20 Easy Ways to Add Greenery to Your Balcony with Planter Boxes
Balcony planter boxes turn tiny balconies into styled escapes by stacking color, texture, and greenery in a compact footprint. I love how a neat row of boxes can add instant privacy, frame morning light, and make a small outdoor spot feel curated instead of cramped.
From cedar classics and slim rail-mounted designs to clever space-saving options that hang or stack, this selection mixes pretty finishes with practical thinking so small balconies feel deliberate and livable. I’ve rounded up twenty of the best planter boxes below for inspo.
My Top 20 Balcony Planter Box
I’ve pulled together an extensive collection of ideas for you to take a look at below. If you see one you love, make sure you save it to Pinterest:
1) Weathered Balcony Planter Boxes
I love the relaxed, urban-chic energy of these deep wooden balcony planter boxes. The weathered timber reads like a lived-in sofa, and the tall, feathery grasses bring movement and soft privacy while still letting light flood the space.
Mixed-in silvery perennials and low sculptural succulents give contrast and keep maintenance delightfully low. The built-in bench with white cushions turns the whole setup into an easy hangout spot instead of a plant project.
Style it with neutral linen cushions and a woven throw for cozy evenings, plus a small rattan side table for coffee or a watering can.
Drop in a couple of lanterns or string lights so the grasses glow after sunset, and tuck a few terracotta pots with rosemary or trailing ivy for scent and spillover. Top the soil with coarse pebbles to keep things tidy and low fuss.
The result feels effortless, slightly wild, and absolutely intentional.
2) Rustic Warm Wooden Balcony Planter Boxes
I love how the warm wooden boxes against the black railing instantly lift the whole balcony into a grown up little garden.
They are packed with glossy green foliage and a generous cascade of trailing ivy that softens the metal bars, plus bright red geranium pops and a sprinkling of airy filler for contrast. The mounts look sturdy and tidy, so the whole thing reads polished not fussy.
It feels like a small, private green wall that actually survives my forgetful watering habits.
Style it with a narrow woven seat cushion and a tiny bistro table for morning coffee. Add a tall potted plant at one end to anchor the row and a couple of terracotta herb pots on the floor for scent and easy snipping.
Keep accessories simple and textured—a copper watering can, a striped cushion, and a string of warm bulbs for evenings will finish the look without stealing attention from the planters.
3) Sunlit Wood Balcony Planter Boxes
I love the effortless, sunlit charm of these balcony planter boxes. The warm wood against the white railing reads calm and classic, while the overflowing purple petunias tumble over the edge like they have somewhere fun to be.
The planting feels generous but not fussy, with trailing stems softening the lines and a few taller shoots reaching for the sun. It reads like a mini cottage moment that somehow fits perfectly on a narrow balcony.
Style it with a woven jute rug and a small bistro chair for a cozy sit-down spot. Add a copper watering can, a couple of terracotta pots with kitchen herbs, and a wooden stool that doubles as a plant stand.
For evenings, hang a single strand of warm fairy lights or tuck a lantern into the corner. Repeat the wooden boxes along the rail if you want more drama, or mix in a tall ornamental grass for height.
4) Crisp White & Minimalist Planter
I love the clean, modern confidence of this balcony planter box. The tall white column gives instant height and structure, while the upright snake plant adds dramatic, low-effort greenery with those bold variegated leaves.
A neat top layer of white pebbles keeps it looking polished and helps hide the soil, so the whole thing reads more like intentional styling than a container you forgot to water.
Style it with a comfy woven ottoman, a slim side table for your coffee, and a couple of lanterns for soft evening light. Add a trailing plant in a small pot at the base or a textured outdoor rug to warm up the sleek look. It’s perfect if you like plants that behave, but still want the balcony to feel edited and a little magazine-ready.
5) Bold Orange Purple Balcony Planter
I love how the Balcony Planter Boxes make a tiny balcony feel deliberate. The boxy metal shape and bold color block—vibrant orange front with a plum side—read like a mini sculpture against a neutral wall.
The planting is simple and effective: upright lavender for height, scent, and evening pollinators, plus cheerful marigolds for sunny color and season-long blooms. The slim profile hugs the railing so you keep floor space, and the whole thing looks modern without being precious.
Style it with a woven seat cushion, a small terracotta pot or two, and a string of warm fairy lights for sunset vibes. Add a trailing vine or a herb pot on a narrow shelf to soften the edges and make it useful for cooking. Echo the planter colors in a mustard throw or plum cushion and finish with a pebble top dressing and a cute watering can.
