Looking to elevate your outdoor living space with a touch of greenery and charm? Whether you’re dreaming of modern back porch ideas, stylish back porch décor, or simply crave a peaceful retreat, terrariums offer a unique and eye-catching way to bring nature closer to home.
From minimalist glass vessels to whimsical fairy gardens, these terrarium ideas are perfect for adding elegance and a refreshing dose of nature to your patio, porch, or garden nook.
Here are 21 terrarium ideas that blend creativity, beauty, and function — designed to inspire and complement your outdoor lifestyle.
1. Hanging Glass Orb Terrariums
Add a breezy, ethereal vibe to your back porch by suspending glass orb terrariums from your patio ceiling or pergola beams. These delicate orbs create a floating garden effect and are perfect for showcasing air plants, succulents, or even preserved moss.
What makes them ideal for outdoor living is their compact size and ease of maintenance. You can hang several at varying heights to add visual interest, or group them with string lights to create a romantic ambiance.
Choose clear or frosted glass depending on your style — frosted lends a soft, dreamy touch while clear keeps things sleek and modern. Hanging glass orbs can be filled with pebbles, colored sand, or miniature décor items that reflect your personality. They’re especially great for renters or anyone wanting a quick, low-effort transformation.
Pair them with modern patio furniture in neutral tones and you’ll create an elegant contrast between earthy nature and clean contemporary lines.
2. Succulent Bowl Terrarium
Succulent bowl terrariums are perfect for anyone who wants to add greenery without the fuss of high-maintenance plants. Using a wide, shallow container — think ceramic, concrete, or even reclaimed wood — this setup allows for a stunning arrangement of succulents in various textures and colors.
Succulents like echeveria, haworthia, and jade plant thrive in these open terrariums, as they require excellent airflow and minimal water. You can add decorative stones, sand layers, or even driftwood pieces to enhance the visual appeal.
These terrariums make beautiful centerpieces for a patio table or can be nestled into a cozy corner of your porch surrounded by throw pillows and modern back porch decor. Their natural desert-like look plays beautifully against contemporary outdoor materials like teak, metal, or woven rattan.
3. Apothecary Jar Terrarium
Their tall, lidded design is perfect for moisture-loving plants like ferns, moss, and miniature orchids. These closed terrariums retain humidity, creating a microclimate ideal for tropical species that add lushness and texture to your space.
Bring a vintage flair to your porch with an apothecary jar terrarium. These jars, often used for candy or dried herbs, make enchanting vessels for small plant ecosystems.
To assemble one, layer pebbles, activated charcoal, potting soil, and then carefully place your plants. Add a few small figurines, crystals, or driftwood pieces for extra charm.
Place your apothecary jar on a wooden stool, shelf, or side table. It complements rustic or vintage-inspired back porch decor while offering a unique focal point.
4. Mason Jar Herb Terrarium
Functional and adorable, mason jar herb terrariums blend rustic style with practicality. These are ideal for small back porches or patios where space is limited but flavor and fragrance are welcome.
You can grow herbs like basil, thyme, or mint in these jars, placing them on a windowsill, shelf, or hanging rack. They do best in open jars for airflow but can also work in partially closed jars with frequent ventilation.
Add gravel at the bottom, a layer of activated charcoal, and rich potting soil before planting your herbs. Label each jar with a handwritten tag or chalkboard paint for a farmhouse-inspired look.
These terrariums double as a mini herb garden and natural decor, offering fresh seasoning just steps from your grill or outdoor kitchen setup. It’s a practical and stylish touch for anyone passionate about cooking or entertaining outdoors.
5. Wall-Mounted Terrarium Frames
Source
Turn your vertical space into living art with wall-mounted terrarium frames. These flat-backed glass or wooden frames allow you to plant vertically, creating a stunning green backdrop for your patio or porch.
Ideal for small porches or modern outdoor living spaces, these frames can hold moss, succulents, or even air plants. Arrange them in a grid pattern for a modern, gallery-style wall or stagger them for a more whimsical vibe.
The beauty of wall-mounted terrariums is that they maximize space while maintaining a clean, minimalist aesthetic. You can easily integrate them with your outdoor seating area, pairing them with modern patio furniture or hanging lanterns.
