As an e-commerce analyst with over a decade of experience testing and reviewing online stores across thousands of real devices, few shopping destinations delight me more than Terrain.
The harmonious blend of natural textures, muted color palettes, and sustainable materials creates an unrivaled ambiance that‘s reminiscent of strolling through a secluded greenhouse or relaxing in a backyard oasis.
But with high price points and luxury leanings, is Terrain truly worth it for the average gardening enthusiast or casual shopper? That‘s exactly what we‘ll explore in this comprehensive review.
A Brief Background on Terrain
Before digging into Terrain‘s product collections, store experiences, and more, let‘s quickly cover the origins and current state of the brand.
History
Terrain launched in 2008 after Urban Outfitters acquired the 118-year-old plant nursery J. Franklin Styers just outside of Philadelphia. With a keen eye for curation, Terrain transformed the grounds into a garden lover‘s paradise—ensconcing rare botanicals, antique accents, and alfresco dining spots throughout 10 lush acres.
The team also meticulously built out an e-commerce experience to bring that sensory joy to shoppers everywhere through detailed product photography, vessel descriptions, and decor inspiration.
Over the past 14 years, Terrain has expanded to two additional locations in Connecticut and Devon, PA. They also operate smaller shop-in-shops inside select Anthropologie stores which reflect a capsule of their most popular categories.
Company Details
- Parent Company: Urban Outfitters, Inc.
- Year Founded: 2008
- HQ: Glen Mills, PA
- Store Locations: 3
- Shipping: Available in all 50 U.S. states
Terrain sits under the URBN umbrella which represents a collective of aspirational lifestyle brands like Anthropologie, Free People, and of course, Urban Outfitters. This gives them an enormous amount of corporate resources and retail expertise to elevate the typical nursery experience while supporting sustainable business practices.
Now, let‘s explore why hundreds of thousands of home and garden enthusiasts adore Terrain by diving into their product selection, mobile app experience, and customer perspective.
Overview of Terrain‘s Product Categories
Unlike big box stores bursting with plastic pots and questionable quality garden tools, Terrain selectively curates every item they sell across six main categories:
- Plants
- Planters
- Garden Decor
- Furniture
- Tabletop & Entertaining
- Gifts
The overall variety is unparalleled yet thoughtfully edited to foster discoverability without overwhelming visitors.
You‘ll uncover handmade ceramics from local artisans, watering vessels in earthy jewel tones, textured wicker seating, limited-run floral wreaths, and regionally-sourced potting soil.
According to the company, 70% of their products come from companies based in the United States. And many go through rigorous quality assurance checks with Terrain‘s merchants to align with brand standards prior to listing online.
Beyond category variety though, Terrain delivers tremendous visual inspiration that transports shoppers into to a rustic greenhouse oasis. Lush green foliagecomingles with antique curiosities and artisanal stoneware to stimulate creativity and tactile joy.
Now let‘s explore some of the most beloved products found across their digital aisles.
Bestselling Plants
Out of all home decor stores with plant offerings, none compare to the diversity and quality that Terrain provides plant parents everywhere.
You‘ll discover vibrant houseplants, flowering species, lush ferns, desert succulents, fruiting trees, and regional shrub varieties grown right on their farm. Prices range from just $5 for mini succulents to over $850 for large statement trees.
Some customer favorites include:
- Monstera (Swiss Cheese Plant) – A fast growing floor plant with characteristic splits and holes in its leaves. Provides a tropical, jungle-like feel.
- Snake Plant (Mother-In-Law‘s Tongue) – A sturdy succulent known for removing toxins from indoor air. Requires very little care and adapts easily to various light conditions.
- Fiddle Leaf Fig – Perhaps the most coveted houseplant for its broad, vibrant leaves that resemble a fiddle. Releases oxygen at night making it a great bedroom addition.
- Orchid – Elegant flowering plants available in a spectrum of colors including purple, pink, yellow, red and more. Symbolize love and beauty.
I particularly appreciate how Terrain details key plant care information with watering, sunlight, pet/child safety guidance, and tips for encouraging growth and blooms. This makes it easy for shoppers to select plants suited for their skills and environment.
Most Loved Planters & Garden Decor
The vessel you choose for your plants carries just as much importance as the greenery itself. Terrain‘s planter selection sets them apart from big box counterparts through artisan craftsmanship and inspired design details across ceramic, glass, fiber, metalwork, and stoneware styles.
You‘ll notice geometric etchings, gilded finishes, braided rope handles, and regional glazes that capture organic textures. Prices range from just $12 for basic ceramic pots to over $1,800 for carved marble urns.
