Window boxes overflowing with beautiful plants or flowers can be eye-catching and refreshing. Something about a home's exterior being surrounded by lush greenery elicits a sense of whimsy and comfort. Not to mention, they can give one with limited garden space a chance to exercise their green thumb. But should those window boxes match the outside trim? How do you coordinate the outside look of your home? We've done some research and have some suggestions for you.
Your window boxes don't necessarily have to match your trim, but they should match your home's exterior in some way. Try the following coordination methods to make sure your window boxes don't stand out in a bad way:
- Match the window boxes to the trim.
- Paint the window boxes the same color as the door.
- Make the window boxes the same shade as the shutters.
- Choose to paint the window boxes in such a way they disappear.
- Match the window box to the window frame.
Now that we've told you that window boxes don't necessarily have to match the trim but that they should match something on the exterior of your home, let's discuss this in more detail. Read on to get the answers to all your questions.
Match the window boxes to the trim
If your window box matches the trim's color outside of your windows, then it can appear as though the box is part of the window itself, creating one cohesive color block. If your window box is overflowing with plants, chances are only bits and pieces peek through. It would look great for those peeks of color to appear as though the box is just an extension of the window.
Paint the window boxes the same color as the door
If you paint the window boxes to match your door's color, this could add a bold pop of color to your windows. Many doors are bright colors such as red or blue, so adding this color to your window boxes could add a fun and eye-catching splash of color to the otherwise neutral tones of many home's exteriors.
Make the window boxes the same shade as the shutters
If your outside windows have shutters, it is an excellent idea to match the window boxes to the shutters. By matching your window boxes to your home's shutters, you create a singular frame around the window itself. Making a coordinated appearance around the window will make it appear as though your plants are growing straight from the window itself.
Should your shutters match the color of your door? Read our article about that.
Choose to paint the window boxes in such a way they disappear
Painting the window boxes to match the exterior house color can make them all but disappear. Use neutral tones to blend into the exterior's colors, such as beige, white, black, or gray. If done well, it will appear as though your plants are defying gravity and exist solely to enhance the exterior of your home.
View this window box on Amazon.
Match the window box to the window frame
By matching the window box to the window frame, it creates a visual of the box as an extension of the window itself. This allows the plants themselves to make the statement, adding a pop of color to otherwise neutral tones.
Are window boxes a good idea?
Window boxes can absolutely enhance the look of the exterior of your home. They add color and class to an otherwise barren space. That being said, if you decide to have window boxes, you will need to keep up with their maintenance and take care of the plants within them. Rotting window boxes or boxes filled with dead plants are not a good aesthetic. If you won't have the time to maintain your window boxes, either do not install them or leave them empty.
If you're not sure you are completely committed to the idea, there are plenty of free-standing window boxes that are made just to sit in your window. This might be a good option to test the waters before committing to a permanently attached window box.
View this window box on Amazon.
Should window boxes be wider than the window?
Your window box should be at least as wide as your window but not extend more than three inches wider on each side for the best visual. Any wider and things start to look awkward. The ideal width would extend just about one to two inches beyond the frame of your windows.
How far from the floor is a standard window? Read our post about that.
Should window boxes match shutters?
Window boxes do not have to match the shutters. Though we discussed several options to make a cohesive look to your home's exterior with window boxes, it all comes down to personal preference. There are plenty of other components to the exterior of a home that the window box can be coordinated with. It doesn't have to necessarily match the shutters specifically.
How do I keep my window box from rotting?
There are a few different ways you can keep your window box from rotting. The first is by ensuring adequate air circulation in and around your window box. Use soil that allows premium absorption, drainage, and airflow. Ensure the bottom of your window box has adequate drainage.
Another way of keeping your window boxes fresh is to place your plants in them while still in other pots, instead of transferring the whole plant to the window box. This ensures easy changing of plants, no material and soil pressed against the box's interior, and maintains your window box's longevity.
Be sure to always monitor the area behind your window box and ensure no excess moisture has built up along the side of your home. This could cause mold or mildew to build up if not adequately ventilated.
Do window boxes attract bugs?
Window boxes can attract bugs. This is yet another reason to ensure adequate ventilation and drainage. Standing water is a huge attractant for insects, so do not overwater or let the water pool. Additionally, certain plants attract more insects than others. If you plant heavy pollinators, you're sure to see a lot of bees around your window boxes.
Some plants repel bugs, so if you want window boxes but no bugs, try planting some rosemary or lavender in those boxes. There are plenty of other plants that repel bugs as well. Research before you plant.
View these rosemary seeds on Amazon.
In Closing
Window boxes don't have to match the trim, but the exterior of your home will look well put together if they match something. Find what works best for your taste and run with it! Consider the types of plants you'll grow and how much your window box will show. Take care not to leave the window boxes to rot. Remember all our tips and tricks and you'll enjoy your window boxes to their full extent.