and doesn’t take up any floor space.
Consider using spider plants or Boston ferns.
Ideal for: Spaces with no shelf space and high ceilings.
My idea: I hang mine within easy reach, as it gets tedious to water from a stepladder.
Budget and DIY Planter Looks
A thrift store is more my cup of tea than a garden center. I have some of my favorite planters under a coffee tree. These four looks prove you don’t need a lot of money.
10. Thrifted Teapot and Bowl Planters
Teapots, soup tureens, and ceramic bowls make pretty, unique planters. Choose thick-walled pieces with a wide opening. Small herbs and succulents are best.
Ideal for: Old-fashioned enthusiasts and thrifty shoppers.
My idea: Use a diamond bit and a bit of water to drill a hole, or skip drilling and drop in a nursery pot.
11. Geometric Concrete Planters
You can get clean, modern shapes for a few dollars by pouring concrete into silicone or cardboard molds. Cool gray is a perfect color for cacti and succulents.
You can make these in 3 hours in the afternoon.
Ideal for: Do-it-yourselfers who prefer a simple appearance.
My suggestion: I put a wine cork in the wet mix so the drainage hole forms as it cures.
12. Mason Jar Herb Planters
Store fresh herbs on a kitchen shelf within easy reach. The glass shows the soil level so that you can avoid overwatering. Plant basil, chives, and parsley.
Ideal for: Cooking for one or a small family.
My suggestion: Water with a small splash, never a pour, since jars have no drainage.
13. Wooden Crate Planter Box
A rustic box with an old crate containing a cluster of plants. Line with plastic and place nursery pots inside for easy changeover.
It’s well filled with a combination of pothos, snake plant, and peperomia.
Ideal for: Cottages and plant collectors.
My suggestion: I put mine on little feet to let air circulate underneath and keep my floor dry.
Renter-Friendly and Pet-Safe Planters
My cat has knocked over three pots and chewed a lot of leaves; I can’t count them. That’s when I learned to choose pet-safe plants that are good for the plants’ feet. I’m happy with these four designs; they keep me happy.
14. Freestanding Plant Stand with Cover Pots
This stand requires no drilling and suits any lease. Cover pots hide unattractive plastic plant containers and make it easy to swap plants. Use it for spider plants, calatheas, and parlor palms.
Ideal for: People who can’t wall-mount.
My suggestion: I place felt pads under all the legs to protect my floors.
15. Self-Watering Planters
Roots grow slowly from a hidden reservoir – no more daily guessing. This comes in handy if you travel or forget. A spider plant or prayer plant is a good choice.
Ideal for: People with a hectic lifestyle and those who travel often.
My suggestion: I wait until the water level indicator shows the water is low, then refill.
16. Heavy Weighted Base Planters
A broad, thick bottom will prevent a pot from being knocked over by cats and dogs. Thick ceramic or concrete is best. Pair it with a pet-safe Parlor Palm or Areca Palm.
Ideal for: Cat-, dog-, and toddler-friendly homes.
My trick: I don’t put any decorative moss on top as my cat plays with it!
17. Planter Bench with Built-In Storage
A low bench holds plants on top and keeps your watering can, saucers, and pruners inside. It serves as seating and as a plant display. It looks neat with a row of cast-iron plants and ferns.
Ideal for: Entranceways, mudrooms.
My idea: I have a little towel in the drawer to clean up messes as soon as possible.
Quirky and Creative Planter Designs
Fun planters were sticky to me. Then I put a little face planter on my desk and got compliments all week! I think it’s a good thing to have a little personality.
18. Face and Animal Planters
Plants can be instantly characterized by their quirky shapes. Flowering plants or grasses are like hair. Consider using string of hearts or wheatgrass.
Ideal for: Children’s bedrooms, work desks and presents.
I suggest: Using glazed ceramic, as it tends to stain quickly if it isn’t glazed.
19. Glass Terrarium Planters
Glass lets you observe the different layers of soil, moss, and stones. It creates a miniature world on a tabletop. The humidity is great for moss, fittonia and small ferns.
Ideal for: Coffee tables and shelves in soft, indirect light.
My advice: I open the lid twice a week to prevent mould.
20. Doorway-Framing Twin Planters
Place two tall planters on either side of a doorway to create balance and a welcoming feel. Any entry looks planned if it’s symmetrical—plant matching areca palms or Kentia palms.
Ideal for: Entryways and large hallways.
My suggestion: Measure the doorway first to make sure guests don’t brush leaves as they enter.
21. Two-Tone Glazed Ceramic Pots
An ombre or dipped glaze adds a handmade look to a plain plant. The color change is appealing from all angles. Combine with pilea, hoya or peperomia.
Ideal for: Shelves, side tables and gifts.
My advice: Check the bottom of the pot for a drainage hole before the glaze draws you in.
Planter Materials at a Glance
| Material | Weight | Price | Best Plants | Watch Out For |
| Ceramic | Heavy | Mid to premium | Fiddle leaf fig, olive tree | Chips and cracks |
| Terracotta | Medium | Budget | Succulents, herbs | Dries out quickly |
| Fiberglass | Light | Mid | Snake plant, dracaena | Scratches on cheap finishes |
| Concrete | Very heavy | Mid | Cacti, succulents | Damage to floors |
| Woven basket | Light | Budget to mid | Monstera, rubber plant | Needs a liner |
| Glass | Light to medium | Budget | Moss, fittonia | No drainage |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best planter for indoor plants?
Terracotta and ceramic pots with drainage holes are my top picks. They let roots breathe and make overwatering less likely. Fiberglass works well when you need something lighter.
Do indoor planters need drainage holes?
Yes, whenever possible. Holes let extra water escape so roots do not rot. If your pot has none, use it as a cover for a plastic nursery pot.
How much bigger should a planter be than the plant’s current pot?
Go 1 to 2 inches wider in diameter for most houseplants. Anything bigger keeps soil wet too long. Size up only when roots start circling the pot.
How do I protect my floors from planters?
Always use a saucer, then add felt pads or a cork mat underneath. Lift the pot now and then to check for trapped moisture. Wet rings can ruin hardwood fast.
Can I use any container as a planter?
Almost anything works if it holds soil or a nursery pot. Avoid containers that leach chemicals, like treated wood or flaking painted metal. Test the piece for leaks before you plant.
Final Thoughts
Good planters do more than hold soil. They protect roots, anchor a room, and show off your style.
I have made every mistake on this list. Wrong sizes, missing holes, and pots too heavy to move. You do not have to repeat them.
Start with one planter and one plant that suits your light. Watch how it grows, then add more. That is exactly how my collection began.
Measure your favorite spot today and order one planter from this list this week.
