How to Arrange Plants in Your Living Room

Co-authored by Garrison Hullinger and Sophia Latorre

Last Updated: November 10, 2022 References

Plants are the perfect accessories to elevate your indoor space. Not only do they have stress-relieving properties, but they can also freshen up your room with pops of color and beautiful scents.^{[1]
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Research source} With the right plant arrangement, you can create a cozy and welcoming environment. Whether you're looking to add a touch of greenery or fill up your entire living room with plants, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn how to pick the right indoor plants and arrange them to transform your living space into a luscious green escape.

1

Choose plants of various sizes.

Create interest with different types of plants. To create a dynamic display, vary the sizes of the plants you group together.^{[2]
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Research source} For instance, place a larger plant like the fiddle leaf fig in an open corner and smaller plants like succulents on an end table or windowsill.

2

Arrange your plants in odd numbers.

Scatter plants around your living room in groups of 3. Instead of grouping plants together in even numbers, create a more striking look by following the “rule of three”. Or, opt for larger displays and put 5, 7, or even 9 plants together.^{[3]
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- Stagger the height of your plants in each group to create interest. For example, try placing a large plant in the middle of 2 smaller ones.

3

Add visual texture with different leaf shapes.

Choose a variety of plant types to keep them from blending together. Pick a few plants with large, broad leaves as well as a few with thin or long leaves. For example, place large leafy palms alongside small shapely cacti to mix different textures together.^{[4]
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4

Create dimension with different types of pots.

Spice up your display with pots in various colors and textures. To make a statement, choose pots with bright colors or patterns. For a more minimalist look, choose a single color in a variety of materials or a single material in shades of the same color.
- If you tend to overwater your plants, opt for terracotta pots, which are water-tight and porous in nature.^{[5]
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- Ceramic pots are a great option for indoor plants. Use them on your tables or shelves as decorative pieces.
- Choose pots with drainage holes at the bottom to allow excess water to escape. Just be sure to put a saucer underneath each pot!^{[6]
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5

Arrange plants at different heights in your living room.

Utilize the ceiling, shelves, tables, and floors. Instead of having all of your plants at the same level, stagger them throughout the space. Fill an empty corner with a large potted plant or draw the eye up with some hanging plants that cascade over shelves. Make a plant nook by arranging your plants under windows, seats, and below any wall decor.
- Place a trailing English ivy on top of your bookshelf or a plant stand.
- Invest in floor protectors or mats that you can put your plants on to keep them from getting scratched or dirty.^{[7]
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- Grab a few hanging planters to maximize your plant display space.
- Plants can be also layered into shelving, windowsills or decorative hangers.

6

Create a centerpiece with an eye-catching plant.

Choose a small plant to make a statement while clearing your view. Place it on a coffee table to add a focal point to your living room. For example, go for a bold look with the blue star fern.^{[8]
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7

Match your plants to the aesthetic of the room.

Choose plants and pots that complement the color and style of the space. Take into account the color of the flooring, paint, art, and furniture in your room. Also, consider the style.^{[9]
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Research source} Go for sleek, modern plants and pots to match a contemporary style or more classic options if your home has a traditional feel.

8

Boost your mood by placing plants in a central location.

Ease anxiety and reduce stress with the healing properties of plants. Not only are plants beautiful, but they also have real benefits! Go with options like the snake plant to help purify your air.^{[10]
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Research source} Choose fragrant plants like eucalyptus or lavender for some aromatherapy.
- Some plants even have medicinal properties. For example, you can use an aloe vera plant to treat skin irritations. Simply cut a large outer leaf and squeeze the gel-like substance over minor burns or rashes.^{[11]
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9

Choose a spot that meets your plant’s needs.

Find out what conditions will help your plants thrive. Look at the label or do a quick internet search to find the care instructions for your plants. Be sure to consider the temperature (new research shows that the recommended temperature range for your houseplants is 69.8 to 80.6 °F (21.0 to 27.0 °C)^{[12]
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- If your living room is typically on the cooler side, look for plants that do well in cold weather, like succulents.^{[13]
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- If you don’t have enough sunlight in your living room, add some artificial plant lights to help your plants grow indoors.^{[14]
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  Research source} That said, there are plants that need less light and can thrive well indoors. Don't feel like you can't have plants if you don't have large windows in your living room.
- If you overwater your plant and the pot is too heavy to lift, use a turkey baster to remove excess water.^{[15]
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10

Put your plants in a location that prevents hazards.

Keep your plants clear of exits and away from small children and pets. As a safety precaution, make sure no one will run into or trip over your plants. And, always check the warning label before you buy a houseplant to ensure it’s not toxic.
- Poinsettias, peace lilies, and pothos ivy are some common houseplants that are extremely toxic to small children and pets.^{[16]
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