Add a natural focal point to your workplace or home with stylish planters from Frenchams, a trusted Australian supplier with over 135 years’ experience. Their range includes slimline troughs, window troughs and tall units that suit lobbies, studios and cosy nooks alike.

Pair the right planter with low-maintenance plants like Aglaonema, Dracaena, Pothos, Sansevieria and Kentia to bring instant greenery and colour. Frenchams also offers national plant hire and care — watering, feeding, leaf cleaning, trimming and quick replacements — so busy teams get the benefits without the fuss.

The result is both aesthetic and practical: defined open-plan zones, softer acoustics, better air quality and a calmer atmosphere that suits offices and garden-inspired homes.

Read on for a practical, product-forward guide that covers materials (including modern metal finishes), sizes, layout tips and maintenance pointers to keep your plants thriving.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • Frenchams supplies a range of planters and national plant care for Australian workplaces and homes.
  • Choose resilient plant varieties like Aglaonema, Dracaena and Kentia for low-effort greenery.
  • The right planter and layout improve air quality, noise and the look of your space.
  • Metal finishes and slim troughs offer modern style and zone definition without blocking light.
  • Professional hire and maintenance remove the hassle for high-traffic commercial areas.

Why indoor planter boxes are a game-changer for Aussie homes and workplaces

Placing living greenery thoughtfully brings a natural focal point that supports focus and relaxation. A well-placed unit lifts the look of a room and adds a soft, natural touch to otherwise hard finishes. This boost suits lounges, lobbies and work hubs alike.

Visual appeal and wellbeing: adding greenery for a calmer space

Greenery calms the headspace. Choose durable plants and you keep the benefits with little fuss. A single feature can soften lines, make visitors feel at ease and bring a subtle garden vibe to corporate settings.

Air quality, noise reduction and defining open-plan areas

Many varieties filter pollutants and release oxygen, so interiors feel fresher all day. Units also absorb sound, reducing echo in busy zones and helping conversations stay private. In open-plan layouts, troughs and boxes act as gentle dividers that create quiet corners without building walls.

“Investing in green features lifts mood, focus and the long-term ambience of a space.”

BenefitWhere it helpsDesign tip
Visual appealReceptions, living roomsPair with timber or stone finishes
Air qualityMeeting rooms, officesChoose air-filtering plant species
Noise reductionOpen-plan areas, corridorsUse taller planters as natural dividers

For ideas on plants that improve focus and productivity, see plants that boost productivity. Frenchams’ metal and timber pairings suit both modern and garden-led interiors, so you can match form and function with ease.

How to choose the right planter for your space and style

Start with scale: match the height and width of the feature to nearby furniture so sightlines stay clean and the piece looks intentional. A well-proportioned planter keeps a room feeling balanced and open.

Consider finishes and colour. Matte neutrals, soft textures or reflective metal trims can complement timber and stone without clashing. Frenchams works with designers, architects and builders to specify sizes and finishes that suit each space.

  • Light and airflow: group plant species with similar needs and allow circulation around foliage to cut pest risk and heat buildup.
  • Access and maintenance: prioritise reach for watering, trimming and cleaning — use pots and liners that fit snugly to avoid spills.
  • Styling tips: create a garden-inspired vignette by mixing heights: tall units at the rear, mid-height centrepieces and low pots up front.

Practical note: follow Frenchams’ Construction Guide and ask your joiner or builder to install drainage and metal inserts correctly so boxes perform well and last. If unsure, stage a smaller piece in your home before you scale up.

Top indoor planter box picks and styles to consider

From slim metal troughs to Green Star-certified units, the right choice makes a lasting design and sustainability statement.

Metal trough planters suit corridors and shared desks. The Slimline Tall Trough adds height without bulk, while the Slimline Floor Trough works well as a mid-height partition or lounge edge. Powder-coated metal in classic hues feels crisp and durable; timber trims soften the look for a warmer garden touch.

