Let Your Plants Sit Pretty In a Chic Outdoor Planter

an assortment of outdoor planters — (Image credit: Future)

published 25 April 2026

To some, outdoor planters are nothing more than mere storage vessels – built not to stand out, but to blend in, allowing the plants in which they hold to be the center of attention. But in 2026, we believe, outdoor planters can be so much more than that. They're holders for plants, yes, but they're decorative accessories, too – accent details with the potential to give a patio its personality, introducing lively colors, bold patterns, and alluring textures to the scene.

If the latter statement also resonates with your opinion of outdoor planters, you'll be happy to know that stylish, statement-making models are a top outdoor decorating trend this year. Gone are the days of using simple and uninteresting concrete planters on your patio – planters built only to hold plants. This year, planters with personality are all the buzz, giving plants a stylish place to sit and transforming the patio at the same time, turning the space into an outdoor living room with unending character and robust decorative appeal.

This spring, Anthropologie and its sister brand Terrain have adapted the much-loved whimsical decor trend for the garden with their outdoor planter styles, while designer Shea McGee has channeled traditional, vintage-inspired sophistication with her structured terracotta and woven rattan forms at McGee & Co. Even Walmart's lineup of decorative outdoor planters is impressive this season, with standouts like this chic striped style from Drew Barrymore's Beautiful collection and this elegant urn version from My Texas House's spring lineup.

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Devin Toolen is a New York-based Style Editor for Homes & Gardens. After achieving her Bachelor’s Degree at Villanova University, Devin moved to Paris, France, to obtain her Master’s Degree at Parsons School of Design. Upon returning to the United States, Devin began working in the media industry with Cosmopolitan Magazine, where she wrote trend-driven fashion stories and assisted on set for many photoshoots, and later Livingetc, where she wrote interior design stories and assisted with the magazine’s social media pages. She has an appreciation for every aspect of personal style – from the clothes we wear to the design of our homes. In her spare time, Devin enjoys embroidery and antique shopping in the city.