Plant Shop Display Ideas: How to Style Handmade Pots That Actually Sell
If you're searching for practical, modern plant shop display ideas, you're in the right place. Whether you're a boutique retailer or a plant shop pro, how you display your inventory — especially when you're merchandising handmade pots — can directly impact your sales.
Beautiful products deserve beautiful context. And when it comes to handcrafted, small-batch pottery, the right display doesn’t just catch the eye — it tells a story that draws your customers in.
Here are go-to, real-world plant pot display strategies to help you create a standout retail plant display that sells and speaks your shop’s visual language.
“Merchandising is the art of storytelling without words.”
Table of contents
1. Choose a Color Story
Start by selecting 3–5 color finishes that work together naturally. This could be a blend of earthy neutrals, bold metallics, or rich warm tones — whatever aligns with your store’s seasonal palette and your customers' aesthetic.
- Mix designs like round, tall, and textured styles to add subtle contrast
- Group your color palette across sizes (2", 4", 6") to keep the story consistent
-
Start with Fan Favorites — pick colors that are consistent or compliment colors that have already sold well in your shop.
Choosing a clear color story is a foundational step in how to style handmade pots effectively.
🌿 TCJ Tip: When choosing colors for the first time we suggest going with a mix of 3-5 of our earthy classics or if you have an eclectic shop or want something bold try 3-5 of our metallic colors.
- TCJ Classic Bestsellers are Terracotta, Pale Pink, Forest Green, White, Black, Sage and Plum.
- TCJ Metallic Bestsellers are Copper, Gold, Midnight Oil, Sunlit Moss, and Bahama Blue
A great ordering process would be to start with the a limited color group you already know sells and then introduce a new color or two every restock along with new designs in your customers favored colors.
2. Mix Sizes and Heights for Visual Flow
Use a combination of pot sizes and risers to create layers that pull the eye around your display. It gives rhythm and makes your shelving feel dynamic and shoppable — and it can even influence customer movement through your space.
Practical Tips:
- Use stacked trays, crates, or ceramic risers for varied elevation
- Anchor with large pots and flank with smaller ones
- Echo a triangle shape to create balanced groupings on shelves or tabletops
- Place your boldest or highest-margin items at eye level — it’s where the eye lands first
- Try placing a mirror or small hanging element behind tall pieces to create depth
These tricks are core techniques in retail plant display styling.
3. Show Customers What It Looks Like in Use
Styling with plants makes all the difference. Pop in nursery pots — no soil needed — and show the scale of the planter. Add a copper trellis to a climbing plant, tuck in a wick stick for a water-wise touch, and help the customer see the full picture.
Easy Styling Combos:
- Style a bundle - 4" Hoya plant in a 4" handmade pot with copper trellis set up near a grouping of the same individual items.
- A plant makes everything prettier - A String of Pearls or other long trailing plant weaving along the top or front of multiple pots really draws people in
-
Showcase an upsell - Self-watering pot + wick stick combo with a sign explaining how it works
Wondering how to display plant pots in a store in a way that sells? These styled vignettes create context and confidence.
4. Create an Add-On Station Near Checkout
Make upselling effortless by offering tactile, beautiful accessories that go with your pots — ideally placed where shoppers are already lingering.
Best Add-On Options:
- Plant Wick Sticks – include a small card or sign showing how they pair with your self-watering pots
- Copper Trellises – place them next to climbing plants for context
- Art prints or postcards – prop one up in a pot to turn a product into a moment
Unexpected Tip: Group 2–3 add-on items into a "Ready to Style" bundle — wrap in kraft paper, tie with jute, and label it as a shelf-styling kit or gifting set.
These kinds of upsell stations are an often-overlooked part of merchandising handmade pots successfully.
5. Build In Texture and Tone With Natural Layers
Not everything has to be functional — layer in warmth and texture to tell a visual story.
Ideas That Work:
Add a soft moss base under small pots
Use wood planks, linen cloths, or paper backing to ground your groupings
Include a framed botanical art print or a small handwritten sign that reflects your shop’s tone
These little touches elevate your plant shop display ideas beyond the basics and into brand experience territory.
6. Refresh the Energy
Subtle shifts in layout or color tone can completely change the energy of your display. Think of it like refreshing a mood — not reinventing your shop.
Suggestions for Seasonal Refreshes:
Introduce a limited seasonal color — and place it in a high-traffic corner
Add a rotating “Staff Favorite” shelf that spotlights one pot + one plant combo
Use scent subtly: dried herbs or seasonal flowers tucked behind displays invite pause
Consider changing your playlist slightly to match the tone of the season (yes — the vibe matters)
Regular rotation is a creative and low-lift approach to how to display plant pots in a store that keeps customers curious.
Final Thoughts
Your handmade inventory deserves to be displayed with the same care and intention that went into creating it. When your retail space feels artful, warm, and story-driven, customers stay longer — and shop more confidently.
If you're ready to take your plant shop display to the next level, we’d love to help.
Want help curating a display-ready order for your shop?
Log in or apply to our wholesale site or reach out to us — we love helping shops build displays that move product and tell a story.
🌿 Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions we get from shop owners looking to elevate their retail plant display and improve how they’re merchandising handmade pots in-store.
How often should I refresh my plant display?
A good rule of thumb is every 3–4 weeks, or when you introduce new inventory. Even small shifts in layout or color palette can make the space feel new and encourage repeat customers to re-engage.
What types of pots tend to sell best in a plant shop display?
Shops typically see strong sell-through on neutral tones (white, pale pink, sage), small statement colors (like plum or copper), and self-watering designs paired with accessories like wick sticks. Grouping by color or finish boosts visual appeal.
What if I have limited space?
Use vertical solutions like stacked crates or wall shelving to maximize height. A single focused display with thoughtful styling often performs better than overcrowded shelves.
Are TCJ products a good fit for my shop?
Everything we make is designed with independent retailers in mind. Our handmade pots are built to blend with a variety of aesthetics — minimalist, botanical, boho, or eclectic — and they come in curated color groupings that display beautifully together. Plus, our product line includes art prints and upsell accessories that help create a fuller experience for your customers.
How do I become a stockist and order wholesale plant pots?
You can apply for a wholesale account directly on our website — it’s quick and easy. Once you’re approved, you’ll unlock access to our full catalog of handmade pots, art prints, and upsell accessories. Just log in, browse by collection, and start building your first order. We’re here if you need help along the way!
Amanda - Co Founder of The Curated Jungle
Amanda Billhartz is an artist, mother, and co-founder of The Curated Jungle—an independent pottery studio based in the Midwest. Alongside her husband, she handcrafts concrete planters and designs inspired by nature, texture, and the beauty of everyday living. When she’s not in the studio, you’ll find her adventuring with her family, playing with plants, or finding the space to just be in the world.