Window troughs and built-in solutions

Window Troughs make the most of sill space in apartments and compact homes. They keep light clear and create a tidy herb or foliage line. Built-in planters and custom joinery deliver a seamless finish — just coordinate liners and irrigation with your builder early in the project.

Green Star and sustainability

Green Star troughs are ideal when greener specs matter. They pair well with hardy plant choices and long-lived installations, helping you meet sustainable goals without compromising style.

Working with existing joinery

Frenchams can supply plants for current units or provide matching boxes and pots to refresh a scheme. They also advise on drainage, spacing and liner sizes so upgrades are cost-effective and plant-friendly.

  • Tip: Choose plants that hold form in narrow troughs — Sansevieria, Aglaonema or trailing Pothos keep lines tidy.
  • Finish choice: metal for a modern feel; timber accents if you want a softer, garden-led look.

For styling ideas and practical tips, see stylish plant decor tips.

Best plants for your indoor planter box

A smart plant selection gives a room instant structure, colour and low‑effort charm.

Low‑maintenance heroes

Snake Plant, Zanzibar Gem and Kentia Palm

Snake Plant (Sansevieria Superba/Robusta) is sculptural and drought tolerant. It performs well in troughs and pots and keeps a tidy silhouette in workstations or hallways.

Zanzibar Gem copes with erratic watering and lower light, so it suits busy offices and casual living spaces.

Kentia Palm brings graceful height and movement. Place it in medium to deep containers for best root development.

Colour and height options

Aglaonema varieties like Lady Valentine and Marie add patterned leaves that pop against neutral pots. Dracaena “Happy Plant” gives vertical presence for taller planters, while Pothos (Devil’s Ivy) trails nicely from window troughs to soften edges.

Match plants to light and depth

Low to medium light favours Snake Plant and Zanzibar Gem. Brighter, filtered light suits Aglaonema and Kentia.

  • Depth: palms and larger Dracaena need deeper profiles.
  • Shallow options: Pothos thrives in shallower slips or removable pots.
  • Tip: add seasonal flowering inserts in removable pots for a quick colour boost.

For more plant choices and care ideas, see best houseplants guide. Frenchams recommends selections that suit your lighting, style and space.

Design, drainage and maintenance tips for thriving indoor planters

Good drainage and thoughtful styling keep your plants healthy and your space looking intentional. Start with construction and materials so you avoid common problems like waterlogged roots and staining.

Drainage done right

Layer with pebbles or lightweight aggregate and use snug liners so water flows to overflow paths. Frenchams’ Construction Guide recommends access panels and correct spacing for built-in units to make clean-outs simple.

Styling ideas for a homely touch

Balance a larger focal planter with a few smaller pots to create depth. Keep colour cohesive across containers so foliage and seasonal flowers remain the star.

Easy care routine

Set a schedule for watering, feeding and leaf cleaning. Trim to keep form and inspect for pests during routine checks. If you prefer hands-off upkeep, consider a professional maintenance program that includes replacements when a plant underperforms.

  • Use nutrient-rich compost and backfill with small stones for better drainage.
  • Mix upright forms with trailing species for a garden feel indoors.
  • Protect floors under metal planters with mats or feet and wipe condensation.

“A simple foundation and steady care keep plants thriving and displays looking fresh.”

For step-by-step planting in pots and liners, see the complete guide to planting houseplants in.

Delivery, installation and nationwide services in Australia

From concept to completion, professional delivery and setup ensure a tidy, consistent finish across sites.

Full-service layout design, delivery and installation support

JasonL provides full-service fitouts with layout design, dedicated project management and showrooms across Australia. Teams coordinate trades, order the right planter sizes and manage on-site install so your workspace is ready on time.

Ongoing plant maintenance and swift replacements

Frenchams’ national care program covers watering, feeding, leaf cleaning, trimming and pest monitoring. Swift replacements mean displays always look their best.

