Looking for real-life inspiration for your urban planter boxes? You're in the right place. Styling these containers is all about blending greenery with your personal space and architecture. Here’s a look at how people are creatively using their planters.
On sleek, modern balconies, you'll often see a series of identical, minimalist planters—think rectangular corten steel or smooth concrete boxes—planted with a single species like ornamental grasses or small olive trees. This creates a clean, architectural look. For a cozier vibe, many mix and match different sized pots (terra cotta, ceramic, woven baskets) and combine trailing plants like ivy or sweet potato vine with taller focal points like a dwarf citrus tree or lavender.
The true magic happens in the plant combinations. A popular "kitchen garden" style packs herbs like rosemary, thyme, and basil with edible flowers like nasturtiums. For constant color, people layer "thrillers, fillers, and spillers": a central dramatic plant (like a cordyline), surrounded by blooming fillers (petunias, geraniums), with spillers (like lobelia) cascading over the edge.
Don't forget vertical space! Wall-mounted planters or shelves holding a collection of small succulent or herb planters add depth. The key is observing how the light falls in your specific nook—a sunny ledge is perfect for succulents and herbs, while a shady fire escape corner might call for ferns and begonias. Ultimately, the best style reflects your taste. Start with one well-planted box, snap a photo, and let it grow from there.