19 Window Box Ideas to Brighten Up Your Exterior

Searching for new ways to flex your green thumb? Or looking to give your home’s exterior a miniature facelift? Window boxes could be the answer!

Window boxes offer the perfect place to grow your favorite plants without taking up valuable lawn space or digging into the ground. There’s no easier way to bring a hint of life and color to your home with minimal time, money, and labor.

Keep reading for some of the best window box ideas and how to recreate them to suit your own home!

1. Choose Simple Greens for Serenity

Focus on creating a lush, minimalist aesthetic by planting a variety of greenery in your window box. Select plants like boxwood, ivy, and hostas for their diverse leaf textures and shades of green, which can create a serene and cohesive look.

Black rectangular window box with lush green foliage placed on a white windowsill in front of shuttered windows — Source: @bayandbox via Instagram

2. Plant Vibrant Petunias

Utilize the vibrant colors and full blooms of petunias to create a lively window display. These flowers thrive in window boxes, providing a cascade of color. Remember to choose a mix of trailing and upright varieties for a dynamic appearance.

A window box filled with vibrant pink and white petunias against a rustic wooden window frame on a sunny day

Charming black window box with pink petunias below a white-trimmed window and green shutters on a pastel pink house — Source: @bayfrontmarin via Instagram

Black window boxes overflowing with colorful petunias, daisies, and alyssum, adding vibrant charm to a white building facade

3. Add Color with Geraniums

Geraniums offer a traditional and colorful option for window boxes. They require minimal maintenance and bloom abundantly. Group different colors for a striking contrast or stick to one shade for a monochromatic scheme.

Window box bursting with red, pink, and yellow geraniums and trailing flowers beneath a double-pane window with blue trim

White-paned window with a wooden flower box full of red geraniums and green leaves against a textured beige wall

Classic wooden window with red-trimmed shutters and a window box filled with pink and red geraniums against a white wall

Window box filled with pink trailing geraniums beneath a wooden grid window framed by rustic stone and red interior curtains — Source: @austfranc via Instagram

4. Mix Variety of Flowers

Create an eye-catching display by combining different flower types. Think about varying heights, textures, and colors. Consider seasonal blooms for year-round interest and ensure each plant has similar sunlight and watering needs.

A green window box filled with vibrant purple, pink, and white flowers beneath a window on a light-colored wall — Source: @totustourschs via Instagram

Coconut fiber window box with vibrant red and orange flowers under a white-paned window with glossy black shutters on a mint wall — Source: @charlestondaydreams via Instagram

Potted plants with colorful foliage in a window planter behind black bars, set against a beige window frame — Source: @i_love_billie_ via Instagram

A window box filled with colorful flowers, including blue, yellow, and purple blooms, set against a brick wall

Vibrant flowers in orange, purple, and pink bloom abundantly in a window box under a multi-pane window on a brick building

A window box with pink tulips, purple pansies, and small roses adorns a brick building on a cobblestone street

5. Make a Bold Statement with Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas make a bold statement with their large, lush blooms. Select a dwarf variety suitable for window boxes. These plants prefer morning sun and afternoon shade, so position them accordingly.

A window with black shutters and a flower box below, filled with pink hydrangeas, yellow and white blooms, greenery, and twigs — Source: @fleurishfortwayne via Instagram

Row of black window boxes filled with purple hydrangeas and greenery under tall windows with teal shutters and black frames

Window box with blue hydrangeas, yellow pansies, and small purple flowers, set against a brick wall with green shutters

6. Fill With Rainforest Plants

Transform your window box into a mini rainforest with plants like small ferns, philodendrons, and begonias. These plants thrive in humid conditions and can create a lush, tropical feel.

Lush black window box with overflowing ferns and trailing greenery on a weathered gray wall between two tall trees — Source: @charlestonbagvalet via Instagram

A lush windowsill planter with various green foliage and pink flowers beneath a window with patterned curtains — Source: @potsofcolor via Instagram

7. Opt for Bushy Types

Select plants known for their dense, bushy growth like lavender, boxwood, and dwarf junipers. These plants provide fullness and a structured look, making them ideal for a polished window box display.

