Yes—focus on material and finish rather than “planter” styling. For a city balcony, patio, or entryway, the most convincing non-plastic options are Corten steel, powder-coated aluminum, fiber cement, and cast concrete. These give you matte surfaces, crisp edges, and architectural weight without the shiny, hollow look of resin.
For an industrial look, a Corten steel planter is hard to beat. It develops a rusted patina and suits modern facades, but it can stain paving, so use a liner or saucer. A powder-coated aluminum planter is lighter and easier to move; choose a matte charcoal, sage, or warm gray finish and check for UV resistance and drainage. Fiber cement is a good middle ground: it looks like stone or concrete but is less heavy. Cast concrete is the most solid option, though it needs to be frost-proof and sealed if used outdoors.
Practical checks: confirm drainage holes and a removable plug, a hidden liner if you’re using real soil, frost and UV resistance, and whether the planter is rated for outdoor use. Avoid high-gloss finishes, visible seams, and thin walls—these are what make a planter read as plastic. For small urban spaces, a rectangular metal planter box with a matte finish and simple geometry is usually the most convincing.
If you want specific shopping directions, look for “Corten steel planter,” “powder-coated aluminum planter,” and “fiber cement planter” from outdoor furniture or planter specialists rather than general homeware stores. Custom metal fabricators can also make a simple cube or trough with a powder-coated finish, which is often the best way to get a non-plastic planter that fits your urban planter box space exactly.