14 Creative Ways to Show Off Your Houseplants

House plants aren’t just for plant stands and tables. There are so many creative places to put them. Here you’ll find share some truly creative ways to display your beloved houseplants.

You aren’t limited to simply plopping your plants in a basic pot and calling it a day. Nope, we’re talking next-level plant parent status here, where your greenery becomes the centerpiece of your home decor.

These ingenous ideas can work whether you have a sprawling jungle vibe going on or just a few precious potted plants. Let’s take a look at some out-of-the-box (or should I say, out-of-the-pot?) plant display ideas that are sure to look awesome while still keeping your plants in great shape.

Brilliant Ways to Display Houseplants

Use a Ladder as a Plant Stand

As shown above, old wooden ladders can be a fantastic way to showcase multiple plants at different heights. Lean the ladder against a wall (or place it close to one) and place your pots on each step.

You can put it against a wall in your living room, bedroom, or even a hallway. Each rung offers a perfect spot for a pot, giving you lots of vertical space without crowding your floor.

Plus, you can mix plants with different heights and textures – think leafy ferns on lower rungs and trailing vines like pothos or string of pearls cascading down from the top. The rustic look of weathered wood adds warmth and character, making your plant display feel cozy and inviting.

And because it’s easy to move, you can rearrange your plants as needed to catch the best light or refresh your decor.

Create a Plant Chandelier

If you’re looking for a showstopper, a plant chandelier is a brilliant idea. You can create one by hanging a circular metal frame or an embroidery hoop from your ceiling, then suspending small pots or glass terrariums filled with air plants from it using fishing line or thin ropes.

Choose plants that don’t need a lot of soil or water, like air plants or succulents, to avoid messes. The beauty of this display is the way your plants will hang overhead, adding a bit of green that literally floats in the air. It creates a whimsical ambiance and works great in dining rooms or entryways where it becomes a conversation starter.

Repurposed Containers

Who says your plants have to live in traditional terra cotta or plastic pots? Get creative by repurposing all sorts of unexpected containers as unique plant homes. From vintage suitcases and old toolboxes to quirky mugs and even hollowed-out books, the possibilities are truly endless.

Not only do repurposed containers add a touch of personality to your plant displays, but they also allow you to showcase your DIY skills and sustainable mindset. Scour thrift stores, flea markets, or even your own home for interesting vessels that could double as planters.

Just be sure to add proper drainage holes and use a lightweight potting mix to ensure your plants stay happy and healthy. And don’t be afraid to mix and match different repurposed containers for a truly one-of-a-kind look.

Fill an Old Bookcase with Plants

Have you gotten rid of most or all of your old books, but you still have a bookshelf? Perfect! Turning a bookcase into part-plant display is not only practical but also charming.

Arrange your favorite books alongside plants of various sizes and shapes to create an eclectic, lived-in look. Small pots and trailing plants like ivy or string of hearts can spill over the edges of shelves, softening the straight lines of the furniture.

You can add decorative objects like candles or photo frames to balance the greenery. This setup works particularly well in home offices, living rooms, or bedrooms where you want to blend your love for reading and nature. It also encourages you to keep your plants close by and cared for.

Install a Window Box Indoors

Window boxes aren’t just for outdoor gardens! Installing one indoors on a sunny windowsill creates an instant garden space that’s easy to enjoy. Use it to grow herbs such as basil, thyme, or mint which are handy for cooking and smell amazing.

Alternatively, plant flowering varieties like African violets or small leafy greens that thrive in indirect sunlight. Window boxes take advantage of natural light and create a neat, unified look since all your plants are grouped together.

They’re perfect for kitchens or sunrooms where you want greenery but don’t have much floor space.

Use a Plant Cart on Wheels

A rolling plant cart is perfect if you like switching up your decor or need to move plants around for sunlight through the seasons. Choose any multi-tiered cart made of wood or metal and fill each level with an assortment of plants – from tall snake plants to tiny succulents.

You can even decorate the cart with fairy lights or small ornaments to give it personality. When your plants need more sun, just roll the cart over to the window; if you want to tidy up quickly before guests arrive, wheel it out of sight.

This flexible option adds convenience and style while keeping all your plants in one place.

Vertical Gardens

If you’re short on floor space but still want to make a big impact with your plants, vertical gardens are the way to go. These clever displays allow you to grow and showcase your greenery on a wall or other vertical surface, saving precious square footage.