Elegant black window box with layered greenery and white blooms beneath a bay window framed by black shutters on a white facade — Source: @charlestonscobsessed via Instagram

A window with blue shutters adorned with a lush flower box full of green plants and orange flowers — Source: @cornerstone_kingstreet via Instagram

Window box with various green plants and purple flowers, mounted on a pale yellow house with large windows — Source: @green_roots_gardener via Instagram

8. Poinsettia Window Box

During the holiday season, a window box filled with poinsettias can add festive cheer. These plants need protection from the cold, so consider this option for milder climates or as a temporary holiday display.

Window box with vibrant red flowers on a beige building, black railing in foreground, and a classic black door to the side — Source: @thelondonagent via Instagram

9. Mix & Match Perennial

Plant a combination of perennials for a window box that evolves throughout the seasons. Choose plants with varied blooming times for a display that changes and grows throughout the year.

A white window with open panes and a colorful flower box filled with orange, yellow, and white blooms on a textured white wall — Source: @annettechristian25 via Instagram

Colorful flowers in a window box below a window with black shutters and decorative iron grill on an orange wall — Source: @charlestondaydreams via Instagram

A stone wall with a large arched window, blue shutters, and a planter box filled with colorful flowers and greenery — Source: @sissonlandscapes via Instagram

10. Mount to the Wall With Coco Fiber

Use coco fiber liners in your window boxes for a natural look and efficient drainage. These liners also help retain moisture, benefiting plants. Mounting them to the wall can add a rustic or traditional touch to your home’s exterior.

Window box with blue hydrangeas, white flowers, and lush green foliage against a light-colored wall — Source: @windowboxca via Instagram

A window with white shutters, a flower box bursting with green plants and red blooms beneath, set against a pastel blue wall — Source: @charlestondaydreams via Instagram

Two windows with black shutters on a brick wall, featuring window boxes filled with yellow and green plants — Source: @earthlydelightsphilly via Instagram

Cheerful home with three window boxes filled with colorful flowers and trailing greenery, framed by dark shutters and soft yellow walls — Source: @ccbella.t via Instagram

Coconut fiber window box with marigolds, crotons, and trailing vines under a white-trimmed window on a blue clapboard wall — Source: @jjw.inn via Instagram

Compact coconut fiber window box with purple, red, and green plants beneath a white-paned window and navy shutters on a blue wall — Source: @mgrab3 via Instagram

A window box filled with vibrant flowers and foliage, set against a light blue wall with a white-framed window above — Source: @bethehostess via Instagram

Two vibrant window boxes with yellow flowers, mini evergreens, and pops of red beneath blue shutters on a coral-colored building — Source: @totustourschs via Instagram

11. Set Up a Succulent Display

Create a low-maintenance, modern display with a variety of succulents. They thrive in well-drained conditions and can tolerate direct sunlight, making them perfect for window boxes.

Elegant window box with trailing succulents, pastel-toned foliage, and sculpted topiary balls beneath a multi-pane window on a gray facade — Source: @i_am_the_plant_man via Instagram

12. Install a Low Window Box

A low-profile window box is unobtrusive yet elegant. It’s ideal for growing herbs or small flowering plants and works well on windows where you don’t want to obstruct the view.

Colorful window boxes filled with vibrant blooms and greenery line the brick facade of a storefront with large teal windows — Source: @lifeofrileycharleston via Instagram

Wooden window box bursting with tulips, daffodils, and pansies, framed by cozy chairs with patterned pillows on a charming porch — Source: @divine_containers via Instagram

Window box with colorful flowers and greenery under a window with black shutters — Source: @cornerstone_kingstreet via Instagram

Charming cottage with pale green window boxes filled with geraniums and hanging topiary balls against a white textured exterior — Source: @chestnut_cottage_thatched via Instagram

13. Match the Window Box With the Shutters

Coordinate the color and style of your window box with your shutters for a harmonious exterior. This approach ties the elements of your home’s facade together, creating a cohesive and thoughtful design.

Two windows with blue shutters and flower boxes filled with vibrant pink and purple flowers on a white wall — Source: @trescarmen via Instagram

14. Standalone Window Box Planter

Consider a freestanding window box planter for flexibility in placement. This type is perfect for adding greenery to windows without ledges or for creating symmetry in your design.

