Our pick for the best overall option is generously sized with convenient self-watering features. The water reservoir holds up to 3 gallons of water, so you can leave on a weekend getaway and not worry about your plants drying out.

The window boxes have a classic aesthetic, making them a great pick for traditional or craftsman homes. They're available in white, grey, espresso, and black, so you can choose to match (or contrast!) with your existing window frames.

We recommend the 3-foot boxes for a perfect fit under the average-sized 36-inch window, but it's also available in three additional sizes: 2 feet, 4 feet, and 5 feet.

Made from molded plastic, these window boxes are quite durable. They’re weatherproof and have UV-inhibitors to protect against fading over time. Plus, Mayne offers 15-year residential warranty. Keep in mind that you can only mount these window boxes using the brand’s included mounting hardware.

When you really want to add inspired style to your home, consider this window box. Made from plastic, its generous size will fit a variety of plants and herbs in one chic container. It’s a beautiful option for showcasing trailing plants. Plus, vibrantly colored blooms will really pop against its crisp white hue.

The Anand's largest size measures 7 feet wide, making it a great pick for oversized or mulled windows. And if you're planning to add window boxes to all your windows, there are six additional sizes available, down to two feet wide.

It’s also self-watering, so once you get it assembled, you won’t have to worry about watering frequently. However, there are still drainage holes to prevent root rot in the event of a rainstorm.

You’ll need to assemble the window box, which requires some hands-on work. However, it includes mounting brackets that make it easy to get the box mounted to a wall right away.

If your deck railing looks a little bare, consider this plastic window box. It’s designed to fit either 2-by-4 inch or 2-by-6 inch railings, so installing the window box is a cinch—just set it on your railing. It includes four drainage holes and comes with drain plugs, too, so you can use the box inside if you wish.

The plastic material is resistant to fading and cracking, so it will last a while. While it's available in five colors, the design overall is fairly basic, which you’ll want to note if you’re looking for something more upscale. 

If you like the look of a wooden window box but don't want to build your own, this is our top pick. The natural fir offers a warm, earthy feel—perfect if you want to bring a bit of nature to your curb appeal.

This beautiful window box can be used in so many ways, such as defining a path or walkway, or creating a movable border along a backyard patio. Mounting materials aren’t included, but these are also freestanding, so you can simply set them on a patio or sidewalk to display your flowering plants.

Just slip on your trusty gardening gloves, grab your best garden trowel, fill the planter with nutrient-rich potting soil, give your brightly colored blooms a good drink of water, then step back and admire your newest patio addition.

The boxes are durable, waterproof, and resistant to the sun. Take note that because of their natural wood material, they will be more prone to fading or changing color as time goes on. That’s also part of their appeal, though—especially if you love a good rustic-chic or farmhouse feel.

This classic, small window box is made of plastic resin, which is lightweight but will stand up to harsh temperatures—great for those who may forget to pull outdoor planters inside during colder winters. It's available in three smaller lengths: 30, 24, and 18 inches.

It's also a great option if you're looking for a narrow window box as it's less than 6 inches deep—perfect for windows near tight walkways on the side of your home, patios, or front porches. The window box is available in five classic shades: black, terra cotta, gray, brown, and green.

Thanks to the simple yet chic design of the planter, it can fit in beautifully with just about any style of home. While the planter isn’t self-watering, it does include a saucer to catch excess moisture.

Feel free to use this window box planter either indoors or outdoors since it includes drainage holes and stands up to UV rays. Just note that it doesn't come with any mounting hardware or instructions for optional mounting.

What to Know About Window Boxes Before Shopping

Size

Window boxes come in many different shapes and sizes. “Get boxes that are as long as the window and can be mounted easily to the siding or sill,” says Nardozzi. In other words, take time to consider whether a window box actually fits the space where you’d like to mount it.

Material

Many types of materials are used to create window boxes, including plastic, wood, and metal. “Plastic window boxes are the lightest, cheapest, and easiest to use,” Nardozzi says. However, keep in mind that lightweight plastic window boxes may not be able to withstand strong winds, particularly if they are not weighed down with plants and soil.

Metal and wood can be some of the best window boxes if you’re looking for something a little more elegant, long-lasting, or heavier weight.

Mounting Materials

The material of your window box will impact the mounting materials you’ll want to use. “Heavier window boxes made from wood and metal will need stronger supports because of the extra weight,” says Nardozzi. He adds, “Be sure you can mount them into studs in the wall with good-sized hardware to keep them upright once all the soil and plants are there.”

Some window boxes, like the Gracie Oaks Galvanized Steel Window Box Planter, don't come with mounting materials, which means you can decide where and how you’d like to mount it, while others, such as our best overall pick, the Mayne Fairfield 5822W, come with mounting brackets specifically designed to fit the box's shape.

Some options on this list do not require mounting, giving you flexibility in terms of placement and use. For instance, you can use the Costway 36-Inch Wooden Planter Box to create a movable border along a backyard patio.

Drainage Holes

Having drainage holes or a self-watering system is key to keeping plants happy. You don’t want to accidentally over-water the plants you’ve worked hard to cultivate. “Most window boxes will come with drainage holes. If not, drill about four to six 1/2-inch-diameter holes in the bottom of the box,” says Nardozzi.

Self-watering systems are a great solution for those who travel frequently or are inconsistent about watering their plants. Models such as the Mayne Fairfield 5822 or the Mintra Home Garden Pot have a water reservoir that the plants soak up from the bottom.

Your Questions, Answered

Do window boxes add value to your home?

Making improvements to your home can add benefits if you decide to sell later on. Nardozzi says, “[W]indow boxes, if properly grown and cared for, can add an aesthetic appeal to your home as well as value.” Plus, he explains, “The potential buyers can see you pride yourself in keeping your home looking beautiful.”

How much do window boxes cost?

Window boxes come in a range of sizes and materials, so it makes sense that their cost will vary. In general, Nardozzi says, “Simple plastic window boxes can cost less than $30. Self-watering plastic window boxes cost less than $50.”

You can also go with something a bit more substantial, which will cost more. According to Nardozzi, “More elegant wooden or metal window boxes can cost over $100.”

What kind of plants can you put in a window box?

You have numerous options for adding plants to window boxes.“You can plant a wide variety of annual flowers such as lobelia, fuchsia, petunias, pansies, alyssum, and mounding zinnias in window boxes. Small herbs, such as thyme, oregano, parsley, and sage, grow well, too. Even small vegetable plants, such as lettuce and bush cucumbers, can grow in a large window box,” Nardozzi says.

When planting window boxes, use a combination of three basic plant types—thrillers, spillers, and fillers—all with similar light requirements, so they are easier to grow and maintain. Thrillers are the main focal point and draw attention, while spillers trail over the planter for a softening effect, and medium-sized fillers bridge the gap between the first two.

Who We Are

Brittany VanDerBill has been contributing to Better Homes & Gardens since 2021, covering a variety of topics including shopping guides, cleaning and organizing, and home improvement. For this article, she researched various types of window boxes, considering factors such as size, dimensions, material, and drainage capability. She also interviewed Charlie Nardozzi, a Regional Emmy Award-winning garden author and radio and TV personality, for his expert gardening tips.