How To Decorate With Indoor Plants
Decorating interiors with houseplants isn't a modern-day idea. In ancient times, Egyptians, Romans, and Chinese used to bring various plants indoors to serve as decorative items. According to The Carousel, this practice was predominant in wealthy families. However, they generally focused on edible and flowering species.
The Victorian era marked a period when houseplants spread across the middle classes in Europe. Many exotic plants arrived on the continent and became objects of desire. After the Second World War, homes featuring plants were a typical sight due to affordability.
Today, styling with plants takes a prime place in interior design schemes. It doesn't matter whether you only have a few potted flowers or if you are a seasoned plant collector. Greenery adds character and enlivens the space. It makes the house feels harmonious, relaxing, and welcoming.
Moreover, the possible plant combinations are limitless and allow you to release your imagination. Pick a massive olive tree for a spacious living room or small succulents for your bathroom. Also, consider arranging multiple species in layers, grouping them in pots by color and size, or planting several stems in one basket.
There's no golden rule about what houseplant goes where. Or what leaf size you should choose to make a statement. Yet, a few practical tips can make the styling journey less overwhelming. Check out these fourteen hacks on how to decorate with indoor plants and add a colorful accent to any sparsely furnished room.
Start big in the living room with a green plant wall
Not that you can't have a gallery wall that bursts with abundance and style, but plant walls are way more appealing. So, why not play with greenery and make that empty wall a living storybook? This approach is a unique way to showcase your gardening skills and elevate your surroundings.
Covering indoor walls with meticulously chosen landscaping is gaining traction lately. Depending on the layout, you can adorn a side wall with vines. Alternatively, if the house has a high ceiling, consider arranging the wall by the staircase as Pulltab Design did, making use of vertical space that's usually wasted. Thus, you use the extra room to make the whole place look refreshing.
The custom-made projects you may implement at home are endless. Green Fortune explains that homeowners can select the plant variety and enjoy the greenery without losing floor space. These designs have in-built drip irrigation systems and are efficient sound absorbers. However, ensure you dedicate enough time for the upkeep.
Get wild with shelves
Who needs expensive accessories when you can embellish the living room with potted greenery on shelves? Jazz up the space with multiple species ranging from succulents and philodendron 'Brasil' to large snake plants. Whether you fill shelving units with green friends only or combine them with décor, you can't go wrong.
Use floating shelves to display various planter styles for an artful setup. Pick any of the arrangements suggested by New Decore, and your plants will be grateful to you. However, wrought-iron frames combined with solid wood are the safest and most durable option.
Another hint you can implement at home is to find a round plant shelf. It should contain evenly-spaced compartments for planters that make securing and removal super-convenient. Plus, these units have a lot of space for your growing collection. Pick a free-standing piece or a wall-mounted one like the one on Etsy, and let this setup be the main event in your home.
Finally, if you're reluctant to experiment with atypical shelving units, go for shelves with vase holders. These have built-in holes for glass vases where you can display single stems. The idea is excellent for those who prefer a minimalistic look.
Let the old hutch shine
Do you have an old China cabinet catching dust in the basement? Give it new life by transforming it into a sophisticated storage display. Whether you're looking to simply display your plants on top or you're wanting a convenient area to fill with various-sized potted plants, you'll need to roll up your sleeves a bit before you get the ultimate result
Start by finding the right tools to upcycle and repaint the outdated hutch. You may need a couple of days to complete the project, but the effect and the extra storage space will be well worth it. Besides grouping plants on the shelves, you can stack some on top of the cabinet.
Another reason cabinets are perfect for decorating with plants is that you might vary the arrangements as seasons change. Spring flowers, autumn leaves, or evergreen branches will all look fantastic alongside festive accents and porcelain sets. According to The Beauty Revival, even faux variants of sansevieria and pothos are acceptable if the cabinet doesn't get much light.
Transform a forgotten corner
Empty corners are your hidden weapon to give an unexpected touch of elegance. So why not use that small area to place plants of varying leaf and stem sizes? Besides adding visual interest to the corner, you'll get a natural air purification station.
One way to play with style and height is to go with a free-standing houseplant like an umbrella or money tree. Add a large-sized container with compatible plants next to it, as The Rainforest Garden explains. Then, pair it with neutral accents such as pampas grass. Well done — you've mixed colors and textures successfully!
