10 Affordable Open Terrarium Designs for Every Style

Let’s gently ease into the world of greenery with open terrariums that won’t break the bank. You can craft stunning displays using everyday items, like a glass bowl or mason jar, to house plants such as succulents or air plants (low-maintenance species that thrive without soil). Curious about transforming a 6-inch tin can into a rustic garden? Stick around to explore ten budget-friendly designs tailored for your unique style.

Minimalist Glass Bowl Terrarium

A Minimalist Glass Bowl Terrarium is a simple yet elegant way to bring a touch of nature into your home without breaking the bank. This design typically involves a clear glass bowl, which serves as an affordable and accessible container, filled with layers of pebbles, activated charcoal, potting soil, and small, low-maintenance plants like succulents, air plants, or moss. The open design allows for easy care and customization, making it ideal for beginners or those with limited space.

To create this terrarium, start by layering the bottom of the glass bowl with pebbles for drainage, followed by a thin layer of activated charcoal to prevent mold and odors. Add a layer of potting soil, then arrange your chosen plants, keeping the design minimal to avoid overcrowding. Place the terrarium in indirect sunlight and water sparingly, as the open top allows for natural air circulation, reducing the risk of overwatering. This affordable setup not only enhances your decor but also provides a calming, green focal point in any room.

Rustic Mason Jar Garden

The Rustic Mason Jar Garden is a charming and budget-friendly open terrarium design that brings a touch of nature into any space. Using simple mason jars, which are often readily available at home or can be purchased inexpensively, this design transforms everyday glass containers into miniature ecosystems. The rustic appeal comes from layering natural elements like pebbles, moss, and small plants inside the jar, creating a cozy, countryside vibe that’s perfect for windowsills, desks, or shelves.

To create this terrarium, start with a clean mason jar and add a base layer of small rocks or gravel for drainage, followed by a thin layer of activated charcoal to keep the environment fresh. Then, add a layer of potting soil, and plant small, low-maintenance species like succulents, air plants, or ferns. Finish with decorative touches like tiny twigs, bark, or stones to enhance the rustic aesthetic. This design is not only affordable but also easy to customize, making it an ideal project for beginners looking to craft a personalized piece of greenery.

Vintage Teacup Plant Display

The Vintage Teacup Plant Display is a charming and affordable way to create a miniature open terrarium using items you may already have at home or can easily find at thrift stores. By repurposing old or mismatched teacups, you can craft a unique, whimsical garden that adds a touch of vintage elegance to any space. These delicate containers are perfect for small succulents, air plants, or moss, which thrive in the open environment of a teacup without the need for a lid.

To create this display, simply fill the bottom of the teacup with small pebbles or gravel for drainage, add a layer of potting soil, and plant your chosen greenery. You can enhance the aesthetic by adding tiny decorative elements like miniature figurines, polished stones, or even a sprinkle of colored sand. Place your teacup terrarium on a windowsill, shelf, or as a centerpiece to bring a bit of nature indoors with a nostalgic flair.

Modern Geometric Container Setup

Modern geometric container setups are a stylish and contemporary choice for open terrariums, bringing a sleek, minimalist aesthetic to any space. These containers often feature clean lines and angular shapes, such as hexagons, cubes, or pyramids, made from materials like glass and metal. Their design not only serves as a functional enclosure for plants but also acts as a striking decorative piece that complements modern home decor.

To set up a modern geometric terrarium, start with a clear glass container to showcase the plants and layers inside. Add a base layer of pebbles or gravel for drainage, followed by a thin layer of activated charcoal to keep the environment fresh. Top it with a suitable substrate for your chosen plants, such as moss, succulents, or air plants, and arrange them to highlight the geometric shape of the container. These setups are affordable and easy to maintain, making them perfect for beginners looking to add a touch of greenery with a trendy edge.

Boho Driftwood and Moss Creation

The Boho Driftwood and Moss Creation is a stunning and affordable open terrarium design that brings a touch of natural, free-spirited charm to any space. This design centers around the use of driftwood as a focal point, which can often be sourced for free from beaches or riverbanks, or purchased inexpensively at craft stores. The driftwood’s organic, weathered texture pairs beautifully with soft, lush moss, creating a bohemian aesthetic that feels both earthy and whimsical.

