When it comes to styling commercial spaces, greenery is one of the simplest ways to bring life and warmth into the environment. Whether you’re fitting out an office, a restaurant, or a hotel lobby, the right planters can completely change how a space feels.
But here’s a question that comes up time and time again: should you go for indoor trough planters or stick with the classic plant pots?
The truth is, both have their place. Each brings its own design character, practical benefits, and atmosphere. Let’s take a closer look at how they differ, and how to choose the best option for your business.
Why the Right Planter Style Matters
In commercial interiors, first impressions count. A thoughtfully designed space doesn’t just look good; it says something about your brand. Planters play a bigger role in that than many realise.
They influence flow, shape how people move through a room, and add that subtle sense of calm that only greenery can provide.
An indoor trough planter offers structure. It’s long, linear, and ideal for defining zones or creating privacy in open-plan layouts. Think of them as green dividers, elegant, natural-looking partitions that guide the eye and soften hard edges.
Pots, on the other hand, are your accents. They’re flexible, easy to reposition, and perfect for adding interest to corners, doorways, or reception desks.
The best designers often use both, blending structure with freedom to create balanced, biophilic spaces that feel alive.
Trough Planters in the Modern Workspace
Trough planters are becoming a go-to feature in contemporary offices and hospitality design. Their shape makes them perfect for separating breakout areas, meeting zones, and hot-desking sections without needing to build solid partitions.
That’s why they work so well in modern, agile workplaces; they define space while keeping it open and inviting.
Commercially, they’re also efficient. Artificial trough planters from Evergreen Direct require no watering or trimming, ensuring they maintain their lush, healthy appearance throughout the year with minimal maintenance. For facility managers or business owners, that’s a significant plus: no soil, no leaks, and no time wasted on upkeep. Just beautiful greenery that always looks freshly styled.
Why Pots Still Have A Place
Now, don’t rule out pots just yet. They’re versatile for a reason. Where troughs provide structure, pots offer movement and depth. They’re great for breaking up large, flat areas and for bringing a touch of green to smaller spaces.
Picture a few large pots flanking a reception entrance, or a trio of smaller ones grouped in a meeting lounge, simple touches that instantly lift the room.
In hotels and restaurants, pots can be swapped and repositioned as layouts evolve. They also make it easy to add a pop of colour or texture when you’re refreshing the décor.
And with artificial options, you get all the aesthetic value of real plants without worrying about lighting, watering, or leaf drop.
The Smart Choice for Commercial Interiors
Which is best, indoor trough planters or pots? The honest answer depends on what you need your greenery to do. If you’re looking to shape open spaces, enhance privacy, or create visual flow in a large area, trough planters are your best friend.
They give your layout structure and presence without feeling heavy or overdesigned.
If you’re after flexibility, quick design refreshes, or focal features that can be easily moved with the furniture, pots are unbeatable.
Most modern commercial interiors benefit from a mix of both, troughs for structure and pots for personality.
Together, they create a space that looks intentionally styled and naturally cohesive.
Low-Maintenance, High-Impact Design
Artificial greenery has revolutionised the landscape of commercial interiors.
With realistic finishes, UV resistance, and durable materials, you can create a natural and calming atmosphere that requires minimal ongoing maintenance.
Artificial indoor trough planters, in particular, offer long-term value, with no maintenance contracts, no plant replacements, and no inconsistency. Just a clean, modern design that stands the test of time.
Three Eye-Catching Planter Displays Perfect for Your Indoor Troughs
When it comes to creating standout interior troughs that first catch the eye and then hold the gaze, the proper selections make all the difference. Let’s imagine a sleek reception area where a long, low trough sweeps across the floor, filled with lush architectural foliage from the Cubix Trough for Home or Offices.
Its clean lines and generous width make it ideal for formal spaces, while the scale keeps it grounded in a commercial setting. Flanking this, the textured finish of the Verve  Nurgul  Rectangular  Trough could add subtle contrast, with trailing artificial greenery spilling gently over its edges, helping soften the room’s geometry.
And for a striking feature piece behind a lounge sofa or bench, the bold presence of the Verve Durdica Rectangular Trough offers height and depth, making it a perfect home for taller stems or layered planting that draws attention without dominating.
Each piece brings its own character to the trough design, allowing your brand’s aesthetic to shine through. As they sit within our custom-built artificial planter range at Evergreen Direct, you’ll benefit from the high-quality craftsmanship and maintenance-free finishes the team is known for.
Bringing It All Together
Whether you’re designing a large open office, a boutique hotel, or a busy restaurant, both indoor trough planters and pots have their place. What matters most is how you use them to tell your brand’s story through design.
At Evergreen Direct, we help businesses create professional and inviting spaces that remain vibrant throughout the year.
If you’re ready to transform your commercial interior with beautiful, maintenance-free greenery, explore our full collection of indoor trough planters and artificial plant pots today.
Our team can help you select the ideal combination to suit your layout, brand, and style, making every space feel effortlessly alive.
