How to choose a planter

How do you choose an outdoor planter for your garden, balcony or terrace? Outdoor planters are a practical, functional and elegant way of decorating a garden or outdoor space in general with plants. 

In this article we will provide you with some important tips and advice to help you choose the most suitable planter for your garden, capable of combining harmoniously with the style of the other furnishings in the space. Here's everything you need to know to choose the perfect planter!

What are the best outdoor planters?

The function of a planter for the garden, terrace or balcony is to grow flowers and plants inside: these elements are valuable allies not only in terms of functionality, but especially from a decorative point of view: the outdoor planters are in fact an excellent solution to give style and personality to a garden, balcony or terrace. 

But the advantages of planters don't end there: they can also be a good compromise for those who aren't lucky enough to have a garden but still want to try their hand at growing organic vegetables and greens for the table. 

Spring is almost here and this is the best time to start thinking about how to add a touch of style to your outdoor space. In order to understand which is the best planter that can fully meet your needs, you will first have to take into account your space: do you need to furnish a small balcony or terrace, or on the contrary a garden with a larger space? Regardless of the size of your outdoor space, if you have to furnish a balcony or terrace on the fourth or fifth floor of a building, it's best not to use terracotta planters: they are too heavy to carry. 

Another question that many people ask is: Is it better to choose a pot or a planter? Although this question may seem obvious at first glance, there are pitfalls: it is not always necessary to choose just one of these furnishing elements. If you have an outdoor space that is not too small, you can decide to have a planter and one or more pots inside. 

Nowadays the market can offer us many different solutions: you can find planters on the market which are made from a wide variety of materials and which come in many different sizes and shapes. Obviously, if you like large plants, you will need to buy a planter with the right size to accommodate the type of plant you have in mind. 

What are the advantages of planters and why should you choose this type of furniture? Planters are elements that, if present in a garden or outdoor space, are able to recreate that "forest effect" feeling. The aesthetic impact of medium to large plants grown inside a planter is remarkable. By choosing to grow plants inside planters you can also reduce the amount of space you have available in your garden or terrace. 

Let's discover together the main types of planters available on the market today. 

Main types of planters

On the market you can find many types of planters: the choice, beyond aesthetic tastes, is certainly influenced by the size of the outdoor spaces in which you intend to place these pieces of furniture. An initial classification of the planters available on the market can be made on the basis of the material in which they are made. Here are the main materials with which modern outdoor planters are made today.

Resin planters

From an aesthetic point of view, resin planters are very similar to plastic planters. Obviously, resin differs from plastic in terms of quality and performance. Resin planters are furnishing elements capable of containing a discrete number of plants and flowers. From a stylistic point of view, there are many variants of resin planters available on the market today, capable of satisfying any aesthetic taste: it is possible to purchase simple planters with a smooth surface or planters with different types of decorations, relief patterns and colour shades. 

The resins with which the planters are made are very resistant compounds: they are a combination of special natural or chemical polymers. These materials have the same advantages as classic terracotta, while also boasting the strength of ordinary plastic. Resin planters do not require any special maintenance. 

As far as prices are concerned, they vary according to the size of the item and the quality of the materials used to produce it. Resin is a material which, by its nature, can also be adapted very well to an indoor environment. 

Wooden planters 

Some people prefer the choice of wooden planters: this choice is encouraged not only by an aesthetic assessment, but also by a functional aspect. Wood is the natural insulating material par excellence and is therefore the ideal solution for gardeners who want to keep the roots of their plants insulated and protect them from frost. From an aesthetic point of view, wood is a material that can give an unparalleled feeling of warmth and cosiness. 

Plastic planters 

Plastic planters are undoubtedly the simplest and most economical choice of furniture. They also fit very well in enclosed spaces and are perfect for areas where the weight needs to be reduced for transport (terraces or balconies). 

There are many different models of plastic planters on the market today, in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are compatible with practically every species of plant. However, you should bear in mind that if the plant is particularly large, plastic is a material that risks deforming once the roots have grown and formed. For this reason, if you plan to plant a plant in a plastic planter, make sure that the plant is of low weight. 

Metal planters 

Metal planters are very popular because this material represents the right compromise between aesthetics and functionality. In this case, too, the market is now able to offer us a wide variety of solutions, capable of responding to every type of requirement and specific need. 

To help you in your orientation and choice of elegant outdoor planters, here are some really interesting metal furnishings, from the point of view of design and functionality.

Square planter, matt white: If you are looking for a modern design planter, characterised by a minimalist and contemporary style, this is the furniture for you. Choosing this planter will give a touch of style and elegance to your garden, balcony or terrace. The furniture has a square shape and a matt white finish and can be combined with any type of plant or flower. 

Square planter, satin finish: Alternatively, we offer another beautiful square planter with a satin finish and characterised by a minimal and contemporary style. This piece of furniture can also be combined with any type of plant or flower, making your garden or terrace elegant and comfortable.