To create this terrarium, simply place a layer of small pebbles or gravel at the bottom of a shallow glass container for drainage, then add a thin layer of activated charcoal to keep the environment fresh. Arrange the driftwood in a visually appealing way, securing it if needed, and tuck vibrant green moss around it to mimic a miniature forest floor. Add small accents like tiny figurines, feathers, or shells to enhance the boho vibe, making this an easy, budget-friendly project that reflects personal style and a love for nature.

Simple Pebble and Succulent Arrangement

A simple pebble and succulent arrangement is an ideal choice for beginners looking to create an affordable open terrarium. This design focuses on minimalism, using a small glass container, a layer of pebbles for drainage, and a few low-maintenance succulents. The pebbles not only serve a functional purpose by preventing root rot but also add a natural, earthy aesthetic to the terrarium. Succulents are perfect for this setup as they require minimal watering and thrive in well-drained environments, making them easy to care for.

To create this arrangement, start by placing a 1-2 inch layer of pebbles at the bottom of the container, followed by a thin layer of activated charcoal to keep the environment fresh. Add a layer of potting mix suitable for succulents, then plant 2-3 small succulents, spacing them evenly for visual balance. Finish by decorating with additional pebbles or small rocks on the surface for a polished look. This design is not only cost-effective but also allows for customization with different colors and textures of pebbles and succulent varieties.

Upcycled Tin Can Greenery

Upcycled Tin Can Greenery is a creative and budget-friendly way to craft open terrariums using everyday items like empty tin cans. Once cleaned and stripped of labels, these cans can be transformed into charming containers for small plants or succulents, offering a rustic aesthetic to your space. Simply punch a few drainage holes in the bottom, add a layer of pebbles for drainage, and fill with potting soil before planting your chosen greenery.

This approach not only repurposes materials that might otherwise be discarded but also allows for endless customization. You can paint the cans, wrap them in twine, or leave them as-is for a minimalist look, making them a versatile option for any home decor style. Perfect for beginners, tin can terrariums are an easy and affordable way to bring a touch of nature indoors.

Coastal Shell and Air Plant Design

The Coastal Shell and Air Plant Design is a charming and affordable open terrarium concept that brings a touch of the seaside into your home. This design incorporates natural elements like seashells, driftwood, and air plants to create a low-maintenance, beach-inspired miniature landscape. The open nature of the terrarium allows air plants to thrive, as they require good air circulation and minimal watering, making this an ideal choice for beginners or those with limited time for plant care.

To create this design, start with a shallow glass container or bowl as the base, which is often budget-friendly and easy to find. Layer the bottom with small pebbles or sand to mimic a coastal environment, then arrange seashells and small pieces of driftwood for texture and visual interest. Place one or two air plants, such as Tillandsia, in the center or nestled among the shells, ensuring they have space to breathe. This design not only evokes a serene, oceanic vibe but also keeps costs low by using natural, often free, materials collected from beaches or purchased inexpensively at craft stores.

Industrial Metal Frame Terrarium

The Industrial Metal Frame Terrarium offers a sleek, modern aesthetic that combines durability with style, making it a standout choice for plant enthusiasts on a budget. Crafted from sturdy metal frames, often in black or brass finishes, these terrariums provide a minimalist yet bold structure that complements a variety of interior designs. The open design allows for easy access to plants, ensuring proper airflow and simplifying maintenance tasks like watering and pruning.

These terrariums are typically paired with glass panels or left entirely open, creating a versatile display for succulents, air plants, or small ferns. Affordable and often available in DIY kits, industrial metal frame terrariums can be customized to fit personal tastes, making them an ideal option for those looking to add a touch of urban sophistication to their space without breaking the bank.

Whimsical Fairy Garden Scene

A whimsical fairy garden scene is a delightful and imaginative design for an open terrarium that brings a touch of magic to any space. This style incorporates miniature elements like tiny fairy figurines, small toadstools, and delicate mossy landscapes to create a storybook-like environment. Using affordable materials such as pebbles for pathways, twigs for tiny fences, and small succulents or air plants as enchanted greenery, you can craft a charming miniature world that feels alive with fantasy.

To enhance the fairy tale vibe, consider adding small LED lights or battery-operated fairy string lights for a soft, magical glow. These elements are often budget-friendly and can be found at craft stores or online. This design not only captivates the imagination but also serves as a unique conversation piece, making it a perfect choice for an affordable yet enchanting open terrarium.