IKEA’s Charming Mini Greenhouse Was the Missing Piece in My Indoor Garden – So I Bought One for Every Room

If you’ve ever tried to raise seedlings on a drafty windowsill or keep supermarket herbs alive for more than a week, you’ll know how deceptively difficult indoor growing can be. Light shifts throughout the day, temperatures rise and fall without warning, and radiators pump heat from below while cold windowpanes press in from behind. For a tender young plant, it’s hardly a stable start.

That’s exactly why the ÅKERBÄR Greenhouse from IKEA feels so useful. It’s compact, yes – but it’s not a gimmick. It’s a genuinely practical piece for your favorite indoor plants that also looks good in your home.

At first glance, it’s all clean lines and crisp white framing, with a classic pitched roof that nods to traditional garden structures. It’s simple in the best way. The transparent panels let your plants remain the focus, while subtly softening the light so delicate seedlings aren’t scorched by harsh afternoon sun.

A Smarter Way to Grow Indoors

What I particularly like is that it functions like a true greenhouse, just on a smaller scale. The enclosed structure creates a stable microclimate, shielding young plants from sudden temperature swings. The hinged door opens smoothly and stays propped when needed – a small but important detail. Proper ventilation keeps condensation in check and prevents the stagnant, overly humid conditions plants tend to struggle with.

There’s something reassuring about a contained growing space. Seed trays feel protected, cuttings root more reliably, and even fussy herbs respond well to the added consistency. If you’re starting seeds in late winter or early spring, that extra layer of shelter can make a noticeable difference to your success rate.

Designed to Move Effortlessly Indoors and Out

One of its biggest strengths is the versatility of this indoor greenhouse. The powder-coated steel frame is sturdy enough for a sheltered patio or balcony, yet the clean design looks perfectly at home on a kitchen counter or console. It feels decorative first, practical second – never like clunky garden equipment.

That flexibility of indoor gardening makes it easy to follow the seasons: start seedlings indoors in early spring, then move them outside to a protected spot as the weather warms.

How to Style It So It Feels Elevated

In my kitchen, I love filling it with a small indoor herb garden – thyme, parsley, or a tiny pot of basil – kept simple in terracotta to add warmth against the crisp white frame. In the living room, it transforms into a decorative feature: three tonal ceramic pots, a layer of gravel beneath, maybe a trailing cutting to soften the look.

I also keep my Farmhouse Herb Pots on the kitchen windowsill and adore these top-rated Metal Planters, both from Amazon, for rustic layering.

The key is restraint. This isn’t a space to overcrowd. Three to five small pots are plenty. Let the architecture of the greenhouse frame the plants rather than compete with them. When styled thoughtfully, it feels intentional – almost like a miniature conservatory moment – rather than just plant storage.

The Practical Details Worth Knowing

Take your time with assembly to ensure the panels sit neatly and securely. If you’re placing it indoors, add discreet furniture pads underneath to protect surfaces from moisture. And while it’s suitable for outdoor use, it’s happiest in a sheltered spot rather than somewhere exposed to strong wind.

A bright position with indirect light will give you the best results, particularly for seedlings and tender herbs. As with any greenhouse setup, a little monitoring goes a long way – adjust ventilation as needed and avoid overwatering in enclosed conditions.

A Compact Investment With Lasting Appeal

What makes this piece so appealing is the balance it strikes. It supports proper plant care while doubling as a decorative feature. For renters, apartment dwellers, or anyone without the space for a full greenhouse, it offers a controlled growing environment without demanding square footage.

More than that, it encourages you to engage with your plants. You notice condensation. You adjust airflow. You check the soil more often. It turns plant care into a small daily ritual – and that, ultimately, is what makes it feel less like an accessory and more like a considered addition to your home.

Shop Alternative Indoor Plant Displays