How to Style Your Plants in Small Spaces

Living in a small space doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your plant love! In fact, with the right plants and a little creativity, you can turn even the tiniest apartment into a lush, green oasis. Whether you’re working with limited floor space, cramped countertops, or the coziest of corners, there are plenty of ways to incorporate greenery into your home. Here’s how to style your plants when square footage is at a premium!

First things first—when you’re dealing with smaller areas, choosing the right plants is key. You’ll want plants that are compact, adaptable, and don’t need sprawling root systems to thrive. Luckily, there are tons of varieties that fit the bill! Here are a few of our favorites:

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos is a classic for a reason. This easy-going plant is perfect for small spaces because it doesn’t need a ton of light and can tolerate a bit of neglect (let’s be real, we’ve all forgotten to water a plant or two). Plus, it’s a vining plant, meaning you can let it trail down from shelves or hang it from a ceiling, saving you valuable floor space. The best part? It grows quickly and looks lush with minimal effort. As an added bonus, you can trim it down and root it in water. Use these rooted cuttings to add some green to another corner of your home, or give them away to friends and family to add some green to their own space.

Ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata or Asplenium nidus)

Ferns, like the Boston Fern or Bird’s Nest Fern, are perfect for adding texture to your small space. They thrive in bathrooms or kitchens, where humidity levels are higher, and they don’t take up a ton of space. Their feathery fronds can add a bit of wild, tropical flair to your space, even if you’re short on room. Just keep them out of direct sunlight and water regularly. They do take a bit more love than some of the other options on the list, as they really do need the humidity to keep them lush and green. Try adding a humidifier nearby as some extra support. Alternatively, if you're looking for an easy to care for fern, my favorite is the Asparagus Fern. They tend to be much more easy to care for, and also bounce back really well if you neglect them from time to time.

Peperomias

Peperomias are tiny but mighty! With their compact size and wide variety of leaf shapes, they’re ideal for shelves, windowsills, and tabletops. Peperomia obtusifolia (Baby Rubber Plant) or Peperomia caperata (Ripple Peperomia) are both excellent choices. They don’t require much watering and can handle low to medium light—making them the ultimate small space plant.

Creative Ways to Display Your Plants

Now that you’ve picked the perfect plants, it’s time to get creative with how you display them. In small spaces, the key is to think vertically and make use of every nook and cranny. Here are some genius ways to show off your greenery without cluttering your space:

Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are your best friend when it comes to maximizing space. Mount a few shelves on your walls and use them to display smaller plants like ferns, peperomias, or succulents. Mix in decorative items like books or framed photos to create a stylish, personalized display. You can even stagger the heights of the shelves to create a vertical garden effect.

Pro Tip: Use shelves near windows for plants that love indirect sunlight. This way, you’ll give your plants the light they need without crowding your windowsill.

Macrame Hangers

If you’re low on floor or shelf space, hanging plants is a fantastic solution! Macrame hangers not only add a boho-chic vibe to your space, but they also free up room by suspending plants from the ceiling. Try hanging pothos, ferns, or philodendrons in a corner or above furniture to add greenery without taking up surface space.

Pro Tip: Layer multiple macrame hangers at different heights for a dynamic, cascading effect. It’s like an indoor jungle in the air!

Windowsill Gardens

Even the smallest windowsill can be transformed into a mini garden. Opt for compact plants like peperomias, succulents, or herbs that won’t outgrow the space. A sunny windowsill is the perfect spot for plants that thrive in bright, indirect light. Line up a few small pots or mix and match different containers for a playful, eclectic look.

Pro Tip: If your windowsill is narrow, use slim pots or window boxes to maximize the space while still giving your plants room to grow. You can even find shelves that hang down from the top of your window frame or attach right to the window with suction cups!

Plant Stands and Tiered Planters

Don’t overlook plant stands! These come in various sizes and heights, allowing you to display multiple plants in a small footprint. They also come in a wide range of styles, so whether you are going for a vintage look or super modern, you'll be able to find something that fits your space just right. Tiered plant stands or multi-level planters are especially useful, as they let you display multiple plants vertically—perfect for small spaces where floor real estate is limited.

Pro Tip: Use plant stands with wheels to easily move your plants around and catch the best light throughout the day.

Wall-Mounted Planters

Take your greenery to the walls with wall-mounted planters! These planters attach directly to the wall, allowing you to grow plants vertically without using any floor or counter space. They’re perfect for small kitchens, hallways, or even bathrooms. Try using trailing plants like pothos or string of hearts for a lush look, or create an herb garden right on your kitchen wall.

Pro Tip: Group several wall-mounted planters together to create a living plant wall!

Final Thoughts:

Styling Plants in Small Spaces

Styling plants in small spaces is all about creativity and smart choices. With the right plants—like pothos, ferns, and peperomias—you can pack a lot of green into even the tiniest corners. By using vertical space with shelves, hanging planters, and wall-mounted displays, you’ll create a stylish, lush indoor garden without overcrowding your home.

Small space? Big plant love. Let’s make it happen!

Need help picking the perfect plants for your space? Check out our selection here at Chic Plant Boutique and get expert advice on creating your dream indoor jungle—no matter the size of your home!