Likewise, consider turning that unassuming corner into a plant shrine. Hang a single L-shaped wooden shelving to hold your charming plant pot. Or go the extra mile and fill that empty spot in the wall as in Stand with Nature's design. No inch of space is off limits to showcase your favorite blooms.
Make a mobile greenery section with a bar cart
Let's face it; you don't use your golden-rimmed bar cart as often as you intended at the onset. Hence, you probably wonder how to repurpose it. The most straightforward way is to make it a plant stand. Greenery, whether authentic or faux, will look gorgeous on the bar cart's shelving.
If you don't possess a cart, why not salvage an old rusty piece as described by Home Talk? Naturally, you'll need some essential tools for sanding, spraying, and painting, but the ultimate effect will be mesmerizing. Once your brass beauty is ready, display succulents on the lower shelves and then put a sizable pothos or a peace lily on the top shelf.
Undoubtedly, you can use that luxe-looking bar cart in multiple ways, suggests The Home I Create. Jazz it up with gorgeous planters, shimmering décor, and photo frames. The finished setup will highlight your refined taste in mixing colors and textures. And the best thing is that you can move the decorated cart around when needed.
Go round the TV stand
The sight of plants is comforting whether you place them in baskets, terracotta pots, or glass vases. Moreover, they can become excellent bookends for your TV stand. Alternatively, you might want to style a climbing wall adorned with philodendron and Scindapsus varieties.
Hayneedle claims that keeping heights asymmetrical is best if you prefer a modern and natural touch. For instance, place a sizeable yucca on one end and a tiered plant stand with tiny potted plants on the other console side. Decorative baskets are also advisable if you want to add dimension and texture. Again, you can always pick a faux variant if you find the upkeep problematic.
Old Brand New leaves a memorable mark with their TV room design. By placing two majestic areca palms on both sides of the TV set, they made a bold statement that resonates with style and laidback vibes. Ornamented terracotta vases in bright colors can further boost the organic look. Alternatively, pick vines that extend across the entire wall and complement it with potted plants set against a macramé hanger.
Tall trees are the ultimate fashion
If you hesitate about bringing giant trees inside, think again. An ever-growing number of interior designers believe these are must-have décor pieces. All you need is a large-sized area, ample lighting, and a passion for plants.
Olive, citrus, palm, and Ficus trees are all solid picks for the house. Even an evergreen topiary can find its place in a suitably-lit sunroom. According to Nimvo, Ficus, fig, and palm trees nestled in baskets are ideal for a living room corner. Similarly, the magical blossoms and sweet fragrance of lemon and orange trees can fill the home with joy and positive vibes.
Another excellent idea to integrate trees in your home design is to use mature trees in the yard. Design Everest shares practical tips on what to bear in mind when bringing trees inside. Yet, there are also potential hazards and risks, so you'll need to consult a specialist before letting greenery find its way into your home.
Make the most out of windowsills
Who doesn't have a windowsill at home they can hardly put to use? If this sounds familiar, consider giving yours a little makeover. This idea is particularly doable for limited-space apartments whose owners want to grow potted plants, edible herbs, flowers, and veggies.
Many people believe styling windowsills requires no effort. But according to Bloomi Fique, random collections cannot do the trick. Their experts agree that you must first consider several impact factors. Does the spot get direct sunlight? Or does it face north? Depending on the position, you should pick species that thrive in the specific environment.
Next, be careful when combining plants, pots, and vases of different sizes and shapes. One option is to mix tall vases with freshly cut flowers and tiny planters with trailing plants that hang down. Even better, plants with upward spikes, such as aloe vera, will create visual interest. For a cozier atmosphere, stir up the sill with a few scented candles.
Lose yourself in a hanging jungle
Hanging plants will leave a mark on your home's interior design, and open-plan interiors are the best for this purpose. Though the perfect position would be in the window bay area, hanging plants can also go in corners, on empty walls, and in the bathroom.
For maximum effect, find a suitable space by a massive window like in this design by Old Brand New. Provided you cover a sizeable area, it would seem that the outdoors came in. Start by styling ferns, pothos, and spider plants in macramé hangers. Once you create the plant curtain, place a Madagascar dragon tree to match the look.
