18 Terrarium Ideas for Small Spaces for Compact Living

Living in a small space doesn’t mean you have to give up on your green thumb dreams! I remember staring at my tiny apartment balcony, feeling defeated because I couldn’t fit even a single planter. That’s when I discovered the magical world of terrariums – these miniature ecosystems that pack all the joy of gardening into spaces so small, they can literally sit on your nightstand.

Terrariums are like having your own personal greenhouse that fits in the palm of your hand. They’re perfect for apartment dwellers, dorm rooms, or anyone who wants to bring nature indoors without the commitment of full-sized plants. Plus, they’re surprisingly low-maintenance once you get them set up right.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone looking to expand your tiny garden collection, these 18 terrarium ideas will help you create stunning green spaces that prove size doesn’t matter when it comes to style. Let’s dive into these pocket-sized paradises that are about to become your new obsession!

1. Mason Jar Desert Oasis

Transform an ordinary mason jar into a stunning desert landscape that brings southwestern charm to any small space. These mini desert scenes are incredibly forgiving for beginners and require minimal watering.

Step by Step:

• Choose a wide-mouth mason jar for easy access
• Layer small pebbles at the bottom for drainage
• Add activated charcoal to prevent odors
• Fill with cactus soil mix, leaving room for plants
• Plant small succulents like jade plants or baby cacti
• Add decorative sand in different colors for visual layers
• Top with small stones, miniature figurines, or driftwood
• Place in bright, indirect sunlight

Picture this: A charming mason jar sitting on your kitchen windowsill, filled with tiny barrel cacti and colorful succulents nestled in layers of golden and rust-colored sand. The morning light filters through, casting beautiful shadows through the glass while your mini desert thrives with almost zero effort from you.

For more inspiration on incorporating natural elements into your living space, check out our guide to minimalist living room ideas that complement these natural accents perfectly.

2. Hanging Glass Globe Forest

Create a floating forest effect with clear glass globes that seem to defy gravity while housing lush green plants. These eye-catching displays work beautifully in any room with adequate light.

Step by Step:

• Purchase glass globe terrariums with hanging capabilities
• Thread fishing line or decorative rope through the top opening
• Create a drainage layer with small river rocks
• Add a thin layer of activated charcoal
• Fill with potting soil suitable for your chosen plants
• Plant air plants, small ferns, or moss
• Hang at varying heights near a bright window
• Water sparingly using a spray bottle

Picture this: Three or four glass orbs floating at different heights in your living room corner, each one a tiny world of emerald moss and delicate ferns. They catch the afternoon light like crystal balls, creating dancing shadows on your walls while bringing an ethereal, almost magical quality to your space.

These hanging gardens pair beautifully with other space-saving ideas, especially in rooms designed with tiny bedroom ideas where every inch counts.

3. Vintage Teacup Garden Party

Turn thrift store teacups and saucers into the most adorable mini gardens that double as conversation pieces. This idea is perfect for adding whimsical charm to small spaces.

Step by Step:

• Collect vintage teacups and saucers from thrift stores
• Drill a small drainage hole in the bottom of each cup
• Place a piece of mesh or small stone over the hole
• Add fine gravel for drainage
• Fill with high-quality potting mix
• Plant tiny succulents, small herbs, or miniature flowers
• Arrange multiple teacups together for a garden party effect
• Water carefully with a small watering can or dropper

Picture this: Your coffee table adorned with a collection of mismatched vintage teacups, each one blooming with tiny pink flowers or spiraling succulents. Guests can’t help but smile when they notice these unexpected little gardens, and you’ll love how they add personality and charm to your morning coffee routine.

These delightful displays work wonderfully alongside other vintage-inspired decor, particularly in spaces designed with shabby chic bedroom ideas for a cohesive nostalgic aesthetic.

4. Geometric Glass Terrarium Showcase

Modern geometric glass containers create stunning architectural elements while housing your favorite plants. These contemporary pieces work perfectly in minimalist or modern decor schemes.

Step by Step:

• Choose geometric glass containers (triangular, hexagonal, or diamond-shaped)
• Layer with decorative stones in neutral colors
• Add activated charcoal for freshness
• Use specialized terrarium soil mix
• Select plants that complement the geometric lines (snake plants, air plants)
• Add modern decorative elements like white sand or black pebbles
• Group multiple geometric shapes together for impact
• Place in areas with bright, filtered light

Picture this: A cluster of crystal-clear geometric terrariums arranged on your side table, each one showcasing a different plant against clean white sand. The sharp lines of the containers contrast beautifully with the organic curves of the plants, creating a striking modern art installation that happens to be alive and growing.