You can create a vertical garden using a variety of methods, from simple wall-mounted shelves or planters to more elaborate living wall systems. Succulents, air plants, and trailing vines work especially well in vertical gardens, as they don’t require a lot of depth.

To really make your vertical garden shine, consider incorporating different textures, colors, and shapes of plants. Mix and match your favorites for a lush, visually stunning display. And don’t forget to add some fun, decorative elements like macrame hangers or geometric plant holders to really make it your own.

Terrariums

If you’re looking for a more contained and controlled way to display your plants, terrariums are where it’s at. These enchanting little ecosystems allow you to create your own miniature worlds, complete with a variety of plants, rocks, and other natural elements.

Terrariums come in all shapes and sizes, from simple glass jars to elaborate, multi-tiered setups. They’re perfect for showcasing small, low-maintenance plants like succulents, air plants, and even small ferns or mosses.

The best part about terrariums is that they’re endlessly customizable. You can play with different layers of soil, sand, and rocks, and incorporate whimsical figurines, driftwood, or other decorative touches to really make it your own. Just be sure to choose plants with similar care requirements and provide the right amount of light and moisture to keep your terrarium thriving.

Hang Plants in Glass Orbs

Glass orbs are delicate and beautiful ways to display air plants or moss balls. Because they’re transparent and light, they almost look like floating bubbles filled with greenery.

Hang them in clusters at varying heights near windows or in corners to create depth and interest. These orbs work especially well with plants that don’t require soil, which means less mess and easier care.

You can also add small decorative stones or sand inside for extra texture. They’re perfect for apartments or modern spaces where you want something airy and light but still lively.

Use Wall-Mounted Wire Baskets

Wire baskets mounted on walls make an eye-catching plant display with an industrial edge. Secure several baskets vertically along a hallway or kitchen wall and fill them with plants that thrive in shallow soil or don’t require pots – like ferns, spider plants, or air plants lined with moss.

The open design allows plenty of air circulation which benefits many houseplants. This setup keeps plants off surfaces and floors while adding texture and interest to plain walls. It’s especially useful in tighter spaces where floor space is limited but vertical wall space is available.

Use an Old Drawer as a Plant Tray

Repurposing an old drawer into a plant tray is a fantastic way to add rustic charm while creating a contained area for multiple small pots. Line the drawer with plastic or waterproof material to protect the wood from water damage, then fill it with soil and small plants like succulents, herbs, or mosses.

You can place this on tables, benches, or shelves as a unique planter box that tells a story through its reclaimed look. It’s perfect if you want something low-profile but eye-catching that keeps things tidy.

Floating Shelves

If you’re short on floor space but still want to make a big impact with your plants, floating shelves are a game-changer. These sleek, minimalist displays allow you to showcase your greenery at eye level, creating a visually stunning effect.

Floating shelves come in a variety of materials, from rustic wood to sleek metal, so you can easily find an option that complements your home’s style. Arrange your plants in a way that showcases their unique shapes and textures, and don’t be afraid to mix in other decorative elements like vases, sculptures, or framed art.

One of the great things about floating shelves is that they can be installed at different heights, allowing you to create a dynamic, layered display. Play around with varying shelf heights and plant sizes to create a truly eye-catching arrangement.

Windowsills

If your house has nice wide windowsills, why not take advantage of it by showcasing your plants on a sunny windowsill? This is a simple yet effective way to display your greenery and ensure they’re getting the light they need to thrive.

Windowsill displays are perfect for smaller plants, like succulents, herbs, or even small flowering varieties. Arrange them in a way that maximizes the available space, and consider using tiered stands or staggered shelves to create a visually interesting display.

To really make your windowsill shine, think about incorporating other decorative elements, like small sculptures, vases, or even a cozy reading nook. This creates a cohesive, intentional look that showcases your plants as the stars of the show.

Hanging Planters

Okay, it’s not the most out of the box option, but one of my all-time favorite ways to showcase houseplants is by hanging them from the ceiling or wall. Hanging planters instantly add a touch of whimsy and drama to any space, and they’re perfect for plants that trail or cascade, like ivies, pothos, or even succulents.

You can go for classic macrame hangers, sleek metal or wooden frames, or even upcycled vintage items like teacups or old baskets. The options are endless! And the best part? Hanging planters free up valuable floor and surface space, making them ideal for smaller homes or apartments.

To really make your hanging plants pop, consider grouping them together in a cluster or creating a lush, vertical garden effect. Just be sure to choose plants with similar light and watering needs to keep them all thriving.