How to Make Window Box Planters: 8 Beautiful DIY Ideas

1. Cheap & Easy

You can create a DIY window box planter for only $4. According to the original tutorial by Sarah, "these window boxes were so easy, I swear it was ridiculous." This is exactly the kind of home project we love. The boxes Sarah made didn't have a finished look initially, but you can always remedy that by sanding and adding layers of paint for a more polished aesthetic.

2. Distressed

Don't you just love distressed details in a home? These details are made even more beautiful when done in white, giving them a timeless, vintage feel. This DIY window box is a perfect example. It was crafted using scrap wood (complete with charming chipped paint!) and a few random appliques to add character. Check out the full step-by-step guide to see how it's done.

3. White Washed Wine Crate

Turning a wine crate into a window box is a clever and sustainable idea! It looks quite easy to do, too. While power tools were used to make this planter, they're not strictly necessary if you prefer a more manual approach. In fact, if your wine crate's bottom is sturdy enough, you may not have to do much to create a cute diy window planter box. Don't skip the white-washing step, though—it’s the best part for achieving that rustic look. You can follow the official tutorial here.

4. Shim-Covered

This is a wonderful DIY window planter idea brought to us by Centsational Style. For this project, you will need a store-bought planter box as your base. You then make it your own by adding wood shims to the outer sections, creating a beautiful textured look. I think this would also look great with the shims painted in varying shades of pink or even a gradient effect. View the detailed tutorial here.

5. Pot Holes

This is not your typical window planter. Instead of a standard box construction, it features holes designed specifically for holding flower pots. It's a genius way to swap plants in and out easily! This project calls for a sturdy piece of wood with holes cut for the pots and brackets for installation. Paint it in a color that complements your home or the pots themselves. If you like this unique approach, you might also enjoy the modern look of point #8.

6. Year-round Window Dressing

If you don't like the thought of having empty or dead plants in your window box during the colder months, this is the solution for you. The basic structure is a shelf-type design installed with sturdy brackets. During spring or summer, you can use a box for displaying vibrant plants. During the winter, the shelf can be repurposed to display pumpkins, gourds, or other seasonal decor that holds up well in the cold. It’s a very versatile diy window box idea!

7. Tiled

This is another brilliant idea from Centsational Style. Much like the shim-covered version mentioned in point #4, this tutorial involves covering a ready-made box planter with interesting materials—in this case, pretty mosaic tiles. It’s a fantastic way to add a pop of color and pattern to your home's exterior. You can find the tutorial for this mosaic project here.

8. Modern

I absolutely love the clean lines of this modern window box. When painted in a muted color, it looks positively chic and sophisticated. Of course, you can also go for eye-catching hues that rival your summer flowers for a more playful look. Colorful is always fun when it comes to diy window planter boxes! Check out the original guide for more details.

I hope you find plenty of inspiration from these creative DIY window box planters. Adding a bit of greenery to your windows can truly change the feel of your home. If you end up making something from this list of handmade window boxes, don't forget to share your results with us. For more outdoor inspiration, check out our guide on creative outdoor lighting to make your new planters shine at night!