Facade planter: choosing size, colour and wall distance

Place a planter against the facade about a hand's width from the wall, 40 to 60 cm wide and a height that suits the windowsill or the frame. For outdoors, choose a frost-proof planter with a drainage hole and match the colour to the brick, render or window frames.

How big should a planter along the facade be?

The size depends on the facade, not on the plant. A narrow planter disappears against a large wall, and one that is too wide blocks the path. As a rule of thumb, look at the space between frame, door and kerb, and at what the plant will need in a few years.

• Narrow strip or pavement: an elongated planter 40 to 50 cm wide and 80 to 100 cm long, so there is still room to walk.
• Next to the front door: two matching planters 50 to 60 cm high give calm and symmetry.
• Under a window: a low, wide planter 30 to 40 cm high, so daylight and the view are kept.
• Tall facade: one larger planter of 60 cm or more looks calmer than three small ones.

Not sure how much soil a planter will need? Work it out from the volume, as explained in filling a planter with the right layers. A planter 100 cm long, 40 cm wide and 40 cm high easily holds 150 litres or more, and that weighs a lot when filled and wet.

How far from the wall should a planter stand?

Do not set the planter tight against the brickwork. Leave about a hand's width of air, roughly 5 to 10 cm, so rainwater can run off, the wall can dry and leaves or dirt do not build up. If the planter stands on a patio or pavement, small feet help too. The water from the drainage hole then runs away instead of lingering against the facade.

Also watch for downpipes, the edge of the pavement and the swing of a door. A planter that is slightly in the way soon gets moved or knocked. Measure the free width first and subtract the width of the planter.

Which colour of planter suits brick or render?

With red or brown brick, deep blues, turquoise and green work well because they let the warmth of the brick speak. With white or light grey render you can take more contrast: cobalt blue, emerald green or a combination with gold tones gives the wall an accent. Against a dark facade of anthracite or black timber, light and turquoise mosaic tones show best.

Handmade mosaic is made of hand-cut glass pieces, laid and grouted by hand. No two planters are identical, so small differences in tone are part of the charm. You can read more about combinations in choosing mosaic colours for facade, garden and interior.

Which planter suits a modern facade?

With clean architecture, choose a calm shape: rectangular or slightly tapered, with little ornament. Limit the mosaic to one or two colours that return in the window frame, the roofline or the front door. That way the planter looks like a deliberate choice. A long, low planter along a smooth facade often works better than a round pot, because it follows the line of the house.

If you want to soften things instead, a round shape can act as a counterweight. Put two of equal height next to the entrance, as described in the right pot for an entrance or driveway.

Can a facade planter stay outside in winter?

It can, as long as it is frost-proof. Terracotta and earthenware are porous: they breathe and moisture evaporates faster, but not all terracotta is frost-proof. For year-round outdoor use, choose a frost-proof planter with a drainage hole, and fill it so water cannot stand. For weather data and frost periods in your region, see the KNMI. How frost and material interact is covered in frost-proof pots outdoors.

A facade garden also has the advantage that the wall gives shelter and a little extra warmth. Even so, it makes sense to place tender plants closer to the wall in winter and to keep the planter on feet.

What can you have made for your facade?

If no standard size fits your facade, custom work is possible in colour, model and size, including a company logo in the mosaic. A custom piece takes on average six to ten weeks from approval to delivery, with progress photos along the way. That helps for an office, restaurant or shop where the planters must match the house style. Also read our approach to planters for offices and businesses. The collection starts from about €135, with larger sizes on request. Start with the collection of handmade pots and vases, or request a free quote and you will receive a proposal within two working days. We deliver in the Netherlands and Belgium, right to the spot where the piece will stand.