Any space can be softened with indoor plants. Whether it's an urban balcony or a pied-à-terre, the addition of a window box is a joyful way to connect with nature and reflect your style. Petite planting begins with the container; from boho reclaimed planters to vintage copper boxes and terracotta troughs, the material and texture of the window box make a statement.
We've rounded up the best in a range of window boxes to inspire you, whatever your budget and space. And there are lots more tips and expert advice in the FAQs below. If how to embrace Thrill, Fill and Spill intrigue then scroll on...
What can you grow in a window box?
Pairing plants with your planter is an art. Consider the room style, your taste in décor and whether you want your window sill display to be a focal point or a complementary element. Secondly, notice how much direct sunlight your window gets. South-facing is the hottest, and plants will need to be extra resilient to cope. Finally, choose the right size for your space.
A window box and its plants are a three-dimensional form, therefore, measure your window sill or ledge first to ensure there is enough depth, width and height. If you are choosing upright plants, such as a Swiss cheese plant or calathea, they'll need to be in a large window. The last thing you want is to block out your natural light and prevent other plants in your bedroom or home office from getting a little sunshine.
Window sills can be utilised for growing herbs and reaping the benefit of snipping basil, coriander or chives onto a salad or evening meal. Alternatively, you might want to create a focal point with eye-catching foliage in a monochrome patterned planter. Imagine tall and bright green sculptural leaves popping against geo graphics on an earthenware pot. Or perhaps you could delight in terracotta troughs bursting with fragrant rosemary and lavender, taking you back to the south of France.
Either way, you'll be reaping the benefits of air-purifying plants and a pleasing window vignette that you'll want to reel about on socials.
Best window boxes for your house plants
So, you've considered the setting and location in your home. And as colours, textures, and shapes come to mind, you're getting a feel for planting and the style of container. Next, consider the practicalities of watering and pairing plants that will cope with being BFFs in the same container. Always plan and research before you purchase. Get some inspo from social media and magazines or walk around your local garden centre.
Best copper window sill box
www.waitrosegarden.com
Jump on the popular trend for copper planters with this seedling tray that's made from solid brushed copper. The untreated copper surface will age in a completely natural way, making each tray unique. Lush green seedlings will contrast with the earthy tones of this plant box and the long, slim shape makes it an elegant addition to a sunny kitchen window sill.
Pros
- Unique ageing on the copper surface
Cons
- May look blotchy or tarnished as the ageing process develops
Best window box for a small space
www.etsy.com
Embrace a sunny outlook on life with an explosion of colour. This vibrant and contemporary planter is perfect for small cacti, succulents and petite house plants. The cheery colour options pop against the greenery of foliage. Additionally, the seller can do customisation upon request which is an added benefit when buying from Etsy. It's good news for the environment, too, as this planter is made from a vegetable-based plastic that's waterproof and shatterproof.
Customer review: "Lovely colour and quality, a little smaller than I expected but that's my fault for not measuring correctly."
Pros
- Colourful and contemporary
- Choose from a range of colours and sizes
Cons
- Does not have a drainage hole
- Small than expected
Best earthenware window box
www.notonthehighstreet.com
Cast adrift to more exotic climes with this set of pretty pots in an earthenware tray. Featuring a blue, terracotta and white Portuguese tile pattern, it would look picture-perfect in a conservatory planted with red geraniums. Unusual and made from quality materials, this is one plant box that's going to look outstanding on any window sill.
Pros
- Unique and expensive-looking
- Can be gifted with a personalised message
Cons
- Could break if dropped
Best contemporary window box
This très modern rectangular planter is ideal for a room with minimalist décor. Sleek and modern this stainless steel box could be used to hold candles as well as small plants. Although it's a little on the expensive side, it's a good investment as the powder-coated metal box is made to last.
Customer review: "Heavy-weight sturdy trough for cacti and succulents etc. Expensive, but looks very smart and very well made."
Pros
- Sturdy
- Stylish
- Has drainage holes
- Comes with rubber pads to protect surfaces
Cons
- Not suitable for overly large or tall plants
Best budget window box for plants
www.wilko.com
For a plant box that does what it says on the tin, you'd be hard-pressed to find better than this budget option from Wilko. Choose from homely cream or sage green that'll complement most kitchen, bathroom or conservatory colour schemes. The added benefit of this planter is that it stands a stable 11cm high, which is a practical consideration if you're choosing tall plants that'll need to establish deeper roots.
Customer review: "Such good quality and amazing price. Been looking for something like this for ages and all so expensive. Should have known good old Wilko's would have the perfect thing."
Pros
- Super price
- Durable
Cons
- No drainage holes
- Not watertight
Best self-watering window box
For those of us that are prone to neglecting our plant babies, these clever plant boxes feature a double-walled design that stores excess water. In addition, the cotton rope absorbs water from the bottom of the planter, keeping the soil moist and eliminating the need to water the plants daily. A water-filling port makes it easy to add water, and there's a watermark so you can see how much liquid is left in the planter. So you can feel a bit less guilty about forgetting to hydrate your house plants.
