13 Easy DIY Small Indoor Greenhouse Ideas

When I first began growing hydroponic plants indoors, I never imagined I’d fall so deeply in love with the idea of an indoor greenhouse. But the more my little green corner flourished, the more I wanted to expand it to create a self-contained space where light and humidity worked together in perfect balance.

Right next to my hydroponics setup sat an empty spot in my home, and I started dreaming of repurposing a beautiful vintage cabinet I found on Facebook Marketplace. Could this elegant piece, once meant to serve drinks, become a lush micro-jungle?

Some people scoffed at the idea. “The wood will rot,” they warned. “The humidity will destroy it.” But I saw potential. I sealed the interior with boat varnish and made sure no water would ever pool on the surface.

I drilled a small hole in the back for wiring, installed LED grow lights, and added ventilation by removing a few glass panels and replacing them with mesh for airflow.

My goal was clear: to create a DIY small indoor greenhouse that looked as good as it functioned, one that wouldn’t be an eyesore in my living room but instead a piece of living decor.

Now? It works. I have succulents inside (which actually thrive with lower humidity), and I display humidity-loving plants on top, in trays that protect the finish. I rotate everything often for balanced growth and open the cabinet daily for airflow.

It’s not perfect, but it’s mine. If you’re thinking about turning a cabinet, shelf, or even a curious piece of furniture into an indoor greenhouse, go for it.

With some sealing, airflow adjustments, and lighting, you can build your own DIY sanctuary that keeps your indoor plants happy and looks amazing doing it.

13. Bookshelf Indoor Greenhouse for Vertical Planting

Convert an old bookshelf into a multi-tiered indoor greenhouse. Enclose the sides with clear acrylic panels or repurposed window panes and install a grow light above each shelf.

Tip: Seal edges with weather stripping to retain humidity. Use reflective tape on interior surfaces to boost light distribution.

12. Mini Cabinet Indoor Greenhouse with Glass Doors

Upcycle a glass-fronted cabinet into a stylish indoor greenhouse. Add grow lights inside and line shelves with leak-proof trays.

Tip: Apply heat-retaining film to the glass and install a small USB-powered fan for airflow and mold prevention.

11. PVC Pipe Frame Indoor Greenhouse with Clear Plastic Cover

Build a simple frame using PVC pipe and elbow joints. Drape it with clear greenhouse plastic or heavy-duty cling film.

Tip: Anchor the structure on a sturdy tray with drainage holes. Add a zipper flap for easy access and ventilation control.

10. Terrarium-Style Countertop Greenhouse

Use a clear glass or acrylic terrarium container with a removable lid. Ideal for herbs, succulents, or small tropicals.

Tip: Place pebbles at the bottom for drainage and monitor humidity using a mini hygrometer.

9. IKEA Hack Indoor Greenhouse (Milsbo or Detolf)

Transform IKEA display cabinets like Milsbo or Detolf into sleek, indoor greenhouse showcases. Add weather seals and magnetic closures.

Tip: Attach full-spectrum grow lights on the top and middle shelves and automate with a timer switch.

8. Hanging Greenhouse Shelf in a Sunny Window

Suspend clear acrylic or glass shelves in front of a south-facing window using heavy-duty brackets or rope pulleys.

Tip: Use small pots or hydroponic setups to keep weight manageable. Add sheer curtains to diffuse intense afternoon sunlight.

7. Plastic Storage Bin Greenhouse for Seed Starting

Repurpose a clear latching storage bin into a seed-starting chamber. Add drainage holes and a hinged lid.

Tip: Place a seedling heat mat underneath and mist regularly to maintain optimal germination conditions.

6. Aquarium Conversion Greenhouse

Use an old glass aquarium tank as a controlled-environment greenhouse. Fit a mesh top or hinged lid for air circulation.

Tip: Ideal for high-humidity plants like orchids and ferns. Place a waterproof LED strip along the rim for lighting.

5. Wire Rack Greenhouse with Zip Cover

Assemble a metal wire shelving unit and wrap it in a zippered greenhouse plastic cover.

Tip: Install clip-on LED grow lights on each tier. Place a humidity tray at the bottom for ambient moisture.

4. Reclaimed Window Frame Greenhouse

Create a DIY greenhouse using multiple reclaimed window frames joined together at the corners with brackets and wood trim.

Tip: Install hinges on one pane to act as a venting window. Add a base made of waterproofed wood with drainage.

3. Upcycled Wardrobe Greenhouse with Custom Lighting

Turn an old armoire or wardrobe into a growing cabinet by replacing solid doors with acrylic panels and installing internal lighting and ventilation.

Tip: Paint the inside white or line with Mylar for light reflection. Use programmable smart plugs for light and fan automation.

2. Desktop Greenhouse with Humidity Dome

Construct a compact greenhouse using a wooden base and an arched acrylic dome with adjustable vents.

Tip: Best for cuttings or propagation trays. Add a USB-powered heat lamp for consistent warmth.

1. Rolling Cart Greenhouse for Mobile Gardening

Use a utility rolling cart outfitted with clear covers and removable grow trays. Great for moving plants to different light conditions.

Tip: Use locking wheels and a removable top shelf for taller plants. Incorporate battery-operated lighting if outlets are limited.

Conclusion

By selecting the right structure, lighting, and materials, we can build indoor greenhouses tailored to our space and plant needs. Whether transforming everyday furniture or constructing from scratch, these DIY small indoor greenhouse ideas offer innovative and sustainable ways to grow all year long.