In ancient Rome, window box planters were seen among the classes who did not have enough room for a large garden. Primarily, they held plants needed for food, medicine or rituals. The ancient Egyptians, on the other hand, used the planters to make balconies and terraces more ornate.
In later years, their use spread to the wealthier classes in Rome. Elaborate window box planters emerged that were more for show than necessity. The Victorian Age, which lasted from the mid-1800s to 1901, brought the mass production of both terra cotta and metal window boxes. The boxes spread to America, where they were used as ornaments to colonial homes.
Window box planters are found all over the world, where they are used on both residences and businesses to make windowsills more attractive. Some window boxes even incorporate a self-watering mechanism into their design.