Customer review: "These are good because they have a window for viewing the water level. They are perfect for window sills and come in three colours to add colour to any area."
Pros
- ABS plastic won't fade and is durable
- Self-watering system
Cons
- Small - not suitable for large plants
Best window box for herbs
www.etsy.com
This gorgeous bronze plant box will bring vintage glasshouse vibes to a rustic window sill. Grow herbs, cacti or small house plants in three planters that fit snuggly in a metal drip tray. It's fully watertight and made from quality recycled metal with a 12cm height and width that makes it ideal for a trio of bright pot plants.
Customer review: "Beautiful item, reasonably priced and looks wonderful on the kitchen windowsill. Can't wait to have my own little herb garden - thank you."
Pros
- Looks expensive
Cons
- For small plants only
Best window box made of natural materials
This all-natural oak and slate window box has the incidental benefit of being able to write in chalk on the surface. Position prominently to leave messages to loved ones. It looks quite large in the product photos, but it's just 40cm long, so do consider what you intend to plant before buying. It's ideal for edible herbs or lush ornamental grasses for year-round greenery.
Customer review: "A beautiful natural product that houses my herbs in the kitchen. Come with drip tray so no spills when watering. Beautiful note from supplier to thank me for the business also showing a lot more products they sell."
Pros
- Quality natural materials
- Drip tray and slate markers included
Cons
- Slate is easily marked and damaged
Best personalised window box
www.etsy.com
Make a beeline for this lovely pine plant box makes a wonderful gift for a special someone as it can be personalised with their name. It's handmade from wood, and with the addition of a plastic liner, it's a keepsake that can be treasured for a lifetime. It's not a long box, but it is tall and wide so it could accommodate a sturdy houseplant. It would look wonderful next to bright tilework and Azure blue ceramics for a bang-on-trend interior vignette.
Customer review: "Quality is awesome, matched description exactly, and exceeded my expectations."
Pros
- Personalised with your loved one's name
Cons
- Only available in one size
10.
Zinc Metal Tray
Best long-length planter
www.rhsplants.co.uk
This chic zinc metal tray would look equally at home in a contemporary kitchen or on a rustic wooden sill. The long trough is perfect for filling with small plants or seedlings to create a linear display on a slim ledge. Made from durable steel that's been powder-coated with a zinc finish, the tray is designed to protect surfaces from water damage. It could even be used as a bowl of floating candles to transport you to far-flung shores.
Pros
- Unique hand-finished effect
Cons
- May not be completely watertight
Our verdict: Best window box for plants
For a contemporary container that's clever to boot, we choose OurWarm Self Watering Window Sill Planter. This simple but smart set of three planters can be left all week without the need to water. Ideal for busy lifestyles or if you're going away on a short break, the cotton rope distributes water to the plants. In addition, you can keep an eye on the water level with the smart little viewing window. OurWarm offers great value for money and a contemporary planter that's made from high-quality, non-toxic plastic. Perfect for petite gardening - get your green on!
FAQs
How do I prepare a window box for plants?
Measure your space first and note the dimensions of the plant box before you buy. The window box needs to complement the room and décor, so consider the material, pattern and colour. When you've decided on a style, also factor in practical details such as drainage holes and whether the planter is watertight. You may need to place the plant box on a tray if the container isn't double-walled or wasn't supplied with one.
Some plants will need a liquid fertiliser feed a few times a year or slow-release fertiliser; invest in a bag of potting compost, such as Miracle-Gro Premium Houseplant Potting Mix. The soil and plants will settle in with watering so make sure you fill the container almost to the top. But, be sure to use a layer of polystyrene in the bottom to aid drainage and not to make the container too heavy. Finally, consider how you are going to water your window sill display. You can opt to water by hand or use automatic irrigation, such as the Kollea Automatic Watering System.
How do I create a plant display in a window box?
On to the fun bit: creating your plant palette. Be sure to choose plants that will be happy in the light conditions and room environment. Like ingredients that pair well, plants are also complementary. Cacti and succulents work well together in the same pot because they enjoy dry conditions. Whereas humidity-loving ferns and tropical plants would not enjoy the same conditions as cacti. This will help your plants to thrive and make them easy to care for.
The Thrill, Fill and Spill principle is a super way of approaching any plant display, and it will help you get the most visual appeal out of a compact space. The 'thrill' is provided by a tall statement plant such as a dragon tree. 'Fill' around with bushy or textured small and medium-sized plants, such as indoor begonias. Finally, the 'spill' comes from cascading plants, such as English ivy, planted around the edge of the planter.
Just remember to take care if you're planting spiky plants. And do not have plants in households with pets, allergies or children if the plant is known to cause a reaction. Also, factor in that some plants will grow and you wouldn't want to damage their leaves when you close the blinds or draw the curtains. Therefore, it's a good idea to take the plant box off the window sill at night and store it in a cool place, like a bathroom.
www.waitrosegarden.com
www.thompson-morgan.com
15.
English Ivy
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Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Modern Gardens, specialising in garden trends. When she's not flexing her mow-how, Natalie is a successful artist and illustrator.