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Well-arranged indoor plants can do miracles for every room, even those that are not beautifully furnished. How to arrange plants in the living room? For instance, give its design a more cohesive and intentional look.
Indoor plants can solve serious design problems if they are placed properly, and they are therefore always a good idea. Do you also have some spare space to fulfill? It is time to make it more hospitable with a nice houseplant.
Guide on how to arrange plants in the living room?
We all know that plants create a more hospitable atmosphere in our homes, but we don’t always know how to get there. If you are also struggling with this, let our guide show you how to arrange plants in the living room and optimize their value.
Display ideas for living room plants
Intentional cluster
Image source: Brewin Design Office
The same as any other decorative item in the living room, potted plants make more sense when displayed together. Instead of dotting them wherever there is space, bring them together in a single corner for a more effective look.
For instance, group the same plants in different sizes and ideally, descending pot sizes. We recommend pairing Limelight Dracena (‘Dracenafragrans Limelight’) with Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum). These potted plants thrive independently from direct sun exposure, and their foliage is fairly similar.
Image source: Pekarek Architects, Inc.
When it comes to choosing pots, play along with the design. Trends dictate clean and elevated looks with mid-century modern pots. You can use containers in the same color and material, or match the textures. Whatever you decide, it will look amazing.
Fireplace plant ideas
Image source: Michelle Gage | Interior Designer
If the living room has a fireplace you never use, consider displaying plant pots inside. This is a very creative idea to revive unused space and turn it into a masterpiece.
Again, match plants in different sizes. Place the biggest and most robust ones in the middle and arrange the small potted plants on the mantel. You can enrich the display with vases, books, bowls, photos, or any other items you wish to display.
Image source: Martins Camisuli Architects
As for the style, choose plants that are as bold as the fireplace design. The top pics would be large plants with sculptural leaves, such as monstera or philodendron.
Different plants in the window area
The most natural way of arranging plants in the living room is to do so in the window zone. Windows are a natural pick for hanging planters, as this is where light comes from. You can either install hooks and attach fancy macrame pot hangers or opt for trailing plants along with the window sills.
Image source: Paul Moon Design
If hanging plants is not your thing, get a large plant and place it in front of the window. For more interest, hang another large plant next to it directly from the ceiling. Stick to plants that can resist constant sun exposure, such as African milk bush, Aloe vera, or snake plant.
This simple trick will improve your window view even if the outside doesn’t look that nice.
Classic basket planters
Image source: insideout
How does a private curated jungle sound? You can design your zen garden by simply hanging a couple of eclectic woven baskets to house your plants. These baskets come in all sizes and styles, to even let you recreate the perfect boho setting. For some additional mystique, let the plant textures play with each other the same way basket textures do.
Image source: Stockholm & Co Fastighetsförmedling AB
Make sure there is a larger plant in the corner that completes a look, ideally a palm or an indoor tree. If this is not enough, consider a pair of small potted plants in the center of the coffee table.
A green oasis plant corner
Image source: stephane chamard
The biggest design issue in the living room is the corner, as we can rarely find an item that fits well. Live plants can solve this problem very easily.
Image source: Kristina Wolf Design
If the corner is bright and large, consider also larger plants. Examples are the architectural dragon tree (Dracena marginata) or the fiddleleaf fig (Ficus lyrata). You can get any decorative set for them you want, but make sure the original pot remains inside.
The pot you buy should also be proportionate to the plant to keep it stable. This way, you will also protect your floors from eventual water leaks.
Create your terrarium
Image source: Entrance Fastighetsmäkleri
A terrarium is a great idea for busy homeowners who prefer low-maintenance plants. We recommend Aloe vera, succulents, or cacti, as these will thrive even with minimum care.
Plus, they grow slowly and you can therefore get as many of them as you want, and even create whole miniature gardens inside glass jars and boxes. Exactly – with some living plants around, each shelf and table can tell a story.
Image source: Rikki Snyder
Terrariums, in particular, are very easy to create and include in the home decor. Fill a container with pebbles or sand, put the small plants inside, and enjoy the welcoming environment.
The best place to display your glass garden is right on the coffee table.
A plant nook for the living space
Image source: Lidy Dipert
Let’s take one more look at awkward and empty corners. Whatever piece of furniture you place there simply doesn’t work.
