Cultivate a Midcentury Vibe With Built-In Planter Boxes
These staples of 1950s, ’60s and ’70s homes look fresh today. Here are 8 ways to do them — and ideas for what to plant
Rebecca Gross
March 5, 2017
Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design, and I study cultural history through the lens of architecture, design and visual culture. I have a Masters in the History of Decorative Arts and Design from Parsons The New School for Design, New York. My latest book is called "Ornament is not a crime: Contemporary Interiors with a postmodern twist."
Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design,... More
While planter boxes, window boxes or flower boxes have been around since ancient Rome, they really flourished during the Victorian era and the mid-20th century. Built-in planter boxes not only are architectural features of a home, but they also can serve as a space-saving solution (eliminating the need for pots and stands) and provide a permanent garnish of green. And since they were so popular in the 1950s through the 1970s, they bring in somewhat of a throwback vibe. Here is what you need to know about built-in planter boxes, along with ideas for plants to consider.
1. Booth backrest. Instead of greenery outside the window, it’s right in front in this renovated apartment. The wood-paneled planter box serves as a backrest for this dining booth while modernizing and optimizing the space. Designer Tami Marlowe of Marlowe Hues - Colour & Design says that for her plant-loving clients, living in an apartment without much floor space was a challenge. “Using plants as a feature behind seating meant they were out of the way, can be seen easily and created a green area next to the banquette,” she says.
What to plant: Mother-in-law’s tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata) is an easy-to-care-for houseplant with near-indestructible qualities. Its upright and erect leaves make it a great choice for this location, where damage to floppier plants could be caused by those sitting in the booth. “They also don’t require a lot of water, hence reducing the risk of damaging the interior of the planter box,” Marlowe says.
What to plant: Mother-in-law’s tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata) is an easy-to-care-for houseplant with near-indestructible qualities. Its upright and erect leaves make it a great choice for this location, where damage to floppier plants could be caused by those sitting in the booth. “They also don’t require a lot of water, hence reducing the risk of damaging the interior of the planter box,” Marlowe says.
The planter box was constructed with medium-density fiberboard, and a waterproof membrane was applied with a brush to the interior. Inside, long plastic tubs have drip trays to prevent damage and warping. “LED strip lighting was added to the planter as an additional highlight, as it creates a beautiful ambience in the evening,” Marlowe says.
Marlowe also advises against making the planter box too shallow since it needs to have enough space to house decent-size plant containers. And, as with any permanent cabinetry, care should be taken not to overwater or spill.
Marlowe also advises against making the planter box too shallow since it needs to have enough space to house decent-size plant containers. And, as with any permanent cabinetry, care should be taken not to overwater or spill.
2. Fern feature. The brick unit dividing the stairway from the dining room overflows with lush green ferns and other plants. With a 1970s feel, it transforms an otherwise staid architectural feature into one that gives vibrancy and life to the space.
What to plant: The bright green fronds of ferns have an interesting texture and an almost reptilian look. The ferns work well in this planter since they have plenty of room to grow in all directions. They also provide thick greenery to conceal the interior of the planter.
3. Window ledge blooms. The wide window ledges in this sophisticated dining room were designed to accommodate a series of planters filled with elegant orchids.
What to plant: Orchids are popular houseplants, and they come in a range of sizes and colors. They require shallow planting; moist, well-draining conditions; and bright, indirect light.
What to plant: Orchids are popular houseplants, and they come in a range of sizes and colors. They require shallow planting; moist, well-draining conditions; and bright, indirect light.
4. Container plant partition. This stairway wall functions as both railing and bookcase — and since it’s set under a skylight, it has a recess that can accommodate potted plants. “The space had beautiful natural light, and I wanted to maximize the use of the space,” says designer Shadi Khadivi of Shadiworks.
Khadivi sealed the interior portion of the wood base with a durable synthetic rubber roofing membrane (EPDM) to provide protection and waterproofing. And she chose plants that require little to no attention, and that appreciate the natural light source above.
