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How to Arrange Plants in a Living Room (5 Tips!)

It is a firm belief of mine that every room in the house needs a plant. Especially the living room! It instantly adds life to the space and is one of the easiest ways to decorate. Here’s how to arrange plants in the living room – according to what’s best for you and your plant!

houseplants on window sill
You can make plants work with any decor style by learning how to arrange plants in a living room properly.

In this post you will learn:

How to Arrange Plants in a Living Room

Let’s dive into the best set up for your plants in your living room. You’ll have a few other things to consider besides just what looks good visually!

Plant Needs Come First

While the corner may have the most room for your plant, does it actually get enough light? Or maybe the windowsill gets a little too cold for your succulents. Whatever it is, always consider the needs of the plants first.

When grouping plants together, you also want to group plants that require the same conditions, such as sunlight and humidity. This way, all the plants can equally thrive (or tell you they need to be moved).

succulent on windowsill
Rotate your plants to allow them to receive sunlight.

Variety is the Spice of Life

This is décor 101 and also applies to plant decoration in the living room. You want to include a variety of plants in your living room to add interest. This means you want different textures, such as a spiky snake plant and a Chinese money plant with rounded, fleshy leaves.

The colours of the plant should also vary, including different shades of green and red, yellow, or other accents. Also, play around with the pots’ colour and shape. Don’t forget to add different sizes of plants as well as heights!

arranging houseplants on window sill in living room
Create visual interest by grouping plants together with various leave shapes, textures, and colours.

Plant Stands and Heights

Plants can be a central décor element if you want them to be.

Plant stands are a great way to add focus to your plant and elevate them when there are no other surfaces in the room. They’re also great at getting them closer to sunlight and away from the hands of small children and pets.

Likewise, you can do the opposite and add hanging plants in the living room by using a macrame planter on a hook or draping them down a bookcase, shelf, or mantle.

Think about height and how you can add plants from top to bottom!

snake plant houseplant on plant stand
This wooden planter looks beautiful but also keeps the Snake Plant away from my curious pets.

Size Matters

Of course, the size of the plant will make a big difference in how you will arrange the plant in the living room. Bigger plants look better on their own, and they won’t overshadow smaller growing plants.

Meanwhile, you can group smaller plants in 2-3, so they add a mass green effect. Just keep in mind the variety!

houseplants by stairs
Be sure to allow smaller plants plenty of sunlight—don’t let taller plants crowd them out.

Add Some Non-Botanicals

When using plants as décor pieces, you don’t just have to pair them with other plants. Group them with other elements, such as houseplant books, picture frames, vases, figurines, wood pieces, and more. They work well with just about anything!

arranging houseplants on window
Garden Alchemy is not only full of useful information for helping your garden thrive, but it looks beautiful on your shelf with your plants, too.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arranging Plants

How do you arrange plants in a small living room?

In a small living room, avoid taking up any floor space with large plants or plant stands. Instead, look at adding plants to existing surfaces, such as coffee tables or shelves.

You want to use vertical space as much as possible, so small plants on shelves and hanging plants in living rooms are great options!

pothos hanging plant on window sill

How do you keep plants alive in the living room?

Consider their needs first. All plants will need an adequate amount of light to be happy, even those advertised as low light.

Avoid keeping plants too close to extreme conditions, such as window sills where their leaves could burn on the glass in the summer or freeze in the winter.

Likewise, air vents can quickly dry out plants.

Many plants will also appreciate humidity, so consider adding a humidifier if you live in a drier climate.

houseplants in a wooden frame

How do you water plants?

Most people tend to overwater plants rather than not give them enough. Only water your plant when it is completely dry unless it likes moist conditions. Water lots at once rather than small, frequent waterings. Make sure the pot has drainage holes to let excess water out!

You can learn more about watering houseplants in this post.

Do houseplants like to be grouped together?

Yes! And it is a fundamental rule for plant decoration in living rooms. Make sure to group plants together that like the same conditions. Also, ensure that each individual plant has enough room to grow and that they’re not crammed together.

succulents planted in vintage sugar bowl

Which indoor plants look good together?

Avoid putting plants that look the same together. Instead, putting plants that look different next to each other will add more visual interest. Include plants with different textures, shapes, sizes, colours, pots, and heights.

houseplants on cabinet

Houseplants to Display in Your Living Room

Wondering which house plants look the best in your living room? Give these a try.

Comments

  1. Your newsletter is including something new for me. For example, “strong back” as a gardening tool interesting.

    Reply
  2. What is the name of the plant pictured in the window at the start of the plants needs section? It is in a black/white planter. Thanks! Love your blog- so much good information!

    Reply

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