Questioning its function
First things first, always ask yourself what function you need the pot to serve. While it might seem like the answer is obvious, your pot can have many different functions – they’re not just for holding your flowers: Are you looking to add a bit more privacy to your balcony? Opt for large size rectangular one that can create divisions. If you simply want to accent either side of your front door, you would opt for a pot with a bit more visual interest in terms of shape.
Once you’ve decided how you’re going to place them, you should think about what you’re going to be putting in them. A planter that is rife with seasonal blooms looks its best in a taller pot, while, if you’re using something with a lot of height like river grass, you should go with something that’s lower. If you’re going to be placing hedges in your pot, you should consider its diameter and growth. Always remember to keep the ratio of the diameter of your pot and the the total width of your plant in mind in order to maintain balance – and an overall better look.
If you’re choosing actual plants over faux, another thing that you need to think about is pot drainage. Without drainage, your plant’s roots can rot, which will, in turn, kill your plant. Your pot should be deep enough to add rocks so that your plant’s water can drip and drain through. We also suggest making a hole in the bottom of your pot if yours doesn’t already have one – just drill a hole through the bottom.
Choosing your pot's material
When it comes to materials for pots, the possibilities are basically endless. Plastic has the advantage of being most affordable as well as light, which makes it interesting for condo or apartment dwellers looking to dress up their third floor balcony, but also want to bring their pots in for the winter. However, when you live on higher levels, a lighter pot can be blown over by the wind.
Plastic pots can be great because of all the colors available to you, making it easy to create a great look on your balcony, at a fraction of the price. You should keep in mind that plastic pots will need to be replaced more frequently as they can be damaged easier than other materials, their glossy surfaces make them more susceptible to scratches, and can discolor after prolonged sun exposure.
In the same family as plastic, there are fibreglass pots. Not only are they also lightweight, but pots made of fiberglass are generally more solid, and therefore more resistant to cold weather temperatures. Fiberglass pots are available in a large variety of shapes and colors, with or without texture, and can have a very on-trend look. The retail price for a fiberglass pot is higher than the price of a plastic one.
If you’re a lover of rough finishes, or a more industrial look, then a cement pot is what you’re looking for! Even though they’re on the heavier side, they’re very robust and solid, making them ideal for spaces with a lot of wind. In terms of price, they’re more affordable than fibreglass pots. There isn’t a huge variety of colors to choose from when it comes to cement, but you can opt for any of the different textural finishes that are available, which are also very trendy!
Another material that’s available for pots is terra cotta, which lends a very mediterranean or boho vibe to your decor. These pots will add a lot of warmth to your space, and are often very colorful, which also adds brightness. Terra cotta pots, however, are usually very heavy and more prone to damage than other materials, and this material must be stored during Winter to avoid any damage to your pot.
Wood is used more and more often for custom flower boxes. Using wood will make regular maintenance of your flower boxes necessry, otherwise the wood will change color over time. If you love the rustic look of barn wood, this is the perfect choice for you.
In terms of shapes, a pot with clean, straight lines, or one that is more rounded is perfect for a home with a modern style palette. You should always keep the overall look of your space in mind. A round, marble dust pot is the ideal addition to a more farmhouse, or classic style home, while round cement or fiberglass pots find their place in more contemporary spaces.
Finally, if your space allows, we love the look of groupings of pots in different sizes – the end result is always ultra modern. If this is the look that you’re going for, be sure to pick pots that have similar styles and lines in order to keep your space looking consistent.
Happy decorating!