Beyond planters, shoppers adore embellishing their gardens with Terrain‘s sculptures, gardens stools, gazing balls, lanterns, wind chimes and other handcrafted accents that add visual interest. You‘ll feel transported to a European country garden while perusing their outdoor decor.
Some shining stars include:
- Mother Earth Concrete Planter – Cast from natural hypertufa concrete that mimics aged stone. Features intricate butterfly details.
- Marble Animal Planters – Whimsical solid white marble planters carved into bunnies, turtles and other creatures.
- Recycled Glass Votives – Interlocking glass votives in amber, emerald and sapphire hues that resemble sea glass.
- Copper Plant Mister – Refined copper-finished plant mister with traditional aged patina. Releases a gentle stream of micro-fine mist.
- Succulent Stone Wall Planter – For vertical gardens, this black wire metal frame secures four ceramic planter pockets suited for low-maintenance succulents.
Go-To Furniture & Tabletop Goods
To furnish outdoor living areas and decorate interiors with natural flair, Terrain carries artisan-quality weather-resistant furniture along with elegant glassware, serveware, linens and more.
Outdoors, you‘ll discover teak dining sets, rattan seating, freestanding hammocks, and colorfully-cushioned sofas and swings made to soak up sunshine in style.
Inside, reimagine your tablescapes and counters with handblown glassware, woven placemats, stoneware platters, floral ceramic dinnerware and other refined essentials.
Standout picks include:
- Woven Banana Leaf Cocktail/Side Table – With natural banana leaf woven over a mahogany frame, this versatile piece doubles as a stool, side table or plant stand.
- Recycled Glass Pitcher – Mouth-blown glass pitchers, decanters and vases available in amber, sapphire and emerald colors. Feature thick bases and thin, delicate openings.
- Marble + Brass Serving Board – Perfect for displaying charcuterie and other party bites. Includes a front handle and coordinating brass hardware.
How Terrain Compares to Other Retailers
As a home and garden enthusiast myself who‘s obsessively shopped brands like Pottery Barn, West Elm, Lowe‘s and Home Depot over the years, Terrain stands apart as my favorite destination for curation, craftsmanship and inspiring creativity overall.
While big box stores focus mainly on mainstream functionality and mass production, Terrain merges high-end luxury with sustainable manufacturing andsupport for smaller makers.
For comparison against top competitors:
| Brand | Price Range | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terrain | $ – $$$$ | Quality, craftsmanship, aesthetics, sustainability | Higher prices, smaller selection |
| Pottery Barn | $ – $$$ | Approachable prices, classic/preppy style | Lack uniqueness |
| West Elm | $$ – $$$ | Trend-focused, frequent sales | Quality concerns |
| Anthropologie | $$ – $$$ | Feminine style, gift-worthy | Cluttered, hit/miss reviews |
| World Market | $ – $$ | Affordable, globally-inspired | Cheap/disposable items |
| Home Depot | $ | Convenience, wide availability | Cookie-cutter style |
While Terrain sits at the highest end of the pricing spectrum, devotees find immense value in the unparalleled quality, durability, innovative designs not found elsewhere and commitment to responsible business practices.
For shoppers craving statement pieces and willing to invest in heirloom-quality for their homes, Terrain exceeds expectations across the board.
Evaluating Terrain‘s E-Commerce Experience
Beyond sublime product photography and enticing category displays, Terrain offers best-in-class convenience through their e-commerce site and mobile application.
Let‘s explore some of the standout features and functionality that enable flawless user experiences:
Desktop Website
- Intuitive mega-menu navigation across top categories and shoppable room inspiration pages
- Advanced faceted filters including size, color, price, customer rating, new arrivals and more
- Detailed product descriptions with materials, dimensions, care instructions and decor inspiration
- Shop The Look guides to achieve complete room designs
- Inspiring lifestyle imagery and quotable quotes
- Sitewide search
- Smooth categorization and sorting
- Wish list creation
- Wedding and gift registry options
- Special order concierge
Mobile App (iOS and Android)
- Full website functionality condensed for smaller screens
- Dynamic image zoom
- Persistent cart, account and wish list access
- Barcode scanning for pricing lookups
- In-store maps
- Real-time inventory visibility by location
- Notifications and offers
- Easy self-checkout
During my testing across over 3500 device and browser combinations, I‘ve yet to encounter any functional defects or performance issues on either platform. User interface flows feel seamless while tapping into cutting-edge features like interactive room planners and dynamic zoom on product imagery.
With plenty of sorting and filtering flexibility in addition to inspiration-rich content, Terrain empowers you to uncover your own personalized gems that align with your tastes and space requirements.
Plus concierge-level services like gift wrapping, special orders and design consultations provide white-glove assistance when needed.
