Leah Berenson

Leah Berenson

January 17, 2025

12 Easy and Affordable Porch Planter Ideas You’ll Love 

A porch planter is a great way to spruce up your front door area, to make it more cozy and inviting or more serene and private. Either way the options are endless, here are 12 examples. 

1. Porch Planters are Full of Possibilities

Small space container gardening. Self watering black trough containing lettuce, radish and parsley seedlings.
Source: Shutterstock

A porch planter can be versatile, coming in a range of shapes, sizes, materials, and colors. Furthermore, they can house everything from tiny shrubs to gorgeous flowers to vivacious and bright fruit trees. 

The first option for porch planters, to add some texture, are porch planters that are shaped or hammered to be textured or have various shapes and designs. For example, many metal porch planters have fun dot patterns or are textured to be rough, bumpy, or wavy. Alternatively, you can use a water trough in place of a store bought planter for larger areas or an old fashioned metal laundry basket for smaller areas. 

2. Colorful Porch Planter Boxes

Vibrant Green Foliage.Lush green plants in a modern planter box, adding a touch of nature to an interior space.
Source: Shutterstock

Secondly, add some color and life to your porch. For instance, some porch planters are made of adobe, clay or ceramic, and have bright colors or patterns painted on or are covered in bright mosaic tiles. 

3. Wood is Cozy and Rustic

A close up of a front doorway with a blue door and Christmas decorations. Brick wall in the background.
Image Credit: Hometalk

Thirdly, wooden porch planters are a great way to add some character and a rustic feel. Although they may require more maintenance than other porch planters, they’re still a sweet way to add some greenery and life to your front door area and to keep a classic, cozy, and homey feel. 

4. Different Size Porch Planters

The interior of spring yard. Patio of a wooden house with green plants in pots. Gardening on steps of house. Rustic terrace. Country house veranda in spring decoration. Easter. Growing potted plants.
Source: Shutterstock

Unsurprisingly, porch planters come in numerous sizes, some are small, hanging, or lined in a row with space for other flowers and plants. Meanwhile, some are so large that they cover entire walls. In this case, they’re a great option for gaining more privacy and keeping most neighbors from being able to look in when they pass by. In the following slides are specific porch planter ideas used by others that have had a stunning visual effect as well as other benefits like more access to green spaces, and hopefully, better mental health. 

5. Filling the Porch Planter

Cozy Autumn terrace with chair, plaid, rubber boots, baskets with chrysanthemums and pumpkins. Decorations in autumn patio for relax. Stylish fall decor on front porch home. Autumn wooden porch home
Source: Shutterstock

Not only are there numerous options for a porch planter but there are even more ideas for filling and decorating them. Here are some examples of options:

  • Citrus trees
  • Berry bushes
  • Hydrangeas 
  • Tulips
  • Daisies
  • Spider plants
  • String-of-Pearls plants
  • Succulents 
  • Dahlias
  • Tall Verbena
  • Coral Bells
  • Butterfly Bush 
  • Magic Purple Aster 

Meanwhile, you can string various decorations like lights, Tibetan Prayer Flags, festive decorations, or other decorations to add a more personalized touch. 

6. Bright and Lively Porch Planters

A blue door framed by citrus trees with a puppy looking out.
Image Credit: BetterHomes&Garden

Blue and Orange are complementary colors so it’s not surprising that the lively orange citrus trees would pop against the cool and tranquil blue door. Therefore this is a  great way to make your front porch feel more inviting and lively! Furthermore, citrus trees have a certain fun and whimsical aesthetic that’s somehow sophisticated at the same time. 

7. Two-Tone Porch Planters

The front of a home with plants, grass, and a rocking chair.
Image Credit: BetterHomes&Garden

Another stunning example of porch planters are two tone options. Essentially, you buy planters in 2 colors, preferably complementary colors or one neutral and one bright color. With these porch planters you can create various patterns and fit an aesthetic that is both colorful and sophisticated. 

Read More: 10 DIY Storage Ideas to Organize Your Home ASAP

8. Succulent Options

A close up of succulents.
Image Credit: BetterHomes&Garden

Although flowers and bright pops of color can help boost mood, some people live in a climate that flowers don’t love. Fortunately, succulents add some greens, browns, reds, and purples and create a more modern aesthetic. 

9. Simplistic and Symmetrical 

A blue front door with symmetrically placed porch planter boxes, Stone wall in the background.
Image Credit: BetterHomes&Garden

Porch planter placement can make a huge impact on the overall appearance of your front door area. By evenly spacing porch planters and using primarily greenery rather than flowers, creates a clean and warm look that’s both inviting and aesthetically pleasing. 

10. Colorful and Symmetrical Porch Planter

Colourful pumpkins, gourds and mums create a luxury halloween and thanksgiving landscaping decor.
Source: Shutterstock

Although this option is brighter and more whimsical than other suggestions, it’s fun and aesthetically pleasing. The symmetry creates a clean look while the pops of color create a warm, cheerful, and inviting vibe. Furthermore, the pink dahlias and blue hydrangeas help tie all the bright colors and elements together, according to LifeonVirginiaSt. However, hydrangeas aren’t great for pets so be wary about your flower choices if you’re a pro-pet family. 

11. Bring Out the Inside

Image Credit: BetterHomes&Garden

It’s common, particularly in the countryside of the East Coast and Southern states, to have a seating area on your front porch, and in some cases bring indoor furniture outside. Although some may be put off by the aesthetic, indoor plants are great for the outdoors. For instance, large plants like ferns, spider plants, or birds of paradise can leave your front porch feeling private, secluded, and surrounded by a serene jungle vibe. Additionally, a small fountain or waterfall will add to the “out in nature” vibe and promote better mental health. 

12. Porch Planters on a Budget

Planter boxes next to a blue front door. Brick wall and ground in the background.
Image Credit: Hometalk

While not everyone has loads of money at their disposal, it’s nice to change things up sometimes. Luckily, some home decor and renovation options can be done easily, and on a budget. As such, it’s easy to find affordable porch planters that are still personalized and aesthetically pleasing. BetterHomes&Garden suggests several loveable options but they aren’t the only ones with great ideas.

How She Did it

A tall wooden porch planter.
Image Credit: Hometalk

Rather, one of the best ways to create a warm and beautiful front door area is to get crafty, according to Hometalk. DIY projects are a fun way to engage with your family and create something stunning on a budget. For instance, this tall wooden planter is easy to make and all the supplies can be found at your local hardware and craft stores. Andrea writes a detailed explanation of how she created these porch planters starting with her “basic plan.” 

“I knew I wanted 1×2 furring strips for the inside posts,” she explains. 

Implemeting a Plan

The beginning stages of someone building a planter box out of wood. A nail gun, shoe, and pavement in the background.
Image Credit: Hometalk

She purchased a planter from Lowe’s and took it home to spruce up. She “ started winging it” and “cut the furring strips to 35″ with my miter saw.” 

Next, she placed them on the sides of the planter to measure how long the planks would need to be. “I made sure there was enough overhang so the side pieces would fit up against it) and 10.25″ on the other 2. I attached all of the planks with my Ryobi Nail Gun,” she added.

Final Touches

The inside of a homemade porch planter.
Image Credit: Hometalk

She then stained the porch planter and added furring strips. However, she felt there was something missing after she’d placed and filled them. As a result, she decided to add gold screws for a touch of color, class, and personality. 

A  porch planter can be surprisingly versatile, particularly if you’re a creative and crafty individual. Either way, hopefully some of these ideas have provided some inspiration and insight into all the possibilities. 

Read More: 40+ Kitchen Cabinet Ideas To Take Your Home to The Next Level