Last month, after we posted a story about some of our favorite wooden window boxes, a reader named Chris asked us to suggest some metal window boxes, as well: "It's hard to find simple, attractive ones; they all seem to have curlicues and dragonflies and whatnot." Your wish is our command, Chris. Here are ten metal options, with not an embossed dragonfly in sight:
Readers, is there a garden accessory or tool you'd like us to help you hunt down? Tell us about it in the comments section below and we may feature it in an upcoming 10 Easy Pieces.
Zinc:
Above: Zinc window boxes outside the Paris home of architect Nicolas Soulier and ceramicist Cécile Daladier. For more, see A Ceramicist and an Architect in Paris.
Above: Aged Zinc Window Boxes are available in five lengths, from 40 to 80 centimeters, for prices ranging from £16.50 to £35.95 depending on size; from The Balcony Gardener.
Above: A Zinc Window Box with an antique titanium finish is available in three lengths—15.75, 23.5 and 35.5 inches—for prices ranging from $15 to $30 apiece; from Jamali Garden.
Galvanized Steel:
Above: A Galvanized Steel Balcony Box has vertical grooves for added stability against wind. Available in two lengths—69.5 and 89.5 centimeters—and at prices from 25.50 euros to 37 euros; at Manufactum. A Galvanized Steel Balcony Box Holder is sold separately in two sizes for 36 euros and 38 euros respectively.
Above: A weather-resistant Galvanised Trough Planter comes in three lengths—40, 60, and 80 centimeters—and is from £16.50 to £20 from Garden Trading.
Above: A Galvanized Planter Box has rounded corners and measures 30 inches wide by 10.25 inches deep by 9 inches high; it weighs 6 pounds and is made of iron. It is $59 from Pottery Barn.
Powder Coated:
Above: A steel, powder coated Socker Flower Box is available in both black and white; $14.99 from Ikea.
Corten Steel:
Above: Made of corten steel, Corten Window Boxes will develop a rusty patina but while retaining their structural soundness. Available in three lengths—40, 70, and 100 centimeters—and at prices from £165.99 to £201.99 from Crinkle Crankle.
Above: A Planter Box Made From Corten Weathering Steel has a weatherproof liner and is 24 inches long; it is $110 Australian from Gumtree.
Above: An extra-long corten steel window box sits on the ground beneath a window; for more, see Design Sleuth: Extra Long Corten Planter. For a similar custom look, see Planterworx. For a smaller version, consider the 46-inch-long Ranch Planter from Planterworx.
Metal:
Above: A 36-inch-long Metal Window Box Liner with a bronze-tone finish can be used as a standalone planter or as a liner inside a larger box or cage planter; it's $120 from Hooks & Lattice.
For more window box options, see 10 Easy Pieces: Wooden Window Boxes.