African Head Planters: Styling, Scale and Placement

Short answer: Style an African head planter as a sculpture first. Choose the shelf or table by the planter's height, choose the plant by the size of the opening, and give the face room so it is seen at eye level or a little below. Most of our designs are 20 to 25 cm tall, which suits a bookshelf, mantel, sideboard or deep windowsill.

Looking for the pieces themselves? See our head planters and face plant pots.

How big are African head planters?

Ours range from 17 to 25 cm tall. Each size below is from the product page.

Where does a head planter look best?

• Bookshelf: measure the shelf height first; a 23 cm head plus plant needs more than 23 cm of clearance.
• Mantel or sideboard: one head with space either side reads as a sculpture. Two different heads can face each other a little.
• Windowsill: check the depth. Our deepest design here is 20 cm front to back.
• Desk: a smaller head such as the 17 cm Ashanti-inspired planter leaves room to work.

Which plant suits which head?

Choose by the opening, not the outer size. A 7 to 8 cm opening takes a small nursery pot of trailing stems, which can fall like hair; a wider opening takes a fuller plant. Our guide to the best plants for head planters lists trailing and upright choices.

How do you match the finish to the room?

Every head is cast stone, painted by hand. Matte black and deep teal sit well against pale walls and wood; gold details pick up brass lamps and frames. Keep nearby objects plain so the face stays the focus. For the thinking behind the designs, read Appreciation, not appropriation: our commitment.

Questions

How tall are African head planters?

Ours are 17 to 25 cm tall; each product page gives the exact size.

Can an African head planter go outside?

Some can, in a sheltered spot: the Afro Woman, Crown of Tides, Mother of the Gyre and Ashanti-inspired designs. Golden Grace, Sable, Golden Hour and Adire Night are for indoors.

What plant goes in a head planter?

Pick a plant whose nursery pot fits the opening. Trailing plants read as hair; upright plants read as a crown.

Are they made of stone?

Yes. Every design listed here is cast stone, painted by hand.

Browse head planters and face plant pots