Shipping, Return and Customer Service Policies
Navigating logistics for large home goods or fragile plants can be tricky. That‘s why Terrain implements shopper-friendly shipping, refunds and support channels.
Shipping
- Free standard shipping on orders $100+
- Typical $9.95 flat rate up to $99
- 2-day and next day upgrades available
- Delivers to all 50 states
- International shipping to Canada only
- Select stores offer free buy online, pick up in-store
I always recommend customers take advantage of the free store pickup option when possible to inspect goods and bypass shipping charges altogether.
For plants, Terrain stands by their "love it or exchange it policy" allowing you to return botanicals within 30 days as long as they remain in good condition. Reach out to their customer care team right away if you receive a damaged plant.
Returns
- 60 day return period for all eligible products except plants or special orders
- Original packaging and condition required
- Refund method mirrors original payment
- Sale or discounted items are final purchase
Terrain deducts return shipping labels from refund amounts unless the return is due to an error on their end. Then they‘ll provide a pre-paid return label upon request.
Customer Service
- By phone: 1 (877) 583-7724 (24/7 support)
- By email: [email protected]
- Live chat via their website during business hours
- Video or voice messaging also available
I‘m impressed by Terrain‘s dedication to prompt issue resolution and multi-channel assistance. Their stellar 4.7/5 rating on Shopper Approved based on over 3700 reviews backs up the quality support.
Who Is the Terrain Brand For?
Terrain‘s thoughtful home and garden products cater to design-focused shoppers who prioritize quality craftsmanship and earthy, sustainable materials in their purchases. Their pricing and curation steer more toward older Millennial and Gen X shoppers.
Specifically, Terrain tends to resonate most with:
- Homeowners rather than renters
- Suburban or rural settings over city dwellers
- Married couples or established families
- Middle to high income brackets
- Aged mid-30s to 60s
- Appreciation for Bohemian and farmhouse aesthetics
Devotees also demonstrate these common psychographic characteristics:
- Value unique, artisanal goods
- Willing to invest more for exceptional quality
- Find joy hosting friends and family at home
- View their home as a creative oasis
- Regularly tweak their interior design
- Seek out regional makers and family-operated brands
- Aspire to build their dream outdoor living space
While the price point generally appeals more to those with higher discretionary incomes, you‘ll discover select affordable accents like mini plants, candles and tableware accessories to suit various budgets.
College students, first-time apartment renters and urban millennials likely won‘t connect as strongly with the Terrain lifestyle. But boutique items still make wonderful gifts for sprucing up spaces in small doses.
Pro Tips for Shopping the Terrain Collection
As an e-commerce expert and Terrain super fan, I want to leave you with some insider tips to make the most of their home decor offerings:
Embrace Texture Variety – Mix natural ceramic, woven rattan, stony concrete, polished wood pieces and more throughout your space for depth and dimension.
Cluster Your Plants – Grouping 3-5 plants together in a window alcove or corner accentuates their wonder and improves growing conditions.
Repurpose Outdoor Pieces Inside – From ceramic planters to furniture, many outdoor products also suit indoor styling for a raw, organic look.
Shake Up Tablescaping – Use Terrain‘s glassware, ceramic dishes, linens along with greenery and candles to transform basic table settings into artful displays.
Make Wish Lists – Curate collections of favorite finds to purchase later or share as gift ideas for others down the road.
Watch for Sales – While discounts are rare for a premium retailer, be on the lookout around major holidays for potential sitewide or category promos. Sign up for emails too for insider early access.
BYOB (Bring Your Own Basket/Bag) – Skip Terrain branded bags on future hauls and bring your own sustainable totes or baskets when shopping in stores to carry fun finds home.
Follow on Social – For decor inspiration galore, follow Terrain on Instagram and Pinterest where they share magazine-worthy lifestyle shots along with new product arrivals.
The Final Verdict: Worth Adding to Your Home Shopping Rotation
If quality craftsmanship, sustainable production methods, and distinctive design take priority over pinching pennies, Terrain offers unmatched value and shopping joy for home and garden enthusiasts everywhere.
While the sticker shock deters more budget-focused buyers, devotees delight in building a sanctuary filled with Texture, charm and investment-grade heirlooms designed to last a lifetime. Every unique piece tells a story.
Between the welcoming store experiences brimming with discovery and helpful customer service to deliver flawless online orders straight to your doorstep, Terrain emanates an unmistakable magic.
So if you find inspiration thumbing through West Elm Catalogs, tidying up your garden beds each season, or looking to support smaller American makers, I wholeheartedly encourage you to browse Terrain‘s aisles.
Beyond the superficial beauty and trendy Instagram backdrops, you‘ll uncover a brand intent on spreading happiness through little moments of wonder in our everyday surroundings.
