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20 Planter Box Ideas to Make Your Patio More Beautiful, Stylish, & Functional

Give your outdoor space an instant upgrade.

Assortment of planters on a checkered patio, including two wood box planters, one black box planter, and white pot planter.

Planter boxes aren't your average planters. They come in a variety of square, rectangular, and column shapes that take up less space compared to basic pot planters – not to mention, they look stunning! Keep reading for 20 planter box ideas to spruce up your patio, porch, balcony, and even indoor spaces!


1. Line the Border

Planter box idea including wood and metal box planters with grass plants and placed on the edge of a patio and grass lawn.

Because of their naturally square or rectangular shapes, planter boxes are perfect for lining the edges of patios or walkways. This planter box idea helps create visual separation between the patio and the yard for a polished look and feel.

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2. Frame Entryways

A pair of white column-shaped box planters with purple flowers to either side of doorway.

Define entrances to your home with this plant box idea. Place matching planter boxes on either side of a front door, back door, or garden gate for an instant transformation. Complete the display with seasonal flowers that captivate the eye.

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3. Keep It Sleek & Modern

Modern planter boxes add a contemporary edge to your outdoor space with clean lines and pared-back designs. This modern planter box idea incorporates a streamlined, black box planter to allow the flowers to really shine.

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4. Raise It Up

Get inspired by raised planter box ideas like this one! The raised wooden box planter above makes it super easy to garden without having to bend over. You can even use raised box planters to display trailing plants without them touching the ground. Check out The Benefits of a Raised Garden Bed to learn more about how these planters improve your gardening experience.

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5. Add Rustic Charm

Give your outdoor space a touch of rustic charm with the help of this planter box idea. Plant herbs and vegetables in a stunning metal box planter to get the look of metal raised beds in a more small space–friendly profile. Extra points if the planter box is made with galvanized metal to achieve the cool, textured look as seen above (plus it's rust-resistant!).

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6. Try a Classic Window Box Planter

Highlight windows and make more room for stunning flower arrangements by incorporating window box planters! These planters are designed to be installed on or below the window ledge and add charm and character to the exterior of your home.

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Tip!

Execute this window box planter idea with confidence by reviewing our guide on How to Install Window Boxes: A Step-By-Step Guide.

7. … Or Design a Wall Garden

For another look altogether, create a wall garden using wall-mounted box planters. Not only is this a space-saving way to add more greenery to your life, but it also looks stunning.

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8. Give Your Patio an Industrial Edge

Infuse your outdoor space with industrial vibes thanks to this planter box idea. Create a cool contrast with natural elements and plant life by potting flowers in concrete box planters. These planters are also built to last and are naturally sturdy, so you don't have to worry about windy weather messing up your hard work.

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9. Section Off Patio Seating

Create zones on your patio with this outdoor planter box idea. Use the naturally square/rectangular shape of planter boxes to define corners and create borders between your patio conversation pit, dining area, or hot tub space.

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10. … Or Create Privacy

Look for planter boxes with built-in privacy screens to make patios, balconies, or front porches more secluded and cozy. Depending on the design, you can even train plants up them!

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11. Bring Box Planters Indoors

Who said box planters are only for outside? They also shine indoors. Place them in your entryway to create a smooth transition from outside to inside. Use them to display houseplants or seasonal flowers that deserve to have their moment.

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12. Go Portable

Easily move or rearrange box planters on your patio with this box planter idea. Opt for styles with caster wheels on the bottom to make rearranging your container garden or patio a breeze. You can also place planter boxes on moveable plant caddies that match the planter's shape.

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13. Work in Threes

Make a statement with a set of three planter boxes on your deck or patio. This is the perfect number to define the corner of your patio or to create visual triangles that draw the eye. Extra points if they come in varying sizes to break up the look.

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14. Create a Vertical Display

Get creative with this wood planter box idea. Use a vertical planter with tiered planter boxes to plant more in a limited space. This is perfect for small patios, balconies, or decks because you can incorporate multiple planter boxes without taking up valuable space.

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15. Craft a Coffee Table Centerpiece

As we've mentioned, planter boxes don't just 'wow' outside, they also work as decorative planters inside the home. This scaled-down box planter fits right on the coffee table and allows you to bring your favorite flowers or foliage indoors so you can admire them from your sofa.

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16. Try Fabric Box Planters

Fabric box planters provide excellent drainage and aeration for plant roots, which makes them a powerhouse in container gardening. This is a smart deck planter box idea because you can easily remove the soil and fold them up to take them with you when you move or to relocate them to another part of your yard.

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17. Combine Box Planters With Patio Seating

There's nothing better than sitting amidst your garden and admiring nature. This creative planter box design takes this idea to a whole new level! Add a planter bench anywhere you want more seating and gardening opportunities.

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18. Showcase Trellising Plants

If you're looking to enhance your outdoor space, consider planter boxes with built-in trellises! This type of planter box allows you to train trailing plants, vegetables, and flowering vines up a trellis without the need to anchor the trellis to the ground or a wall.

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19. Dress Up Your Railings

This is the perfect front yard planter box idea to amp up your curb appeal. Use railing box planters to show off foliage plants or flower arrangements anywhere you have a railing available. Some railing planters attach to the railing, while other varieties simply rest on top. Either way, you're sure to add to the beauty of your front yard.

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20. Think Big

Use extra-large box planters to house small trees, shrubs, or flowering plants. Large-scale box planters can support the deep root systems of larger plants while also leveling up your patio space. This patio uses large planter box arrangements to bookend a seating area, but you can also use one as a patio centerpiece!

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Tip!

Want more DIY planter box ideas? check out How to Build a Simple DIY Garden Planter Box for all the details on creating your own! Looking for more planter and garden inspiration? We recommend having a look at these guides:
Front Porch Planter Ideas to Flaunt Your Flowers (With Photos!)
Easy Fairy Garden Ideas: How to Make a Fairy Garden
12 Flower Bed Ideas for Your Summer Garden


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