While decorative planters are traditionally used to house plants, their versatility extends far beyond the realm of greenery. In interior design, these stylish containers can be repurposed in numerous creative ways to enhance both the aesthetic and functionality of your home. For American homeowners looking for innovative design solutions, here are some ideas for utilizing decorative planters as storage solutions and art display pieces, and more:

Decorative Planters as Stylish Storage

• Umbrella Stands: A tall, slender decorative planter placed near the entryway can serve as an elegant and practical umbrella stand, keeping your umbrellas organized and your floors dry.
• Magazine Holders: Larger, wider planters can be used to neatly store magazines and newspapers in your living room or reading nook, adding a touch of sophistication to your organization.¹
• Throw Blanket Storage: Keep cozy throw blankets tidy and accessible in your living room by storing them in a decorative floor planter. This adds a stylish touch while ensuring comfort is always within reach.
• Toy Storage: In playrooms or kids’ bedrooms, sturdy and visually appealing planters can function as unique toy storage containers, making tidying up more enjoyable.
• Firewood Holder: Near a fireplace, a robust decorative planter can stylishly hold firewood, adding a rustic yet refined element to your hearth.
• Wine or Beverage Cooler (with liner): For parties or gatherings, a large planter lined with a waterproof material and filled with ice can serve as a chic and unexpected way to keep drinks cool.

Showcasing Art and Décor with Planters

• Pedestals for Sculptures or Figurines: Invert a sturdy decorative planter to create an instant pedestal for showcasing small sculptures, figurines, or other art objects, adding height and prominence.
• Display Bases for Vases or Decorative Bowls: Use a decorative planter as a base to elevate vases filled with flowers or decorative bowls, creating a more layered and visually interesting display.
• Framing Artwork: Place a smaller decorative planter in front of a piece of artwork on a shelf or mantelpiece to create a sense of depth and frame the art in a unique way.
• Organizing Craft Supplies: In a craft room or studio, smaller decorative planters can neatly organize various supplies like paintbrushes, yarn, or tools, keeping them accessible and adding a touch of style to your workspace.
• Holding Decorative Spheres or Orbs: Fill a decorative planter with decorative spheres, moss balls, orbs made of natural materials to create a simple yet elegant centerpiece or accent piece.

Other Creative Interior Design Uses

• Entryway Organizer: Use a shallow decorative planter on an entryway table to collect keys, mail, and other everyday essentials in a stylish manner.
• Bathroom Storage: Smaller planters can be used in the bathroom to organize toiletries like cotton balls, Q-tips, or even rolled-up hand towels.
• Kitchen Utensil Holder: A sturdy and appropriately sized planter can function as a stylish holder for kitchen utensils on your countertop.
• Diffuser or Candle Holder: Place a diffuser or a collection of pillar candles inside a decorative planter to create an ambient and visually appealing display.

Tips for Creative Planter Use

• Consider the Planter’s Style: Choose planters that complement the overall aesthetic of your interior design for a cohesive look.
• Ensure Stability: If using a planter for storage or as a pedestal, make sure it’s stable and can safely hold the items you intend to place in or on it.
• Maintain Cleanliness: Regularly clean the inside and outside of the planter, especially if it’s not being used for plants, to keep it looking its best.
• Think About Scale: Choose planter sizes that are appropriate for their new purpose and the surrounding space.

By thinking beyond their traditional function, decorative planters can become versatile and stylish elements in your interior design, offering creative solutions for storage, display, and organization throughout your home.