The solution is very simple – you need new plants.
A combo of smaller and taller plants or a single large plant will let you use all the benefits of this corner space. You can either arrange them on the floor or get a bar cart and turn it into a plant cabinet.
If you like to read, place the plants near your library alcove, and you’ll have the perfect getaway.
Image source: AdamMiltonPhotography
Nest plants beside the sofa
Your sofa may be simple, but it also has the potential for a garden hideaway. If you add a plants cluster on both sides, preferably at varying heights, the sofa will look adorable.
You can stage plants on shelves or end tables, or simply get new decorative stands. To enhance visual interest, stick to smaller plants on the one side and a single indoor tree on the other. The living room will feel comfortable and serene, and everyone will love spending time in it. Greenery always does the job!
Shelving units
Image source: Sommarnöjen
Smaller plants can also be displayed in storage areas, and paired well with deco boxes, books, mini sculptures, or any other accessories. The display will be captivating, and yet casual, as you had just picked the plant in your garden.
Image source: The Design House
It is up to you to decide how smaller plants should be arranged. To make the most of your room decore, mix types, and plant families. Make sure there is a tall cactus, a smaller tree, lots of leafy greenery, and a vase of flowers.
Before you add plants on the shelves, though, make sure they’ll have access to adequate light from the window,
Beautiful plant stands
Image source: Madison Modern Home
If you don’t know how to put your current furniture in service of group plants, simply buy the most beautiful plant stand you can find. There are diverse designs to choose from, so take something that works with the room theme.
The stand can be placed in front of an imperfect window, to diffuse the outer view. Choose plants according to the stand’s height and arrangement, and use saucers to protect the shelves.
Hanging plants
Image source: Studio Home
If you want to recheck the hanging plant method, use the room’s walls. Slightly extended walls with a ledge or wainscotting deliver the perfect area for this DIY project.
Image source: Stylingfabriken
Trailing plants or a snake plan can easily turn into the focal point. If this visual texture doesn’t meet your needs, little research will suffice. You will soon come up with your cascading wall with beautiful hanging ivy. Then, slowly bring your chic project to perfection by hanging plants between windows or behind the couch.
How to accessorize with houseplants
The Three Plants rule
Image source: 1st Option
The three plants rule (or rule of the green thumb, if you prefer) advises homeowners to always opt for uneven-numbered plant groupings. This makes them look a bit more formal, in case you wish to display only one group.
If the plan is to arrange several combos around the room, keep the plants as small as possible. At best, arrange them in groups of three plants each, and they will turn into the perfect decorative items.
Size is decisive
Image source: Lina Östling
Before you begin the cluster project, think of the plant sizes. Check how you can combine varying proportions and lengths to provide depth to your living space, or even a unique cascading effect. If all plants have the same height, they will simply blend in. After a while, you will forget you even had them.
This is how these design ideas work in practice: get your favorite plant plus several more in different sizes, and display them in a playful row. The look is asymmetrical but consistent, and that is what you are looking for.
Leaf shapes matter
Image source: Kalina Herman
We have already given you some pointers and a few tips on choosing plant sizes. The leaves, however, need to be aligned too.
A very interesting and harmonic arrangement could be achieved by combining plants. Check plants with upward leaves (fiddle-leaf fig tree), squat trailing plants (pothos), or a fountainlike plant (dracaena).
Don’t forget the textures
Image source: Neha Rajora Designs
You can do little planning on plants’ color, but don’t let this discourage you. Improve your living rooms with differing textures and contrasts, such as smooth and rough. Sometimes, two samples of the same plant can have completely different textures.
Enhance the visual weight
Image source: Lundin Fastighetsbyrå
The visual weight of plants cannot really be determined, as they all contribute to the room decor differently. If the leaves are tall, the eye is immediately drawn upward, the same as a trailing plant doesn’t leave the shelf unit unnoticed.
Your small and minimalist living room will benefit significantly from textured plants. A calm and comfortable room with busy arrangements will need exactly the opposite – small plants with simple and smooth leaves.
Add colors
Image source: Nadja Endler | Photography
True, plants come in all layers of green, but that is still the same color. If you want variation, get a plant with different foliage on the leaves.