They also make great DIY projects — just grab a shadow box frame, a little soil, and your favorite low-maintenance plants.
6. Fairy Garden Terrarium
Source
Bring a touch of magic to your outdoor space with a fairy garden terrarium. This whimsical idea is great for families or anyone with a playful sense of style.
Start with a large glass bowl or open lantern. Fill it with moss, tiny succulents, and miniature decorations like fairy houses, toadstools, pebbled paths, or even LED fairy lights. You can find fairy garden kits online or piece together your own fantasy land with items from craft stores.
Fairy garden terrariums spark joy and creativity and can be refreshed with seasonal elements like mini pumpkins in the fall or pastel flowers in the spring.
Display it on a side table, outdoor shelf, or even hang it inside a wire birdcage for extra charm. This style fits beautifully into eclectic or bohemian back porch decor themes and is a fun way to personalize your space.
7. Beach-Inspired Terrarium
Source
Channel vacation vibes with a beach-themed terrarium. These evoke the soothing beauty of the coast — perfect for those who crave ocean-inspired outdoor living even if you’re miles from the beach.
Use a clear glass vase or bowl and layer in white sand, seashells, sea glass, and bits of driftwood. Add air plants or small succulents for greenery that won’t clash with the aesthetic.
You can incorporate nautical touches like mini lighthouses, starfish, or tiny boats. Display the terrarium on a weathered wood tray alongside candles or coral for a coastal chic vibe.
These terrariums pair especially well with light-hued patio furniture and soft blue cushions. They’re a simple yet impactful way to add a breezy, serene touch to your back porch.
8. Hanging Geometric Terrarium
Source
Geometric terrariums bring a sleek, modern edge to your porch or patio. These angular glass-and-metal containers look stunning when suspended from hooks or placed on side tables.
Fill them with bold succulents like aloe or black prince echeveria, then accent with quartz stones or metallic sand. The geometric shapes — from pyramids to dodecahedrons — add instant architectural interest to your space.
These are perfect for a minimalist aesthetic or for enhancing modern back porch ideas. Their structured design balances beautifully with soft patio textiles like throws and cushions.
Cluster several together at varying heights for a statement installation, or place one on a wood-slab tray for a refined accent piece.
9. Candle Terrarium Combo
Source
Combine soft lighting and nature with a candle terrarium. These hybrid pieces offer ambiance and greenery in one — ideal for evening relaxation or outdoor entertaining.
Use a lantern-style terrarium and place a large pillar candle in the center. Surround it with succulents, moss, or small stones for a layered effect. Flameless LED candles are a safe choice and mimic the glow of real ones without the fire hazard.
You can also switch the greenery seasonally — pinecones and evergreen clippings in winter, or florals in spring.
This look complements a cozy, romantic back porch decor style, especially when paired with lantern string lights or cushioned lounge chairs. It’s the ultimate blend of function and beauty.
10. Open Dish Terrarium with Mixed Textures
Source
Open dish terrariums give you full creative control to play with textures, heights, and colors. Use a shallow ceramic or stoneware dish and fill it with a mix of succulents, mosses, bark, stones, and miniature accessories.
Try mixing fuzzy echeveria with smooth jade plants, spiky cacti, and soft moss. Add natural elements like pine bark or a polished geode to elevate the visual interest.
These look stunning as coffee table centerpieces or can be placed near a cozy nook for added greenery.
They’re great for boho, rustic, or transitional back porch decor, and offer a wonderful opportunity to personalize your outdoor living space with natural elements that speak to your aesthetic.
11. Tabletop Zen Garden Terrarium
Source
Infuse calm and tranquility into your back porch with a tabletop Zen garden terrarium. This serene idea blends minimalism with mindful decor, perfect for decompressing after a long day.
Use a wide, shallow dish and fill it with fine white or gray sand. Arrange smooth river stones, tiny bonsai or air plants, and miniature rakes for a traditional Zen garden look.
You can add incense holders or small candles for evening ambiance. The practice of raking the sand into different patterns can be incredibly therapeutic, especially in an outdoor setting where you’re already surrounded by natural sounds.