Flower box with a variety of colorful plants, including a small evergreen, in front of a window with a brick wall backdrop — Source: @thegandoninn via Instagram

Copper planter with red, white flowers, green shrubs, and trailing ivy in front of a window — Source: @xavierbonechina via Instagram

Window box with green plants and white flowers in front of a paned window with white curtains — Source: @caitlinrosetanner via Instagram

A rectangular planter on a windowsill filled with purple-leaf plants, cascading green vines, and vibrant pink flowers — Source: @living.gardens via Instagram

Window box with succulents, green shrubs, and blue shutters on a white wall — Source: @freerliving via Instagram

Window box with green eucalyptus and pink flowers against a brick wall — Source: @lamaisondeverena via Instagram

15. Eucalyptus & Fern Window Box Arrangement

Combine eucalyptus with ferns for a window box with varied textures and soothing green tones. This pairing is not only visually appealing but also fragrant, adding a sensory element to your space.

Window with a brick exterior and a lush planter box filled with various green and dark leafy plants below the window sill — Source: @tudbinks via Instagram

16. Barn-Style Window Box

For a rustic charm, use a barn-style window box. This style typically features distressed wood and a simple design, complementing farmhouse or country-style homes.

Cream-colored wooden window box with yellow and purple flowers beneath a large window framed by rustic shutters on a stone wall — Source: @fultonfinewoodworks via Instagram

17. Classic White Window Box

A white window box offers a classic and versatile look. It can highlight colorful plants effectively and matches well with any exterior paint color, providing a crisp, clean appearance.

White picket-style window box bursting with purple and yellow blooms beneath a window framed by bright blue shutters on a yellow wall — Source: @hooksandlattice via Instagram

White window boxes filled with bright pink geraniums and trailing purple and blue blooms beneath soft blue shutters on a cream facade — Source: @cornerstone_kingstreet via Instagram

White window box with lush green herbs and trailing purple-striped vines beneath a tall window with matching white shutters on a white wall — Source: @daleyhsnell via Instagram

Window with black shutters, reflecting trees; white flower box below with green foliage, pink flowers, and a potted round bush — Source: @greatappalachian via Instagram

Window with blue shutters, white box planter filled with colorful flowers beneath, and a garden of mixed blooms below — Source: @hellofromcharleston via Instagram

A white window box with diverse flowers, green plants, and trailing foliage on a brick wall, with a decorative window in the background — Source: @jenniferbormetrealtor via Instagram

A white-framed window with sunlight reflecting on it, featuring a white flower box filled with vibrant pink and red flowers below — Source: @mybackyardstories via Instagram

White window box with green foliage, red berries, red and silver ornaments, and birch branches against a gray house wall — Source: @thedirtempress via Instagram

Simple white window box with green foliage and small flowers mounted on a blue house exterior with clean siding and garden accents — Source: @weinandt_acres via Instagram

18. Wooden Window Box

Wooden window boxes add a natural, warm element to your home’s exterior. They can be painted or stained to match your home’s style and are ideal for a range of plants, from flowers to herbs.

Rustic wooden playhouse with white flower boxes filled with purple, yellow, and white blooms and floral garlands along the roofline — Source: @fernandivyfloraldesign via Instagram

Window box with vibrant flowers: red, purple, and orange blooms; white-framed window with black shutters on a peach wall — Source: @kristimeeuwse via Instagram

Wooden planter with evergreen branches below a window on a white wall — Source: @mrs.hhill via Instagram

Wooden window box with pinecones, greenery, and ornamental cabbage; nearby, a white watering can and potted plants on a porch — Source: @natsaby via Instagram

19. Concrete Window Box

A concrete window box is a durable and modern choice. Its solid construction and neutral color make it suitable for architectural plants, like succulents or ornamental grasses, and it complements contemporary home styles.

Concrete window boxes with evergreen and red branches, and a festive wreath with red ornaments on a white brick wall — Source: @nature_manuel via Instagram

Do window boxes need drainage holes?

If you want your planted flowers to survive the entire season, yes! Most window boxes include a drainage system but it’s always a good idea to check before installing new planters to your home’s exterior.

If you find that your chosen window box lacks drainage, don’t be afraid to add your own. Use a power drill and bit appropriate for the material to create drainage and keep your plants happy and healthy!

How long should window boxes be?

Ideally, a window box should be the same length as the window frame it sits under. While a difference of an inch or two won’t make a big difference, the closer the sizing the cleaner the final look will be.

If matching your window boxes to the exact window size isn’t possible, try to opt for a planter that is longer rather than shorter. A shorter window box will cut off the window frame and make it look smaller. Meanwhile, a longer window box will frame the window and draw attention to it.