For those who love clean, contemporary aesthetics, these geometric gardens complement contemporary living room ideas perfectly.

5. Fairy Tale Moss Garden

Create an enchanted forest scene that looks like it belongs in a fairy tale, complete with moss carpets and tiny decorative elements that spark imagination.

Step by Step:

• Select a wide, shallow container with good visibility
• Create layers of different textured materials
• Collect fresh moss from your yard or purchase from garden centers
• Arrange moss to create rolling hills and pathways
• Add small pieces of bark or driftwood as fallen logs
• Include tiny mushroom decorations or miniature fairy houses
• Mist regularly to keep moss vibrant and green
• Keep in low to medium light conditions

Picture this: A miniature enchanted forest sitting on your bookshelf, where emerald moss creates rolling hills dotted with tiny red mushrooms and a winding path that seems to lead to fairy adventures. The whole scene looks like it could come alive at any moment, bringing a sense of wonder and magic to your everyday space.

This whimsical approach to gardening fits beautifully with cozy, nature-inspired decor like cottagecore kitchen ideas for those who love storybook charm.

6. Apothecary Jar Herb Garden

Transform large apothecary jars into functional herb gardens that not only look beautiful but also provide fresh herbs for cooking right from your countertop.

Step by Step:

• Find large, clear apothecary jars with wide openings
• Create proper drainage with pebbles and charcoal layers
• Use herb-specific potting soil for best results
• Plant cooking herbs like basil, thyme, or small rosemary
• Label each jar with vintage-style plant markers
• Place near kitchen window for easy access
• Water when soil feels dry to the touch
• Harvest regularly to encourage new growth

Picture this: Your kitchen counter lined with beautiful apothecary jars, each one housing a different herb that fills your kitchen with natural fragrances. You can snip fresh basil for your pasta, grab some thyme for roasted vegetables, and enjoy the satisfaction of cooking with herbs you grew yourself in these elegant glass containers.

These functional gardens work wonderfully in kitchens designed with farmhouse pantry ideas where fresh, homegrown elements are celebrated.

7. Wine Bottle Planters

Upcycle empty wine bottles into sophisticated planters that add height and elegance to your small space garden collection.

Step by Step:

• Clean wine bottles thoroughly and remove labels
• Cut bottles in half using proper glass-cutting techniques
• Sand cut edges smooth for safety
• Turn top half upside down to create a self-watering system
• Thread a cotton string through the bottle neck into water
• Fill inverted top with potting soil
• Plant herbs or small leafy plants
• Fill bottom with water for the self-watering system

Picture this: Sleek wine bottle planters lined up on your windowsill, their dark green glass catching the light while fresh herbs cascade from the openings. The self-watering system means your plants stay happy even when you forget to water them, and guests are always impressed by your creative upcycling skills.

These eco-friendly planters complement sustainable living approaches, especially in minimalistic home decoration ideas that focus on purposeful, beautiful objects.

8. Light Bulb Micro Gardens

Transform burnt-out light bulbs into the tiniest possible gardens that pack maximum charm into minimal space.

Step by Step:

• Carefully remove the metal base from burnt-out bulbs
• Clean out all internal components thoroughly
• Create tiny drainage with small pebbles
• Add a pinch of activated charcoal
• Fill with fine potting soil using a small funnel
• Plant air plants or tiny moss specimens
• Create hanging displays with thin wire or fishing line
• Group multiple bulbs together for visual impact

Picture this: Delicate light bulb terrariums hanging in your window like living ornaments, each one containing a perfect miniature world. The afternoon sun shines through them, creating beautiful patterns on your walls while these impossibly small gardens add an element of surprise and delight to your space.

These unique micro-gardens work beautifully in compact living situations, especially when paired with tiny house kitchen ideas where creativity and space-saving are essential.

9. Beach-Themed Coastal Terrarium

Bring the serenity of the ocean indoors with terrariums that capture the essence of coastal living through sand, shells, and sea-loving plants.

Step by Step:

• Choose containers that evoke the ocean (clear glass bowls work beautifully)
• Layer different colors of sand to create beach scenes
• Add collected shells, sea glass, or driftwood pieces
• Plant salt-tolerant succulents or air plants
• Include small pieces of coral or beach stones
• Create wave patterns in the sand with a small tool
• Add a tiny sailing ship or lighthouse for charm
• Place in bright light but protect from direct harsh sun

Picture this: A slice of the coastline captured in glass, sitting on your desk where layers of white and tan sand create gentle dunes dotted with tiny succulents and scattered seashells. Every time you look at it, you can almost hear the waves and feel the ocean breeze, bringing instant calm to your busy day.