This terrarium style works beautifully with neutral-toned patio furniture and minimal accessories, creating a soothing and sophisticated escape in your own backyard.
12. Tiered Terrarium Stand
Source
Add vertical appeal and save space with a tiered terrarium stand. Perfect for small back porches or balconies, this setup lets you display multiple terrariums in one compact footprint while still creating visual depth and interest.
Start with a multi-level plant stand or repurpose a tiered dessert tray or shelf rack. Then fill each level with a different style of terrarium — perhaps succulents on top, a mossy scene in the middle, and an herb mix on the bottom.
Each tier becomes its own mini ecosystem, and you can mix up shapes and materials (glass domes, wooden boxes, or ceramic pots) to reflect your outdoor style.
This arrangement makes a striking impression on guests and works beautifully as a conversation starter in a cozy back porch seating area. It pairs wonderfully with warm string lights, soft textiles, and neutral modern back porch ideas for a polished, layered look.
13. Repurposed Lantern Terrarium
Source
Give old lanterns a second life by turning them into charming terrariums. Whether metal, wood, or vintage glass, lanterns are ready-made vessels for creating lush mini gardens that sit beautifully on porch steps, tabletops, or even hanging hooks.
Start by cleaning out the lantern, removing the candle, and adding a base layer of stones or moss. Then tuck in small ferns, ivy, or trailing plants. You can even add miniature seasonal decorations — think tiny pumpkins in fall or snowflakes in winter — to keep your porch feeling festive year-round.
These are perfect for outdoor living with a rustic or farmhouse twist, and they bring personality and warmth to your porch decor.
Cluster two or three together in different sizes near your door or along a pathway to create a welcoming, nature-inspired entrance.
14. Recycled Wine Bottle Terrarium
Source
Sustainable and stylish, wine bottle terrariums are perfect for eco-conscious homeowners who love upcycled decor. With a little creativity (and maybe a glass cutter), a wine bottle can become a sleek and unexpected terrarium vessel.
Cut the bottle horizontally to create an open trough or vertically for a tall, dramatic display. Fill with layers of gravel, activated charcoal, and soil, then add mosses, ferns, or air plants.
You can also use the bottom half of the bottle as a mini cloche or cover it with a cork top to hold in humidity for tropical plants.
Place the wine bottle terrarium on a reclaimed wood shelf or outdoor bar cart for a cool mix of rustic and modern style. This idea fits beautifully into outdoor living spaces that value both aesthetics and sustainability.
15. Hanging Birdcage Terrarium
Source
There’s something incredibly romantic about turning a vintage birdcage into a whimsical terrarium. Whether you hang it from a pergola or place it on a side table, it brings vintage charm and a touch of fantasy to your back porch decor.
Choose a metal birdcage with an open or lattice design. Fill the base with moss, trailing vines, or flowering plants. You can even add decorative elements like miniature fairies, lanterns, or twinkling lights.
Hanging birdcage terrariums pair well with shabby-chic, eclectic, or cottage-style outdoor spaces. They add height and interest to any corner of your porch and are sure to be a talking point when guests come over.
Try grouping several together for a floating garden effect, especially above an outdoor seating area or in a reading nook filled with cozy cushions and throws.
16. Industrial Pipe Terrarium
Source
For a bold and modern twist, consider building a terrarium using industrial pipes and fittings. This edgy style is perfect for those who love modern patio furniture and want to bring a bit of urban cool to their back porch.
Use copper, black iron, or galvanized steel piping to create a frame or stand. Attach glass globes, planters, or even test tubes as your terrarium vessels. Fill them with minimalistic plant choices like succulents, air plants, or small snake plants.
This look thrives on contrast — combine raw materials with delicate greenery for that effortlessly chic industrial aesthetic.
Mount the structure on a brick wall, lean it against a privacy screen, or use it as a divider between different porch zones. It’s a functional statement piece that blends art, design, and nature in one sleek setup.
