If you're looking to add greenery and style to your space, a plant stand is a must-have. Not only does it elevate your plants—literally—but it also adds shape, texture, and character to your home or outdoor area. But when it comes to choosing the right one, most Aussies find themselves deciding between two main materials: wood and metal. So, which is better for your home? The answer depends on your lifestyle, decor style, and where you plan to use it.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons of wood vs metal plant stands, how each performs in Australian conditions, and what to consider based on your location and taste. We’ll also introduce you to some top-selling options from Metro Elegance, including our wooden plant stands, metal plant stands, indoor and outdoor varieties, as well as corner plant stands and tall styles that work beautifully in Aussie homes.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Plant Stand Material
Before diving into materials, think about where your plant stand will go. Is it for a sun-drenched living room, a shaded balcony, or out in the open on a patio? Also consider how often you'll move it, the size of your plants, and the overall aesthetic you're after. In Australia, where weather can range from dry heat to tropical humidity depending on the region, choosing the right material can make all the difference in terms of durability and upkeep.
Wooden Plant Stands: Warm, Natural, and Timeless
Pros of Wooden Plant Stands:
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Natural Look: Wood adds warmth and a natural feel to any space. It pairs well with indoor plants, timber floors, and light, coastal-style interiors popular across Australia.
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Eco-Friendly Choices: Many wooden stands are made from renewable or sustainable materials like bamboo.
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Easy to Blend with Furniture: Wood often matches dining tables, bookshelves, or cabinets, helping create a cohesive look.
Cons of Wooden Plant Stands:
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Not Always Weather-Resistant: Unless treated or sealed, wood may not hold up well in outdoor settings exposed to rain or harsh sun.
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Maintenance Required: It may need occasional re-sealing or wiping to prevent warping or mould, especially in humid climates like Brisbane or Darwin.
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Can Be Heavier: Some solid wood pieces can be bulkier and less mobile than their metal counterparts.
Wooden stands from our Metro Elegance plant stand collection are ideal for indoor spaces, bedrooms, living rooms, or even protected outdoor patios. They're especially popular in Queensland and New South Wales homes where the natural timber aesthetic blends well with bright, airy interiors.
Metal Plant Stands: Sleek, Sturdy, and Modern
Pros of Metal Plant Stands:
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Durability: Metal stands are often powder-coated or rust-resistant, making them ideal for outdoor use in Aussie backyards, balconies, and gardens.
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Modern Look: Great for minimalist or industrial interiors with clean lines and monochrome palettes.
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Lightweight & Easy to Move: Many are surprisingly lightweight, making it easy to rearrange your plant display as needed.
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Great for Small Spaces: Slim-legged metal stands don’t take up much visual space and are perfect for apartments or compact areas.
Cons of Metal Plant Stands:
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Can Heat Up Outdoors: In full sun, metal can become hot to the touch, especially in summer.
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Might Rust Over Time: If not coated properly, they may show signs of rust—though this can be avoided with good-quality materials.
Our metal plant stands at Metro Elegance are built to suit both indoor and outdoor use. They're a great option for urban homes in Melbourne or Sydney where space is limited and a sleek modern look is preferred.
Indoor vs Outdoor Use
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Indoor Spaces: Both wood and metal work well, but wood tends to create a warmer, more inviting atmosphere. Our indoor plant stands come in various finishes and sizes to match any interior style.
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Outdoor Spaces: Metal wins for resilience, especially if your stand will face direct sun or rain. Our outdoor plant stands are designed with Australian weather in mind—rust-resistant, sturdy, and low-maintenance.
If your balcony or deck is partly sheltered, wooden stands can still work well—just keep them dry and consider applying a protective finish every season or so.
Style and Placement: Where Each Material Works Best
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Wooden Plant Stands: Beautiful in lounge rooms, bedrooms, or even hallways. They go well with corner plant stands that fit neatly into unused spaces, or paired with timber furniture.
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Metal Plant Stands: Ideal for creating contrast in modern or industrial spaces. A tall metal plant stand makes a stunning feature piece beside windows, entryways, or on verandahs.
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Mix and Match: Many Aussie homes blend both materials. For example, use a wooden stand in your reading nook, and a sleek metal option in the kitchen or courtyard for variety.
Maintenance and Longevity
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Wood: Wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry immediately. Use wood oil or sealant every few months if the stand is near windows, heaters, or outdoors.
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Metal: Clean with a soft cloth; occasionally check for rust or wear on coated finishes. Store indoors or under cover during heavy rain or storms for longer lifespan.
In both cases, proper plant drainage matters. Always use drip trays or saucers to avoid water damage on any surface—especially timber floors or decking.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it really comes down to your style preferences and where you’ll be placing the stand. If you love a cosy, natural look and are mostly styling indoors, wooden plant stands are a perfect fit. But if you want something modern, weather-resistant, and flexible for indoor-outdoor use, metal plant stands might be more your style.
Luckily, you don’t have to choose just one. At Metro Elegance, we offer a diverse range of indoor, outdoor, wooden, metal, corner, and tall plant stands to suit every taste and space. Whether you’re dressing up a sunny balcony, refreshing a hallway corner, or building a lush indoor garden wall, there’s something here for every Aussie home.
Final Thoughts
Both wood and metal plant stands have their place in Australian interiors. It’s all about matching the material to the environment and your design goals. With the right choice, a plant stand does more than just hold a pot—it adds structure, height, personality, and a touch of greenery that every home can benefit from.
Explore the full plant stand collection at Metro Elegance and find the perfect piece to bring your indoor or outdoor space to life—stylishly and effortlessly