These coastal-inspired gardens pair beautifully with ocean-themed decor, especially in spaces designed with modern coastal decor ideas that celebrate seaside living.

10. Woodland Fern Forest

Create a lush, prehistoric-looking landscape using various ferns that thrive in terrarium conditions and bring ancient forest vibes to modern spaces.

Step by Step:

• Select a tall container to accommodate fern height
• Create rich, organic layers with bark and leaf mold
• Choose small fern varieties like baby ferns or moss
• Arrange ferns at different heights for depth
• Add pieces of rotting wood or bark for authenticity
• Include small stones or pebbles as forest floor elements
• Maintain high humidity with regular misting
• Keep in low to medium indirect light

Picture this: A prehistoric forest captured in miniature, where delicate fern fronds unfurl like ancient secrets in your living room. The deep green colors and varied textures create a sense of being deep in an old-growth forest, bringing a calming, grounding energy to your modern space.

This natural approach to indoor gardening complements rustic and nature-inspired decor, particularly rustic bedroom ideas that celebrate natural materials and textures.

11. Succulent Rainbow Display

Arrange colorful succulents in gradient patterns that create stunning rainbow effects in clear containers, proving that small gardens can be vibrant works of art.

Step by Step:

• Gather succulents in various colors (purple, green, red, yellow)
• Choose a wide, shallow container for best color display
• Plan your color arrangement before planting
• Create sections with different colored sands or soils
• Plant succulents in rainbow order around the container
• Add colored stones or glass beads to enhance the effect
• Use small decorative dividers to keep colors separated
• Rotate occasionally for even sun exposure

Picture this: A living rainbow sitting on your coffee table, where purple jade plants flow into emerald hens-and-chicks, then into coral-colored sedums and golden barrel cacti. The colors shift and change as the plants grow, creating a ever-evolving artwork that brings joy and vibrancy to any room.

These colorful displays work wonderfully in bright, cheerful spaces, especially those designed with boho living room ideas that celebrate bold colors and natural elements.

12. Vintage Suitcase Garden

Transform an old suitcase into a portable garden that tells a story while housing your favorite plants in a truly unique container.

Step by Step:

• Find a vintage suitcase at thrift stores or flea markets
• Line the interior with plastic to protect the fabric
• Create drainage holes in the bottom
• Add a layer of gravel for proper drainage
• Fill with quality potting soil appropriate for your plants
• Plant a variety of small plants or succulents
• Add vintage elements like old photographs or postcards
• Create a handle system for easy moving if desired

Picture this: An old leather suitcase propped open on your porch, revealing a secret garden inside where trailing plants spill over the edges like they’re escaping on an adventure. The contrast between the worn vintage leather and the fresh green plants creates a story of journeys and growth that makes everyone who sees it smile.

This creative approach to container gardening fits perfectly with eclectic, story-rich decor styles, especially antique bedroom ideas that celebrate items with history and character.

13. Coffee Cup Succulent Cafe

Turn your collection of unique coffee mugs into an adorable succulent cafe that sits right on your kitchen counter or dining table.

Step by Step:

• Gather coffee mugs in various sizes and styles
• Drill small drainage holes in the bottom of each mug
• Add coffee filter pieces over holes to prevent soil loss
• Layer small pebbles for drainage
• Fill with cactus/succulent potting mix
• Plant different succulents in each mug to create variety
• Arrange mugs on a tray or shelf like a cafe display
• Water sparingly and provide bright, indirect light

Picture this: Your kitchen counter transformed into a charming succulent cafe, where each coffee mug hosts a different tiny plant guest. From a cheerful yellow mug with a spiral succulent to a vintage floral cup housing a pink-tipped jade plant, your morning coffee routine becomes even more delightful surrounded by this mini garden cafe.

These functional gardens work beautifully in breakfast areas and complement home coffee bar designs ideas for coffee lovers who want to surround themselves with green life.

14. Aquarium Turned Tropical Paradise

Repurpose old aquariums into stunning tropical terrariums that create humid environments perfect for exotic plants that love moisture.

Step by Step:

• Clean old aquarium thoroughly to remove any residue
• Create drainage layer with aquarium gravel
• Add activated charcoal to maintain freshness
• Layer with tropical plant potting mix
• Select humidity-loving plants like small orchids or tropical ferns
• Add pieces of driftwood or tropical decorations
• Create a partial cover to maintain humidity
• Mist regularly and monitor moisture levels

Picture this: Your old fish tank transformed into a lush tropical paradise where exotic plants create a miniature rainforest right in your living room. Steam occasionally fogs the glass, and the humid environment supports plants that seem impossibly lush and vibrant, bringing a touch of the tropics to any climate.

