Plants have to be one of my favorite decorating accessories. No matter where I put one they instantly bring life to the space. Plants are timeless, affordable and easy to move from room-to-room whenever you want to redecorate your space. There is a delicate balance, however, because one too many plants can instantly make your space feel cluttered.
how to decorate with plants
choosing a plant
1// First you want to choose a plant for your space. I want you to think through where you will put the plant. For instance are you looking to put a plant on the floor next to a piece of furniture? Or are you looking for something to sit on top of a few books in a vignette? This will determine the size of your plant. This will also determine whether you need a full sun (not typical for indoor plants), partial or low light plant. Finally you want to consider watering. If you’re like me you set it and forget it. Thankfully my husband has taken on the roll of plant caretaker. If it weren’t for him succulents would be my go-to because they require very little.
how many plants are too many plants
2// My rule of thumb (no green thumb pun intended) is only use 1 plant per piece of furniture or vignette. For instance I don’t typically recommend grouping three or more plants together. I like them to stand out on their own and add interest without feeling cluttered. That doesn’t mean you can’t have more than one plant in a room or area! Just make sure to use them differently and use a plants of varying heights and species. For instance, a plant placed on a stack of books as part of a vignette in one area, then a floor plant next to a chair in the corner of the room and then maybe a trailing plant up high on the corner of a fireplace mantle.
Hanging Plants from The ceiling
3// Oh how I love a ceiling hung plant! They add so much drama and interest and can really update a space. Don’t be afraid of hanging a plant from the ceiling. Trust me, it’s way easier than it sounds. For this option you want a trailing plant (IE a plant that grows downward out of it’s pot). There are so many beautiful plant hanging options out there from macrame hanging planters to ceramic. I’ve linked some of my favorite hangers and pots below.
Choosing a Pot for Your Plant
4// Make sure to choose a pot that coordinates with the color scheme of your room. Terra cotta works great in a space with whites, beige and soft hues. While a black pot is a great option for white, gold modern spaces or white farmhouse styles. Honestly, you can never go wrong with white! But make sure to pay attention to the pattern and lines of the pot. A pot with square lines will work better in a modern space while a more curved pot will work well in a traditional space.
Where to Place plants in a room
5// Again this will depend on the type of plant and how much sun it requires but here are some general ideas for plant placement. Placed in the back corner of a vignette (group of three decorative items) to add height. On the top corner of a wall shelf, again to add height. A shorter plant on the top of three stacked books with a lamp and vase behind. I love using succulents on a stack of books because they tend to be on the shorter side. Shorter plants should always be below eye level so you can see them. Placed above and you will only see the pot. Hanging from a curtain rod in a deep window is always a fun and dramatic way to decorate with plants. Especially plants that require full sun.
I can’t wait to see how you decorated with plants! Tag me in your photos on instagram instagram.com/the_lovely_mama so I can share with our friends.
Happy decorating!
XOXO- Amanda
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