17. Hanging Wooden Box Terrarium
Source
Wooden box terrariums are an earthy, rustic option that can easily be suspended for vertical charm. These boxes — whether handcrafted or repurposed drawers — create a grounded, organic look that works beautifully with modern back porch ideas or farmhouse-inspired styles.
Add hooks or ropes to hang them from a pergola or beam, and fill with moss, herbs, or trailing greenery like string of pearls or pothos. Wooden boxes also provide enough space for layered planting, giving you creative control over texture and composition.
Consider painting or staining the wood to match your outdoor color palette, or leave it raw for a more natural look. These terrariums are as flexible as they are charming, offering both a decorative touch and a functional planter option.
18. Lightbulb Terrarium
Source
Tiny but full of character, lightbulb terrariums are a charming nod to minimalism and clever design. They make delightful porch accents, especially when grouped or hung in clusters for a twinkling, whimsical effect.
To make one, use a cleaned-out incandescent lightbulb (with the metal and filament removed), and fill with moss, air plants, or even colorful sand. These petite terrariums work best with low-maintenance plants like tillandsia, as there’s minimal airflow and space.
Hang them using wire or fishing line for a “floating” look, or place several on a tray for an eye-catching table centerpiece.
Lightbulb terrariums are an excellent conversation starter and blend seamlessly with both industrial-chic and cottage-style outdoor living spaces. They’re perfect for anyone who loves tiny details with big visual impact.
19. Cloche-Style Glass Dome Terrarium
Source
Elegant and timeless, cloche-style terrariums use a glass dome to encase a tiny world of greenery. This style not only adds a level of sophistication but also creates a humid environment perfect for ferns, moss, and small orchids.
Place a wooden or ceramic base under the dome and build a lush, green scene using layered soil and miniature accessories. The curved glass adds a soft, rounded aesthetic that works beautifully on side tables or display stands.
These terrariums look especially beautiful at night when paired with ambient lighting like candles or patio lanterns. You can also swap out plants or accessories seasonally to keep things fresh.
They’re ideal for modern porch decor with a touch of romance and provide a greenhouse-like effect on a micro scale.
20. Aquatic Terrarium (Water Garden)
Source
For something truly unique, consider creating an aquatic terrarium or mini water garden. These bring a serene, meditative element to your back porch and are surprisingly easy to maintain.
Use a clear glass bowl or shallow aquarium, and add smooth pebbles, water-loving plants like lucky bamboo, anubias, or even miniature lotus. You can also incorporate decorative rocks, glass marbles, or small fish-safe statues.
Add a couple of snails or shrimp if you’re up for a bit more maintenance — they’ll help keep algae in check and add life to the scene.
Water gardens are incredibly soothing and ideal for back porches that prioritize peace, relaxation, and connection with nature. Add a small fountain nearby, and you’ll have a personal Zen retreat.
21. Seasonal Display Terrarium
Source
Why stick with just one theme when you can change your terrarium with the seasons? Seasonal display terrariums are all about flexibility and creativity.
Start with a large, open vessel and create a base of neutral elements like stones or preserved moss. Then, rotate the décor based on the time of year — add mini pumpkins, leaves, and cinnamon sticks in fall; pinecones, berries, and fairy lights in winter; fresh blooms and pastel pebbles in spring.
This idea allows you to keep your back porch décor fresh and relevant all year long. Plus, it gives you a reason to update your space with each holiday or seasonal change, making your porch feel alive and well-loved.
Place it near your seating area or outdoor dining spot to anchor the vibe and add a beautiful, nature-inspired touch.
Conclusion: Let Nature Take the Lead on Your Back Porch
Terrariums are more than just trendy plant projects — they’re miniature ecosystems, creative expressions, and stylish décor pieces that bring life and beauty to your outdoor living space. Whether you prefer rustic, modern, eclectic, or coastal vibes, there’s a terrarium idea on this list that’s perfect for your porch.
By incorporating even one or two of these ideas, you’ll transform your patio into a serene, welcoming environment where nature thrives and relaxation reigns.
So grab your plants, get creative, and start designing a back porch you’ll never want to leave. From modern patio furniture to whimsical accents, these terrarium setups will inspire you to step outside, breathe deep, and soak in the beauty of your own little green oasis.