Khadivi sealed the interior portion of the wood base with a durable synthetic rubber roofing membrane (EPDM) to provide protection and waterproofing. And she chose plants that require little to no attention, and that appreciate the natural light source above.
What to plant: Choose a variety of houseplants that grow predominantly upright so as not to be knocked by passers-by. Flowering plants such as peace lily (Spathiphyllum), anthurium, bromeliad and croton will inject color. Trailing plants like string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) and string of hearts (Ceropegia woodii) will cascade vines over the stairway.
Khadivi created the same effect in her own apartment and strung tension cables to the ceiling for English ivy to grow vertically. Once grown, it will provide a screen of sorts between the living space and the entrance.
5. Bathroom rock bed. This modern bathroom has a built-in seat that hosts a planter box with a bed of rocks and mother-in-law’s tongue. It adds color to the black, white and wood bathroom, and it gets plenty of sunlight from the window above.
What to plant: Mother-in-law’s tongue can thrive in bathrooms since it can survive low light levels. It is flexible in terms of heat and water. It is also a great air purifier.
What to plant: Mother-in-law’s tongue can thrive in bathrooms since it can survive low light levels. It is flexible in terms of heat and water. It is also a great air purifier.
6. Window box. A classic window box is on the opposite side of the window in this case, with trailing leaves cascading over the side. Its pared-back design suits the minimalism of the room and softens the gray brick of the window frame.
What to plant: Devil’s ivy is considered to be a great way to get into the world of houseplants. It does well in a wide range of environments including bright, indirect light as well as low light. It also will thrive in nutrient-rich and nutrient-poor soil.
What to plant: Devil’s ivy is considered to be a great way to get into the world of houseplants. It does well in a wide range of environments including bright, indirect light as well as low light. It also will thrive in nutrient-rich and nutrient-poor soil.
7. Staircase shrubs. This planter box provides a colorful architectural feature that fills the space under the stairs. It softens the aesthetic of the stairs with a variety of plants that can be added to over time.
What to plant: Philodendron thrives year-round indoors and adapts readily to interior conditions. It is also easy to care for because it tells you exactly what it needs. Place it where it receives bright, indirect sunlight and allow the top soil to dry out between waterings.
What to plant: Philodendron thrives year-round indoors and adapts readily to interior conditions. It is also easy to care for because it tells you exactly what it needs. Place it where it receives bright, indirect sunlight and allow the top soil to dry out between waterings.
8. Hallway highlight. A planter box is an architectural feature of this hallway and staircase, adding greenery to complement the wood and the white walls and ceiling.
What to plant: Kentia palm (Howea forsteriana) has the necessary height for this space and planter depth. It is low-maintenance and does well where it receives a decent amount of indirect light in the early mornings and late afternoons. Ensure that the soil has adequate drainage, and water only when when the top soil layer is dry.
Tell us: Do you have a built-in planter in your home? Upload a picture to the Comments below.
Read more stories about container gardens
What to plant: Kentia palm (Howea forsteriana) has the necessary height for this space and planter depth. It is low-maintenance and does well where it receives a decent amount of indirect light in the early mornings and late afternoons. Ensure that the soil has adequate drainage, and water only when when the top soil layer is dry.
Tell us: Do you have a built-in planter in your home? Upload a picture to the Comments below.
Read more stories about container gardens
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The house plants really do clean the air. Much better than one of those air purifier machines. I like plants so I have many. I think a built in planter would be nice to have. The little fruit flies have not been a problem for me. Though I have used the little raid apple traps a few times and that works.
Setting potted orchids in these seems to be the best use to me. I'd be concerned about eventual leaking. I'm happy with plant stands, and I'm all for deep windows to give plants a home. There's a story on Houzz somewhere that discusses what to do about fruit flies. I just set out some of my "Auschwitz for fruit flies" solution a couple of days ago. It's that time of year.
would love to disguise this unsightly wall with a raised garden or herb garden box preferably wood or faux stone.. any ideas? does not necessarily have to be a garden.. really hate the look of this wall and the vibe without taking up too much of the deck space