6) Blush Cottage Balcony Planter Boxes
I love how the long railing boxes read like a little wild meadow squeezed onto a balcony. Lavender’s purple spikes give the whole setup instant drama, while a mix of trailing herbs and a few chunky leafy succulents softens the edges and makes things feel alive, not staged.
The boxes perch on metal brackets and pair perfectly with the terracotta pot of fine grasses and the simple white chair, so the corner already feels like a sunny spot meant for coffee and daydreams.
Style it with a woven seat cushion, a slim wooden tray for your mug, and a strand of warm fairy lights for evenings. Add a couple of matching terracotta pots and a small watering can that doubles as decor.
Keep a handful of snip-and-use herbs for dinner and let the lavender handle the scent and pollinators. Quick pruning, casual containers, and a comfy chair nearby make this an easy, low-pressure balcony win.
7) Patina Metal Balcony Planter
I love how these balcony planter boxes read like a mini desert oasis in the city. The long, weathered metal box with that green-blue patina feels effortlessly cool and grounds the space, while a tight cluster of rosette succulents and trailing sedums gives the whole thing sculptural, low-maintenance charm.
The mix of chunky pups and softer stems creates movement without calling for attention, and the nearby wooden bench with a crisp white cushion makes the arrangement feel like a proper little living room for plants.
Style it with warm textures and simple accents to keep the vibe relaxed. A woven throw or two and a couple of amber lanterns or fairy lights make evenings feel cozy, while a scattering of pebbles or coarse sand on top of the soil finishes the look.
Tuck in a petite watering can or brass scoop for function and personality, and consider one taller pot with a vertical plant to add height and drama without extra effort.
8) Industrial Galvanized Balcony Planter
I love the laid-back, urban-chic vibe of these galvanized balcony planter boxes. The clean metal boxes frame a tight parade of succulents — rosette echeverias, sedum clusters, and a few trailing greens — that read like a tiny, perfected meadow.
The mix of pale blue-greens and lime pops keeps it fresh, and the low-profile planting looks lush without crowding the narrow railing. It feels like a set-it-and-forget-it green moment that still looks intentional.
Style it with a small wooden bistro chair, a woven cushion, and a couple of terracotta pots to warm up the metal. Add a string of globe lights or a couple of lanterns for soft evenings and tuck a tiny watering can nearby to keep things useful and pretty.
For more drama, place a taller potted plant at one end for height and a trailing vine to soften the railing. This is the lazy gardener upgrade that makes a balcony feel curated without the fuss.
9) Minimalist Matte Black Balcony Planter
I love how the matte black box reads like modern jewelry for the balcony. The mix of rosette succulents, a spiky agave, and trailing sedum creates a sculptural, low fuss tableau that still feels lush.
The color palette moves from steely blue to lime green with little pink tips so it never looks flat. The wooden plank base and iron railing make the arrangement feel pulled together but accidental in the best way.
Style it with a slubby linen cushion on a compact bistro chair and a woven rug to make the spot feel like an outdoor room. Add a couple of battery lanterns and a narrow terracotta pot with a small olive or rosemary for height contrast.
Top the soil with coarse sand or a few pretty pebbles to keep the look tidy and water less often than you think. It reads effortless, so lean into that; treat it like a chic tiny garden that forgives you.
10) Sunlit Charcoal Balcony Planter
I love how these balcony planter boxes turn a tiny ledge into a tropical hideout. The sleek black box keeps things tidy while banana-style leaves and a feathery palm give serious privacy and drama, and lower ferns and a few tucked pots add soft texture.
Twinkly string lights woven through the foliage make evenings feel like a secret garden, and the layered heights read lush without ever getting cluttered.
Style it with a single woven chair, a small bistro table, and a weatherproof cushion for lingering with coffee. Add a couple of terracotta pots or matching black planters with trailing pothos or a handful of herbs to spill over the edge, and pop in a lantern or two for warm evening light.
Keep accessories simple and natural so the plants stay the showstoppers.
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11) Variegated Snake Plant Pot
I love how the tall, matte-white planter box turns a humble snake plant into instant urban drama. The clean column lifts the plant so its variegated leaves read like living sculpture, and the neat pebble top keeps the look tidy and intentional.
