How do I choose the right size planter box for the entrance of our office building?

Choosing the right planter box for your office entrance isn’t just about picking a pretty pot—it’s about making a statement that says, “Welcome, you’ve arrived somewhere important.” I’ve seen too many entrances where a tiny planter looks like a lonely afterthought, or where an oversized box overwhelms the door like a giant guarding the gate. Let me walk you through how to find that “Goldilocks” size for your building.

First, measure your entrance area. I’m talking about the width of the doorway, the height of the ceiling or awning, and the available floor space. A good rule of thumb is that your planter box should be about one-third to one-half the width of your entrance door. For example, if your door is 6 feet wide, a planter between 2 and 3 feet wide feels balanced. If you go smaller, the planter gets visually lost; if you go much larger, it starts blocking pedestrian flow—and trust me, nobody likes to squeeze past a shrub to get to work.

Next, consider the height. Your planter box shouldn’t be taller than the bottom of your door handle or lower than about 18 inches. Why? Because at eye level, a planter that’s too low disappears, while one that’s too high hides the door and makes the entrance feel like a fortress. I recommend a height between 24 and 36 inches for most commercial entrances. This places the foliage right where visitors can see and appreciate it without feeling crowded.

Don't forget depth—plant roots need room to breathe. For small shrubs or annuals, 12 inches of soil depth is minimum. For small trees or large perennials, go with at least 18 to 24 inches. A shallow planter might look sleek, but it will dry out faster and stunt your plants, which makes your entrance look tired instead of thriving.

Finally, match the scale to your building’s architecture. A sleek, narrow planter suits a modern glass lobby, while a wide, sturdy box works for a traditional brick facade. If your entrance has columns or pillars, use planter boxes that align with their spacing—don’t let the planters fight the architecture.

Remember: your entrance planter is the handshake of your building. Make it firm, welcoming, and just the right size.