This humid garden approach works wonderfully in spaces that celebrate lush, tropical aesthetics, particularly tropical living room ideas that embrace exotic plant life.

15. Test Tube Propagation Station

Create a sleek, scientific-looking display using test tubes to propagate plants while creating an artistic installation that’s both functional and beautiful.

Step by Step:

• Purchase test tubes and wooden holders from science supply stores
• Fill tubes with clean water
• Take cuttings from existing plants (pothos, philodendrons work well)
• Place cuttings in water-filled tubes
• Arrange tubes in holder for laboratory aesthetic
• Change water weekly to prevent algae growth
• Watch roots develop over several weeks
• Transfer to soil once roots are established

Picture this: A modern propagation laboratory right on your windowsill, where clean glass test tubes filled with crystal-clear water each hold a different plant cutting developing roots. The scientific aesthetic adds a contemporary edge to your space while you watch the miracle of plant propagation happen in real-time.

This modern approach to plant care fits perfectly with clean, contemporary spaces, especially those designed with japandi living room ideas that appreciate minimalist functionality.

16. Seasonal Holiday Terrariums

Design terrariums that change with the seasons, allowing you to celebrate holidays and seasonal changes even in the smallest spaces.

Step by Step:

• Choose neutral containers that work with multiple themes
• Create base layers that can accommodate seasonal changes
• Select plants that work well with different decorative elements
• Prepare seasonal decoration collections (miniature pumpkins, pine cones, etc.)
• Change decorative elements monthly or seasonally
• Adjust plant care based on seasonal light changes
• Create storage system for off-season decorations
• Document your designs with photos for next year

Picture this: Your terrarium transforming throughout the year – tiny pumpkins and autumn leaves in fall, miniature snow scenes in winter, small flowers and butterflies in spring, and beach themes in summer. Each seasonal change brings new life and excitement to your space, making your small garden a celebration of the changing year.

These adaptable gardens work beautifully in any decor style, bringing seasonal joy to spaces designed with cozy balcony ideas that celebrate outdoor seasonal changes indoors.

17. Zen Meditation Garden

Create peaceful, minimalist terrariums inspired by Japanese zen gardens that promote calm and mindfulness in your daily routine.

Step by Step:

• Choose clean, simple containers with good visibility
• Use fine white or gray sand as the base
• Add a few carefully selected stones or river rocks
• Include one or two simple plants like small bamboo or peace lily
• Create patterns in sand with small rakes or forks
• Add single focal point like small Buddha statue
• Keep design extremely minimal and balanced
• Place in quiet area for meditation or reflection

Picture this: A serene zen garden sitting beside your favorite reading chair, where perfectly raked sand patterns flow around a single, perfectly placed stone and one small plant. The simple beauty creates an instant sense of calm, and you find yourself taking deeper breaths just looking at this peaceful miniature landscape.

These meditative gardens complement peaceful, mindful living spaces, particularly those designed with zen garden ideas that promote tranquility and reflection.

18. Edible Microgreen Forest

Grow fresh, nutritious microgreens in small containers that provide fresh food while creating beautiful, edible landscapes right on your counter.

Step by Step:

• Select shallow containers with good drainage
• Use fine, seed-starting potting mix
• Choose microgreen seeds (radish, pea shoots, sunflower)
• Sprinkle seeds densely across soil surface
• Mist gently and cover with clear lid initially
• Remove cover once seeds germinate
• Harvest with scissors when 2-3 inches tall
• Start new containers every few weeks for continuous harvest

Picture this: Your kitchen windowsill lined with vibrant green microgreen forests that you harvest for salads, sandwiches, and smoothies. The tiny plants create beautiful, dense carpets of green while providing fresh, nutritious food that you grew yourself in containers so small they fit anywhere you have a bit of light.

These functional food gardens work perfectly in kitchen spaces, especially those designed with kitchen backsplash ideas that celebrate fresh, homegrown ingredients and natural elements.

Creating terrariums for small spaces isn’t just about gardening – it’s about bringing life, beauty, and a connection to nature into every corner of your home, no matter how tiny. Each of these 18 ideas proves that you don’t need a big yard or even a balcony to surround yourself with growing, thriving plants.

Start with one or two that speak to you, and before you know it, you’ll have created your own indoor garden paradise that fits perfectly into your lifestyle. Your small space is about to become a lot more green, beautiful, and alive!