It slides perfectly into that balcony corner, plays off the glass railing and city view, and somehow makes the whole spot feel curated without trying too hard.
Style it with a slim side table or a woven stool for morning coffee, plus a soft outdoor rug to warm the decking. Toss in a lantern or a strand of globe lights for evening vibes and cluster a couple of low pots with trailing greenery to balance the height. Stick to neutral textures and a pop of natural wood and the planter stays the star.
12) Rustic Balcony Planter Boxes
I love how the wooden planter boxes feel like a little countryside vignette squeezed onto a balcony. The low, barrel-style boxes are packed with lavender, which gives that soft purple wave and the best excuse to inhale deeply every time you walk by, while a tall sunflower in a terracotta pot brings cheeky height and sunshine energy.
A slatted bench, a tiny ceramic pot with a succulent, and the warm brick wall add texture and a lived-in, effortless look that says cozy mornings with coffee are mandatory.
Style it with natural materials and a few practical accessories. Add a woven throw or a linen cushion to the bench, a brass watering can that doubles as decor, and a couple of clay or glazed pots in varied heights for herbs or trailing ivy.
Finish with a string of soft lights or a couple of lanterns for evening mood, and let the lavender be the star so everything else feels curated but not precious.
13) Charcoal Planters & Lush Green Ferns
I love the way these charcoal balcony planter boxes turn a skinny brick wall into a lush vertical garden. The staggered layout holds a dreamy mix of leafy ferns, trailing vines, and tiny-leaf groundcover that tumble down and soften the hard masonry. The matte boxes read modern but low-key, so the plants get to be the stars.
Style it with a slim wood bench, a woven cushion, and a couple of terracotta pots on the ground to keep things layered and livable. Toss in warm string lights or a copper watering can for personality, and pop in one easy-care flowering vine if you want a little color. No fuss needed; trim back any strays now and then and enjoy the instant green privacy.
14) White Balcony Planters
I love the easy, kitchen-garden energy of these white balcony planter boxes. The clean rectangles make herbs and trailing vines look tidy even when they get a little wild.
Tall, silvery stems (thyme or oregano) play nicely with glossy basil leaves and a minty clump, while a purple pansy peeks out for a cheerful note.
The raised metal stands keep things airy and make watering less scary, so you can actually enjoy the mess instead of stressing over it.
Style it with a tiny bistro table and a woven seat cushion for morning coffee and snipping. Add a couple terracotta pots or a bright geranium to punch up the color, a brass watering can for looks and use, and handwritten wooden plant markers so you know what to toss on your pasta.
Keep a small tray or folded cloth for quick cleanups and a string of warm fairy lights for evening vibes.
15) Charcoal Modern Balcony Planter
I love how these matte gray planter boxes turn a boring brick corner into a tiny green waterfall. The layering is everything: upright ferns for drama, variegated leaves for pattern, and soft trailing vines that do their lazy cascade thing down the wall.
There’s a little pop of coral blooms tucked in the top box that keeps the palette from going too solemn. It feels curated but not precious, like the plants arranged themselves while you made coffee.
Style it with a woven stool or slim bistro chair and a cozy cushion for evening reading. Add a couple of terracotta or metal pots on the floor to echo the vertical planters, plus a brass watering can and a plant mister for charm and function.
Finish with a string of warm bulbs or a couple of lanterns and you have a nook that looks like you tried, even if you mostly forgot to water it last week.
16) Lavender, Aloe & Tall Variegated Green
I love how these balcony planter boxes feel like a mini garden that somehow got unreasonably good at looking relaxed. The tall variegated snake plant gives instant vertical drama, the lavender sends out that guilty-pleasure scent every time the sun hits it, and the chunky aloe at the front is doing all the “I survive neglect” vibes.
The mix of whispery foliage and tight flower clusters reads deliberate but not precious, and the chipped metal chair with an orange cushion makes the whole setup feel like a sunny invitation to sit down and pretend you always water on schedule.
What’s in the lineup: rectangular rail planters, a couple of tall verticals for structure, lavender for scent and color, a drought-friendly aloe, and a mix of low fillers and soft-leafed herbs or perennials.
Style it with a small bistro table or a folding stool, a woven throw for evening chill, and a clay saucer under the aloe to catch drips. Add a string of warm lights and a cute watering can for charm and function.
Keep the palette simple and layer heights so it reads full but not fussy.