  • Fast fitouts: projects can finish in under 10 days — great for refurbs or events.
  • Nationwide showrooms: consistent outcomes for multi-site rollouts.
  • Works with joiners and builders to ensure functional boxes and pots.
ServiceWhat it includesBest for
Design & DeliveryLayout, scheduling, deliveryNew offices, receptions
InstallationCorrect siting, metal trims, drainageBuilt-in and freestanding units
MaintenanceWatering, feeding, pest checks, replacementsHigh-traffic spaces

Need a low-effort option? For ongoing care tips and schedules, see our low-maintenance plant care guide.

Conclusion

A considered green display brings instant warmth and structure to any reception or living area.

Choose a planter that balances scale, finish and the light your plant needs. Slim metal troughs, window planters or freestanding planters all work as long as liners and drainage are right.

Lean on proven foliage like Sansevieria, Aglaonema, Dracaena and Kentia to anchor your scheme, then layer pots for depth and colour. Add seasonal flowers in removable pots to refresh the look without rebuilding the whole setup.

Frenchams and JasonL offer national support for supply, delivery and installation, while Early Settler tips on pebbles and sunlight matching keep maintenance simple. If time is tight, opt for full-service care to keep every corner welcoming and well put‑together.

FAQ

What size should I choose for a planter to suit my space?

Measure the area where you want greenery and pick a scale that balances furniture and traffic flow. For benches or window ledges choose slimline troughs; for corners, taller containers add height without clutter. Ensure proportions complement sofas, desks or joinery so the pieces feel integrated.

How do I ensure proper drainage to keep plants healthy?

Good drainage prevents root rot. Use a liner with drainage holes, a layer of pebbles or coarse aggregate, and free-draining potting mix. If your container is metal or timber, add a waterproof membrane and an internal tray to protect flooring and finishes.

Which plants work best in low-light areas?

Choose low-maintenance, shade-tolerant species such as Snake Plant, Zanzibar Gem (Zamioculcas) and Kentia Palm. Pothos and Aglaonema also cope well with lower light and add colour and texture without constant attention.

Are metal troughs suitable for Australian homes and offices?

Yes. Metal troughs offer a modern look and durability, especially if powder-coated to resist rust. Ensure they have liners and drainage provisions to protect timber floors and joinery, and consider thermal protection to avoid overheating soil in sunlit spots.

Can I use built-in or custom joinery planters with existing cabinetry?

Absolutely. Working with a carpenter or joiner allows integration with benches, shelving or window seats. Use removable liners for maintenance, waterproof membranes to protect structures, and access panels for watering and pest checks.

How often should I water, feed and trim plants in these containers?

Watering depends on species, potting mix and light. Generally, check soil weekly and water when the top 2–3cm is dry. Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser every 4–8 weeks during growth periods. Trim yellowing leaves and prune for shape as needed.

Do you offer delivery and installation across Australia?

Many suppliers provide nationwide delivery and installation services, including layout design and placement. Look for teams that offer on-site measurements, protected delivery and professional installation to safeguard flooring and finishes.

What maintenance services are available after installation?

Options include scheduled watering and feeding, pest control, plant replacement and seasonal rotations. Full-service maintenance plans keep greenery healthy and can include rapid replacement if a specimen declines.

Can I mix different plants in one long trough?

Yes. Combine complementary species for contrast in colour and height—pair taller specimens like Dracaena with trailing Pothos and smaller Aglaonema. Match water and light needs to avoid overcomplicating care routines.

How do I add colour and texture without overwhelming a small space?

Use a restrained palette: one or two focal plants with complementary foliage tones. Add small flowering pots or low shrubs for seasonal colour. Cluster pots of varied heights to create interest while maintaining a tidy footprint.

Are there sustainable options for troughs and planters?

Yes. Look for Green Star-rated troughs, recycled metal planters or timber from certified sustainable sources. Sustainable liners and locally sourced potting mix reduce the carbon footprint of your green installation.

What should I consider when placing planters near windows or heating vents?

Account for light intensity and temperature swings. Near windows, protect roots from direct heat by using insulating liners or planting species tolerant of sun. Avoid placing sensitive plants directly above heaters or air-conditioning vents to prevent drying out.