10 Stylish Ways to Decorate Your Home with Plants

Astrid van Essen
Sep 8
4 min read

I’ve always loved how plants can completely change the feel of a room. A single big statement plant can make a bold impact, while a cluster of smaller pots adds texture and warmth. Styling plants isn’t just about choosing greenery — it’s about finding the right spot, the right container, and making sure they thrive without getting in the way of daily life.

A large fiddle leaf fig tree in a sleek ceramic pot, placed as a statement piece in a modern Amsterdam apartment. The space is bright and airy with tall windows, white walls, and light wooden herringbone floors. Minimalist furniture in neutral tones (linen sofa, oak coffee table) creates a calm atmosphere. — 10 Stylish Ways to Decorate Your Home with Plants

1. Big Statement Plant in the Living Room

Nothing makes an impression quite like a tall plant in the living room. Fiddle leaf figs, monsteras, or bamboo palms instantly add drama and height. I like to place them in corners or by a window where they can stand tall without blocking walkways. A heavy concrete or ceramic planter adds stability and style.

2. Plants on Shelves

Shelves are perfect for smaller plants. I like to mix trailing varieties such as pothos or ivy with upright succulents to create contrast. This works beautifully in kitchens or home offices. The key is not to overcrowd — leave breathing space so each plant has its own moment.

Stylish Amsterdam apartment with open wooden shelves decorated with lush indoor plants. Cascading pothos, trailing ivy, and string of pearls hang down gracefully, while smaller potted herbs and succulents sit neatly beside books and ceramics. — **Plants on Shelves**

3. Hanging Plants

When floor space is limited, hanging plants are a brilliant option. Boston ferns, spider plants, and string of pearls look stunning as they cascade down. I always hang them in spots where they won’t get bumped — like above a reading chair or in a bathroom corner.

A bright and airy Amsterdam apartment with tall windows and white walls, featuring lush hanging plants as the main decor. Macramé and ceramic hanging planters hold trailing greenery such as pothos, philodendron, and string of hearts, cascading dramatically toward the floor — **Hanging Plants**

4. Windowsill Greenery

Windowsills are often overlooked, but they’re prime spots for greenery. In the kitchen, herbs bring both beauty and function. In the bedroom, low-maintenance succulents are perfect. I rotate pots regularly so each side gets its share of sunlight.

A sunlit Amsterdam apartment with tall windows and a wide windowsill filled with an assortment of succulents in minimalist ceramic and terracotta pots. Varieties like aloe, echeveria, and jade plants are neatly arranged, their geometric shapes catching the soft daylight. — **Windowsill Greenery**

5. Grouping Plants Together

One plant is nice, but a group of three to five makes a real statement. I like to play with different heights and textures for a layered effect. Groupings work especially well in corners or entryways. A tray or shallow bowl underneath keeps things tidy and protects surfaces.

A stylish Amsterdam apartment hallway decorated with a cluster of indoor plants in varying sizes and textures. A tall monstera in a sleek ceramic pot anchors the corner, while medium-sized ferns, snake plants, and smaller succulents are grouped neatly along the wall. — **Grouping Plants Together**

6. Plant Stands

Plant stands bring greenery up to eye level and add structure to a room. They’re fantastic for showcasing trailing plants. I like wooden stands for warmth, or concrete for a more modern, minimal look.

A modern Amsterdam apartment with a sleek plant stand as the centrepiece. The stand holds a mix of greenery a tall snake plant, a trailing pothos, and a small fern arranged at different levels for visual interest. — **Plant Stands**

7. Styling Plants in the Bathroom

Bathrooms are one of my favourite plant spots. The humidity is perfect for moisture-loving plants such as ferns and peace lilies. They soften the hard surfaces and instantly freshen up the space.👉 See my guide to the best bathroom plants that absorb moisture for more tips.

element. A tall leafy plant in a ceramic pot stands beside a freestanding bathtub, while trailing ivy and pothos hang from shelves near the mirror. Small succulents in minimalist planters are placed along the windowsill and sink area. — **Styling Plants in the Bathroom**

8. Desk Plants for Workspaces

I find a little greenery on my desk makes working so much nicer. Snake plants, ZZ plants, or succulents are my go-tos because they thrive in low light and don’t need much care. Small pots are best so the space stays uncluttered.

A stylish Amsterdam apartment workspace with a minimalist wooden desk positioned near a tall window. A small potted desk plant such as a ZZ plant, aloe, or peace lily sits beside a laptop and neatly stacked notebooks, adding a touch of greenery without clutter. — **Desk Plants for Workspaces**

9. Plants as Table Centrepieces

Plants make beautiful table centrepieces. Succulent bowls or fresh herbs are simple and stylish. I keep them low so they don’t block the view across the table. Seasonal swaps keep the look fresh all year.

A bright Amsterdam dining room with a large wooden table styled with plants as the central decor. A cluster of small potted herbs and succulents in ceramic and terracotta pots is arranged in the middle, creating a fresh, natural focal point. — **Plants as Table Centrepieces**

10. Entryway Plants

A touch of greenery in the hallway or entryway sets the tone as soon as you walk in. A large planter makes a big impression, or you can group a few smaller pots for a softer look. Just make sure they’re tucked away from the path so they don’t get knocked over.

A welcoming Amsterdam apartment entryway with a tall leafy plant, such as a fiddle leaf fig or monstera, placed in a sleek ceramic pot near the door. Light oak floors, white walls, and a simple woven rug set a clean, modern tone. A slim console table with a round mirror above it. — **Entryway Plants**

Looking After Styled Plants

Styling plants isn’t just about looks — placement matters for their health too. I try to:

Keep them out of high-traffic areas so they don’t get bumped.
Rotate plants so all sides get light.
Wipe leaves to keep them dust-free.
Match plants to their preferred light and humidity levels.

Stylish Ways to Decorate Your Home with Plants: Final Thoughts

Styling your home with plants is one of the simplest ways to bring life, colour, and calm into your rooms. Whether it’s a statement piece in the living room, a cluster on a shelf, or greenery softening the bathroom, each placement adds personality and warmth. With the right choices, plants can transform your home into a fresh, welcoming space that feels uniquely yours.

FAQs About Decorating with Plants

1. What’s the best statement plant for a living room?

Fiddle leaf figs and monsteras are popular choices. They’re tall, dramatic, and perfect for making an impact in larger spaces.

2. Are hanging plants hard to care for?

Not at all. As long as they’re placed where you can reach them for watering, hanging plants like spider plants or ferns are easy to maintain.

3. Can I style plants in low-light rooms?

Yes. Snake plants, ZZ plants, and peace lilies thrive in low light. Just avoid placing sun-loving plants in dim spaces.

4. How do I stop plants getting knocked over in busy rooms?

Use heavier planters (like concrete) for stability, and position plants out of walkways or high-traffic zones.

5. Do plants work as centrepieces on dining tables?

Absolutely. Small herb pots or succulents make wonderful centrepieces. Just keep them low enough so they don’t block conversation across the table.