17) Weathered Brown Balcony Planter
I love the warm, weathered wood and the stepped layout that turns a tiny balcony corner into a full-on mini garden. The tiers let you layer scent, color, and use all at once: lavender-like spikes and sunny yellow blooms up top, a carpet of tiny purple flowers in the middle, and a mix of herbs and baby greens down below.
It feels effortless and lived-in, like someone planted it and then actually used it—snipping basil for dinner, inhaling a lavender breath, and not worrying about perfection.
Style it with a slubby linen cushion on a little folding stool, a couple of terracotta pots for visual repetition, and a string of warm lights for evening vibes. Add a brass watering can and simple plant markers so it looks intentional but not precious, and let some foliage spill over the edges for that casual, “I did this on purpose” look.
18) Sleek White Balcony Planter
I love how this streamlined white planter box reads like instant balcony privacy and style. The tall, variegated snake plant gives that upright, architectural drama while a lush broad‑leaf companion softens the edges and adds contrast.
The matte finish keeps the look modern and calm, and the little gravel top dressing feels like a tidy finishing touch rather than extra fuss.
Style it with a woven seat and a small wooden side table for morning coffee. Add a string of warm lights or a slim floor lantern for evening mood and a trailing pot on the railing to spill a bit of green over the glass. Keep accessories minimal so the leaves stay the main event and your balcony looks effortlessly curated.
19) Matte White Pot & Slate Succulent Planter
I love the cool, modern feel of these balcony planter boxes. The matte white cylinder pairs perfectly with the long, dark trough, and both are overflowing with succulents—rosette-style echeverias, trailing sedums and a soft low groundcover that makes everything feel lush without fuss.
The mix reads curated but forgiving, so it looks intentional even if you forget to water for a weekend. It fits a narrow balcony like it was made for lazy afternoons and city views.
Style it with a slim bistro chair and a woven outdoor rug for instant cozy vibes. Add a small wooden stool stacked with terracotta pots, a brass watering can as a cute tool-and-decor combo, and a single lantern or string of warm lights for evening ambiance.
Rotate the pots for even sun, tuck a tiny hand trowel into the trough for quick touch-ups, and let the plants do the rest.
20) White Pebble & Cacti
I love how the long white planter boxes turn a skinny balcony into a sleek, curated green strip. The white pebble top looks edited and fresh while the sculptural cactus and aloe give the whole thing major shape.
A tall columnar cactus, spiky agave, and a few trailing variegated stems create height and texture without needing fuss. It feels modern and calm, perfect for city balconies that need personality, not clutter.
I style it with a warm rattan chair, a small side table, and a neutral outdoor rug for instant hangout energy. I add a couple of terracotta or glazed pots with a kitchen herb or a seasonal bloom to soften the all-white palette and give me something to snip.
A string of warm lights or a lantern finishes the look and keeps the whole setup delightfully low effort.
Tips and Tricks for Balcony Planter Box
You’ve seen my top Balcony Planter Box, but here are some of my personal tips and tricks for achieving these looks:
- Pick the right box depth: I choose boxes at least 15–30 cm (6–12 in) deep for herbs and most flowers, and 30 cm plus for larger veg. Roots need room, so I always measure available space before buying a box.
- Prioritize drainage: I make sure holes are clear, add a thin layer of coarse grit or broken pottery, and use a free-draining potting mix. Standing water kills roots fast, so I check holes after heavy rain.
- Use an airy potting mix: I mix quality potting mix with compost and perlite for structure and nutrition. I add a slow-release feed at planting and a liquid feed during peak growth.
- Mix heights and textures: I plant one tall focal, a handful of mid-height fillers, and a trailing spiller. I repeat a color or leaf texture across boxes to make the whole balcony feel coordinated.
- Match plants to the light: I watch sun patterns for a day, then pick sun-loving or shade-tolerant plants to fit that spot. Moving pots after a week helps me confirm what truly thrives.
- Set a simple watering routine: I water deeply and less often rather than shallow daily sprinkles. I check the top 2–3 cm of soil and use self-watering inserts or saucers when I travel.
- Plan for seasonal swaps: I plant quick-fill annuals for summer color, add cool-season plants in spring and fall, and keep a few evergreen or structural pieces for winter interest. That keeps the box looking used and loved year round.
- Keep it tidy and personal: I deadhead spent blooms, trim legginess, and remove old leaves to prevent pests. I also add a small ornament or matching pot to make the box feel like mine.