Adding houseplants to a small home can feel tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little creativity, you can make room for greenery in even the tightest spots. From walls to windows and every corner in between, there are smart ways to grow plants without losing space. Here are 23 ideas to help you do just that.
1. Use Vertical Space
The wall space is perfect when you're short on floor space. Add a shelf, a wall-mounted pot, or a hanging planter to free up the ground while still bringing in lots of greenery. Choose plants like pothos or ivy that trail downward and add beauty to your walls. Going vertical keeps your home feeling open, tidy, and filled with life.
2. Turn Window Sills Into Mini Gardens
Your windowsills can double as sunny homes for small plants. Herbs, succulents, or any sun-loving plants thrive in these spots with natural light. They're easy to care for and brighten your view. Using window space also means you don’t have to use tables or counters. It’s a simple and cheerful way to grow greenery indoors.
3. Stack Plants With Multi-Tiered Stands
Stack your plants upward using multi-tiered plant stands. These slim shelves take up little space while letting you display multiple plants. Choose compact ones with colorful leaves to create a pretty display. A plant stand in a corner adds greenery without clutter. It's a great way to organize and enjoy several plants in one place.
4. Hang Plants From Ceiling Hooks
Use ceiling hooks to hang plants above eye level and save space below. Plants like ferns or string-of-pearls do well in hanging pots. They add greenery to a room without using tables or shelves. Hanging plants can also catch more sunlight near windows. It’s a smart and decorative way to grow more plants.
5. Add Plants to Pegboards
Pegboards aren’t just for tools and utensils—you can hang plants there too. A small trailing plant adds life to kitchens, workspaces, or entryways. Just hook a lightweight pot onto a peg and let it spill down. It’s a fun, space-saving way to mix greenery into your wall storage while keeping everything organized and full of personality.
6. Lean Plants on Ladder Shelves
Ladder shelves are great for displaying plants and saving space. They lean against the wall and offer several levels for pots. You can also add books or décor along with your plants. They're stylish and functional, helping you use space creatively. Ladder shelves fit well in corners and bring charm to any room.
7. Green Up Your Entryway
Entryways are small but full of potential. Add a plant or two on top of drawers or shoe cabinets to create a warm welcome. Snake plants or other low-light options work great here. It’s an easy way to bring life to a tight spot and makes coming home feel extra cozy and inviting.
8. Mount Plants on Rail Systems
A plant rail system lets you hang small pots on a mounted rail. You can move or rearrange plants as needed, making it flexible and fun. These systems keep your plants off surfaces and are perfect for tight areas. To create a vertical green wall, use them in kitchens, balconies, or living rooms.
9. Install Floating Shelves for Greenery
Floating shelves are perfect for placing plants on blank walls. They don’t take up floor space and can go just about anywhere. You can mix plants with photos or decorations. It's an easy way to create a green display. Floating shelves also help keep things tidy and stylish in smaller rooms.
10. Fill Empty Corners With Plants
Make use of overlooked corners by adding a plant stand or shelf. These areas are great for displaying plants without getting in the way. You can stack a few pots or let tall plants fill the vertical space. It helps balance the room and adds a cozy, green touch to empty spots.
11. Collect Small or Miniature Plants
Tiny plants are perfect for small homes. Choose succulents, air plants, or small ferns that fit in narrow spaces. They don’t need much care or room, but still bring a lot of charm. Place them on desks, shelves, or sills. You’ll enjoy the green look without feeling crowded or overwhelmed.
12. Choose Furniture With Built-In Planters
Some benches, couches, or dividers come with built-in planters. These clever designs let you grow plants right inside your furniture. It’s perfect for small homes where every inch counts. Plants become part of the seating area, adding beauty without taking up extra space. This setup also helps divide a room naturally while keeping things green and cozy.
13. Roll Out a Mobile Plant Cart
A plant cart is a rolling stand that lets you move plants easily. You can shift them to catch more sun or roll them aside when cleaning. Most have a few shelves to hold many plants in one spot. They’re great for flexible plant care in small rooms or apartments.
14. Divide Rooms with Plant Shelving
Modular plant shelves can split up a room while adding beauty and greenery. These open dividers hold pots, books, or baskets and still let light through. Perfect for studio apartments or open layouts, they help organize the space without blocking it off. You get privacy, storage, and a plant display all in one neat setup.
15. Style the Tops of Furniture
The tops of shelves, cabinets, and wardrobes are perfect for plants. These high spots often go unused. Add a trailing plant like ivy to spill over the sides, or use taller plants that enjoy sunlight. Just be sure they’re safe and easy to water. It’s a smart way to green up more space.
16. Try Hanging Plants With Macramé
Macramé hangers hold your plants up high and out of the way. You can hang them from the ceiling or rods. These woven holders fit small to medium pots. They’re cute and give your space a cozy feel. Macramé is great for adding green without losing shelf or table space.
17. Grow Plants in the Bathroom
Bathrooms are great for plants that love humidity, like ferns and orchids. Set them on corners, windowsills, or shelves. You can even hang one near the shower. The steam keeps them healthy and vibrant. A few plants make your bathroom feel fresh and relaxing, like your mini spa.
18. Place Plants Between Furniture Pieces
Tuck plants into narrow spaces between furniture pieces. A pot between the couch and the wall or lamp works well. It uses every bit of space while adding surprise greenery. These tiny spots often get overlooked, but they’re perfect for small plants. It’s a subtle way to spread green around.
19. Mix Plants Into Bookshelves
Bookshelves aren’t just for books—mix in potted plants for a fresh look. Place a trailing plant or ferns on a top shelf or tuck in small pots between stacks. The mix of books and greenery makes your shelves feel alive and interesting. It’s a fun, easy way to sneak in more plants without needing extra room.
20. Style Plants on Kitchen Counters
Even the kitchen counter can be a home for plants. Small pots with herbs, cacti, or leafy greens can sit near the stove or sink without getting in the way. Use matching pots or a tray to keep it tidy. These plants add freshness and can even be useful when cooking. It's a cheerful, easy way to green up your kitchen.
21. Make Use of Awkward Heater Spaces
The area around a heater and radiator is often tricky to decorate, but it doesn’t have to stay empty. Place plants off to the side or to the back, and use slim pots that fit the space without blocking airflow. Look for hardy plants that won’t mind a bit of warmth. It’s a clever way to use odd wall space while adding greenery.
22. Nest Plants Around the Bed
Bedroom corners and furniture edges are great for plants. Place one on a nightstand, beside a hamper, or in a floor pot beside the bed. Choose low-light or calming plants like rubber trees or snake plants. They clean the air and add a peaceful feel. It’s an easy way to make your bedroom feel fresh and restful.
23. Repurpose Vintage Finds for Plants
Old suitcases, trunks, or baskets can become unique plant stands or containers. Stack them to create height, and place potted plants on top or inside! It’s a stylish way to reuse what you have while adding character to your space. Perfect for small homes, this trick saves room and gives your plants a story to grow with.
Smart Plant Placement
Making room for plants in small spaces is all about using what you’ve got. Tiny homes can still be full of life with the right plant tricks. Use your walls, corners, and even doors to make room for greenery. Stick with small plants, go vertical, and mix in hanging ideas to save floor space. With these simple tips, you can enjoy all the beauty of plants, no matter how little room you have.