Bringing greenery into a living room is more than just a decorative choice—it’s a way to create a healthier, more inviting space that promotes relaxation and well-being. Over the years, I’ve experimented with a variety of indoor gardening techniques, learning through trial and error what truly enhances a living space. Whether you’re working with limited space or have an expansive area to fill, these ideas will help you create a lush, comfortable environment tailored to your home’s unique needs.
1. Install a Vertical Garden Wall
source@verticalgardensaustralia
A vertical garden transforms an empty wall into a living, breathing focal point. I installed a modular system with built-in irrigation, filling it with low-maintenance plants like pothos, ferns, and trailing philodendrons. Not only does it improve air quality, but it also adds a striking natural element without encroaching on valuable floor space. Consider mounting a wooden trellis, using pocket planters, or even installing a living wall system with an automatic watering setup for easy maintenance.
2. Use Hanging Planters to Maximize Space
source@qachlifestylegarden
Hanging plants introduce a dynamic, layered effect to any living room. I use sturdy macramé holders to suspend trailing ivy, pothos, and spider plants near windows, allowing them to cascade downward gracefully. When choosing hanging planters, opt for lightweight materials like ceramic or woven baskets, and install ceiling hooks securely to ensure safety. This method works particularly well in smaller spaces, adding visual interest without overcrowding furniture.
3. Create a Coffee Table Greenhouse
source@archidesiign
Instead of a traditional coffee table, consider a glass terrarium-style centerpiece. I repurposed an old display case to house small humidity-loving plants like ferns, orchids, and baby’s tears. The enclosed space mimics a miniature greenhouse, helping delicate plants thrive while serving as a conversation-starting focal point. To prevent condensation buildup, ensure adequate ventilation within the case.
4. Incorporate Shelving for a Layered Look
source@bricklinen
Floating shelves provide an excellent opportunity to display plants at varying heights, integrating greenery with your existing decor. I mounted staggered shelves above my sofa, placing a combination of trailing pothos, sculptural succulents, and decorative ceramics for contrast. When curating your shelf garden, mix plant varieties with different growth habits to create an organic, balanced aesthetic.
5. Anchor the Room with Large Floor Plants
source@theplantsproject
A single, statement-making plant can transform a room’s ambiance. I positioned a fiddle-leaf fig in a handcrafted clay planter near my reading nook, instantly warming up the space. Other great choices include bird of paradise, rubber plants, or areca palms, which add height and volume while softening harsh corners. Keep in mind that large plants often require bright, indirect light and occasional rotation to maintain even growth.
6. Convert a Ladder into a Multi-Tiered Plant Stand
source@putaplant.onit
Old wooden ladders can be repurposed into rustic plant stands, adding vertical interest without overwhelming the room. I placed mine against a bare wall, using each step to hold a different plant variety—from leafy calatheas on the lower rungs to drought-tolerant succulents near the top. If space is limited, a tiered ladder shelf is an excellent alternative, offering a structured yet flexible way to display multiple plants.
7. Utilize Window Ledges for a Sun-Loving Garden
source@pellawindows
A bright windowsill is an ideal home for plants that thrive in direct sunlight. I lined my south-facing window with potted rosemary, basil, and chives, ensuring a steady supply of fresh herbs for cooking while maximizing natural light exposure. If your window receives limited sunlight, opt for low-light tolerant plants like ZZ plants or snake plants.
8. Showcase a Bonsai Collection
source@goldenbonsaiph
Bonsai trees introduce an artistic, meditative quality to any indoor space. My personal collection includes a well-pruned ficus bonsai that sits atop a dedicated side table, offering both greenery and a sense of tranquility. These miniature trees require careful watering and pruning, but their sculptural beauty makes them well worth the effort.
9. Design a Terrarium Display for Low-Maintenance Greenery
source@bytheleaf
Terrariums provide a contained, self-sustaining ecosystem that requires minimal upkeep. I curated a collection of moss, air plants, and tiny ferns inside geometric glass enclosures, scattering them throughout my living room for a whimsical touch. Choose a closed terrarium for humidity-loving plants or an open one for succulents and cacti that prefer drier conditions.
10. Mount a Rustic Pallet Planter Wall
source@offgridworld
Repurposing a wooden pallet into a mounted plant display adds texture and depth to a living room. I secured small ceramic pots to each slat, filling them with a mix of hardy plants like peperomia, bromeliads, and string of pearls. This DIY approach not only maximizes vertical space but also introduces an organic, farmhouse-inspired charm.
11. Introduce an Aquatic Plant Corner
source@indooorgarden
A well-maintained aquarium or water feature can double as a plant habitat. I keep a sleek glass tank with floating water lettuce, anubias, and Java ferns, bringing a serene, calming element to my living space. The combination of water movement and greenery adds an unparalleled level of tranquility.
12. Train Climbing Plants Along a Decorative Trellis
source@firstimpressionsfresno
Indoor trellises aren’t just for outdoor gardens. I installed a minimalist metal trellis against a blank wall, allowing my monstera adansonii to climb and spread naturally. Over time, the plant has evolved into a living wall art piece, softening the room’s overall look.
13. Dedicate a Corner to a Jungle-Inspired Arrangement
source@partystationphils
Empty corners offer prime real estate for a plant-filled oasis. I combined a tall snake plant, lush calatheas, and trailing pothos in woven baskets, layering heights to create a visually engaging display. Placing a textured rug or wooden stool nearby can help ground the arrangement.
14. Arrange a Drought-Tolerant Succulent and Cactus Display
source@capegarden
For those who prefer low-maintenance plants, a curated mix of succulents and cacti can make a stunning addition to a living room. I placed mine on a natural wood tray for an earthy touch, positioning them near a south-facing window to provide optimal sunlight.
15. Keep a Fresh Herb Garden Indoors
source@nthydroponics
Growing edible plants indoors is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. I maintain a rotating selection of basil, mint, and thyme in terra-cotta pots near my kitchen, ensuring a steady supply of fresh herbs while keeping greenery in view.
16. Design a Zen-Inspired Garden Space
source@kinetic.farm
For a calming retreat, I set up a minimalist corner with a tabletop fountain, polished stones, and a few carefully chosen bamboo stalks. This simple arrangement enhances mindfulness and serves as a peaceful escape from daily stress.
17. Display Air Plants in Suspended Glass Orbs
source@airplantdesignstudio
Air plants require no soil, making them perfect for creative arrangements. I suspended a series of glass orbs filled with tillandsia from a sleek black metal rod, creating a floating garden effect that looks striking against a neutral wall.
18. Decorate the Fireplace Mantel with Lush Greenery
source@thecottagefarmhouse
If you have a fireplace, use the mantel as a stage for an elegant indoor garden. I arranged a series of trailing pothos, sculptural ZZ plants, and ceramic accents, striking a balance between greenery and curated decor.
19. Convert a Bookshelf into a Botanical Library
source@hanpickedbooks
Instead of solely housing books, I dedicated an entire shelf to humidity-loving plants like ferns and prayer plants, misting them regularly to maintain their vibrancy.
20. Rotate Plants Seasonally to Keep Your Space Fresh
source@reenasplants
To maintain variety, I rotate different plant species throughout the year—bringing in flowering orchids in spring and evergreens in winter—to continuously refresh the ambiance of my living space.