I’ve never found pests to be a problem with herbs – the strength of their “herbiness” seems to repel bugs just fine.
I find that I only use a few (cilantro, basil, chives, parsley), but they’re so pretty, I always plant extras. I use sweet basil for food, but it also comes in some really pretty varieties. Rosemary (although it can get big) and thyme are very pretty plants, and can have a “hanging” style that would look pretty growing over the edge of your planters.. Things like oregano and mints may be too tall for planters like those (unless you’re really aggressive about pinching them back). And always be careful of everything in the mint family – it’s horribly invasive and can spread seeds far and wide.