You will then need to bring these colors in sync with the deco, so decide which will be the leading color and which accent color. Or, go for the three-plants rule and get a bold secondary color too.
Get unique pots
Image source: J Renee Designs
When you arrange indoor plants, make the most of the deco pots. Choose the colors and finishes according to your preferences, and combine the materials you like.
FAQs about arranging plants in the living room
1. What types of plants are best suited for the living room?
When selecting plants for the living room, take into account the room’s lighting and temperature as well as the plants’ size and placement. Snake plants, pothos, rubber plants, and fiddle leaf figs are a few of the most well-liked choices. These low-maintenance plants may add a splash of greenery to your living area and thrive in moderate light.
2. How can I arrange plants in a way that complements the existing décor?
When placing plants in your living room, take into account the room’s color scheme and general design. Pick plants that go well with the current design and arrange them to create aesthetic interest and balance. For instance, to create texture and dimension, combine plants together in a variety of heights and sizes or put them in unusual pots.
3. What is the best way to incorporate plants into a small living room?
If you want to create a vertical garden in your small living room, think about utilizing hanging or trailing plants. To provide a touch of greenery without taking up too much room, you may also put small plants on shelves or tables. Choose low-maintenance plants like peace lilies or spider plants that don’t require a lot of sunlight.
4. Are there any plants that are low maintenance and easy to care for in the living room?
Yes, pothos, snake plants, and spider plants are a few low-maintenance indoor plants that are simple to maintain. These plants only need a little watering every few weeks and don’t need a lot of sunlight. They are a wonderful addition to any living area because they are also known for their ability to filter the air.
5. Can I mix different types of plants together in the same arrangement in the living room?
You can combine various plant species in the same arrangement in the living room, yes. Just be sure to pair up plants that demand similar maintenance and take into account how the arrangement will look. To make a dynamic and eye-catching display, choose plants with different heights, textures, and colors.
6. Where should I place plants in the living room to ensure they get enough sunlight?
Plants should be placed close to a window in the living area that gets bright, indirect light. To screen the light and keep the plants from receiving too much direct sunshine, you may also use sheer drapes. Consider putting a plant close to a south-facing window if it needs extra light.
7. What are some creative ways to display plants in the living room besides placing them on a table or shelf?
Plant stands, hanging plants from the ceiling, and wall-mounted planters are just a few of the inventive methods to showcase plants in the living room. Plants can be be arranged in a stylish basket or displayed at various heights using a decorative ladder.
8. How can I arrange plants in a way that doesn’t take up too much floor space?
If your living room doesn’t have much floor space, think about using wall-mounted planters or hanging plants to display your plants. To elevate your plants and create a vertical display, you can also use a plant stand. To give a touch of greenery without taking up too much room, place tiny plants on shelves or windowsills.
9. Are there any plants that are known for purifying the air and are suitable for the living room?
Yes, there are a lot of plants that are great for the living room and are known for cleaning the air. Spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants are a few of the more well-liked choices. These plants can improve air quality and make a place healthier to live in by removing dangerous contaminants.
10. How do I know if I’m overloading my living room with too many plants?
Scaling back on the number of plants in your living space may be necessary if it feels crowded or overwhelming. To make a more balanced and eye-catching presentation, think about removing some of the plants or rearranging them. Additionally, pay attention to your plants’ needs for maintenance because overpopulation might result in resource competition and make it more difficult to provide for them.
Final thoughts
Now that you know how to arrange plants in the living room, go and get your favorite plants. You know the thrill very well – arranging indoor plants tells a story, it doesn’t only stand there and soak natural light for no reason.
Let’s not forget as well that plants bring the freshness inside, and they clean our air. As if this were not enough, they easily become a focal point everyone wishes they had at home.
The options and combinations are endless – just think of the items you would like to see in your living room each day!
If you enjoyed reading this article about how to arrange plants in the living room, you should check out these on decorating a living room with wood paneling, hiding the office in a living room, or filling the empty space in the living room.
We have plenty of other living room-related articles, such as hiding exercise equipment in the living room, hiding a pillar in the living room, creating a foyer in the living room, storing blankets in the living room, and decorating living room shelves.