Alternatively, DIY an indoor vertical garden. Jessica Welling shares a detailed guide on constructing your living wall planter from point zero. Before you begin, ensure you have pine boards, cotton rope, hooks, terracotta pots, wood stain, and essential tools. Hanging planters on a long driftwood branch is another decorating tip you can try.
Ladders are the new trend
You're not a fan of floating shelves and don't want to hang planters from the ceiling. No problem! Style a ladder plant stand or make a vertically leaning botanical garden. However, this idea may prove wrong if you have pets or toddlers, as plants may get easily knocked over.
DIY ladder shelves are ideal for keen plant collectors with small square footage to fit everything inside. And if you agree that store versions are pricey, build yours from scratch by following Woodshop Diaries' tutorial. The necessary supplies include wood boards for the ladder trays and sides, brad nails, screws, and wood glue. Also, ensure you have a miter saw, a drill driver, and a nail gun.
Similarly, why not use an old leaning ladder to style it with plants? Apply a protective coating and secure it against the wall. For an impressive display, use teardrop-shaped ceramic pots with a hole for s-hooks. If the corner is dim, brighten it with stringing lights as shown in A Beautiful Mess.
Work with style
Your desk doesn't have to be a soulless and distracting spot. Instead, you can style an inviting home office that adds cheer to long working hours. Think green beyond the desktop area and layer plants on the ground or shelves above the office setup.
As Old Brand New portrays, your study can include everything you hold dear. There's a dedicated place for each detail, from vintage photo frame collections and décor to books and working materials. And greenery is the cherry on top. Note how the homeowner uses pots in various sizes and colors, set at different heights, to invigorate the room.
Antique accents and gold finishes go perfectly with foliage. Hence, ensure you add a pop of glamorous shine to your home office. Moreover, organic materials like wood, stone, and bamboo are ideal for your working spot oasis. Natural elements make for a Zen place that enhances concentration.
Enliven the headboard
Who needs an upholstered headboard in the bedroom when a wall of plants can bring you peaceful dreams? Fall asleep while looking at an intricate display of foliage on a side wall or above your head. Though not everybody is fond of hanging objects above the bed, this hack can help you reduce stress and boost your positive energy.
Above all, you must be extra careful with the plant selection in the bedroom. Not all species are suitable to be your roommates because some give off harmful gases during the night. House Plants Pro advises against strong-smelling species like orchids and Ficus. These cause conflicting moods and anxiety that worsen the sleep quality.
The ideal Feng Shui plants for the bedroom include chlorophytum, aloe, and geranium due to their powerful air purification properties. For a relaxing atmosphere, consider keeping violet, camellia, and begonia flowers. However, don't overdo it — get only a pot or two.
Read in peace
No reading nook will be complete without a touch of greenery sprinkled around you. A combination of a swinging chair, thick books, and a few potted plants can become the perfect home sanctuary. But how do you display blooms and branches for the ultimate impact?
For example, style a 100% organic reading corner that abounds with plants, as in this Stand with Nature design. Since this is a well-lit area, whatever plant you pick will live happily. You can also diversify bookshelves and spruce them up with tiny cacti or hanging vines. Layers are essential if you want to keep the nook clutter-free.
To complete the look, select wicker furniture because it infuses any space with an earthy feel. Grab inspiration from this Omysa chair or get a swing for ultimate comfort. Whatever you pick, greenery and rattan bring boho vibes. And unlike frequently changing accessory trends, they make for timeless accents.
Make an impressive entry
Introducing a plant cart in the entryway is another way to show visitors your love for plants. On top of that, you can leave a personal mark and combine greenery with other accessories and décor. Yet, halls can be dark and humid, so you must select species carefully. Aglaonema, aspidistra, philodendron, dracaena, and ZZ plants are all solid picks.
One way to achieve a unique display is by arranging spectacular floor-standing vases in the hallway, suggests Cool Garden. These can be ceramic or vintage treasures you can find at the local thrift store.
If your hall is tight, go for multifunctional elements, as shown by Kreisdesign. What you could do is purchase some plywood and turn a pegboard into a plant shelf. Use the bottom shelves for hanging coats and bags and place some plants on the top.
Finally, since most hallways feature a massive mirror, why not wrap vines around it? Foliage against white or pastel backgrounds is excellent for Instagram-like selfies. Similarly, trailing plants like Scindapsus add an extra flair and tie the space together.