Simple greenery styling tips for cozy charm in every corner
Even though I’m accustomed to apartment living, I’ve always wanted a really nice living room space. To me, the living room is more than just a place to crash—it’s my cozy hub for unwinding, entertaining, and family time. But being short on square footage always felt like the hardest puzzle figuring out how to add plants without cluttering my space.
After many brainless hours scrolling on Pinterest and Instagram, I finally felt ready to attempt this on my own. A few clever styling tips can help your living room feel fresh, alive, and totally you—without taking up more room than it needs to. Here are my favorite plant styling ideas/tips/tricks for small apartment living rooms:
1. Let Them Hang
Don’t underestimate the power of vertical space. Macramé plant hangers, ceiling hooks, or a simple tension rod near a window can turn an empty corner into a lush moment. Trailing plants like pothos, string of hearts, or English ivy add flow and softness—no floor space required.
2. Layer Greenery with Your Decor
Think of your plants like accessories: they add texture, color, and warmth. Try placing a small fern on a stack of books, a cactus on your TV console, or a trailing plant alongside candles on a floating shelf. It’s about mixing—not matching.
3. Use Multi-Level Plant Stands or Stools
Create height and dimension by grouping a few plants on a tiered stand or using a mix of stools and side tables. This works especially well in a corner or next to your couch to draw the eye up without crowding the floor.
4. Go Big—Just Once
committing to one statement plant like a rubber tree, fiddle leaf fig, or bird of paradise. In a small space, one big plant can sometimes feel more intentional and less cluttered than a dozen tiny ones scattered everywhere.
5. Style with Baskets and Colored Planters
Woven baskets, white ceramic pots, or matte terracotta instantly elevate the look of any plant. But blue hues and reds can add a big pop of color to break up the neutral tones and they still go really well with the green in plants. Bonus: baskets hide plastic nursery pots, and many can double as storage.
6. Think Beyond Traditional Planters
I haven’t done this one myself but I’ve seen it on Pinterest a lot and it’s so cute!! Swap out standard pots for unexpected containers that match your style—like vintage mugs, woven baskets with plastic liners, or repurposed kitchen bowls. These add personality and charm while blending effortlessly with the rest of your decor. Just make sure whatever you choose has good drainage or a hidden saucer inside to protect your surfaces.
7. Tuck Plants Into Unexpected Spots
Look at every nook as a potential plant moment—on a windowsill, beside your record player, inside a fireplace, or even in the bathroom if it’s close by. Just be sure to rotate for light if it’s not their usual home.
Final Tip: Don’t Overthink It
There isn’t a perfect plant layout. It does take trial and error to get it to fit the right way. Start small, experiment with placement, and shift things around until it clicks.
Shop the Look:
Neutral ceramic pots under $25
Mini plant stands that fit in tight corners
Trailing faux vines for low-light areas
My favorite plant hangers for walls
For more tips and tricks, check out my Styled with Greenery E-book that gives more insight on how to design with plants.
Comment on this post when you create your own green corner—I’d love to see how you bring your space to life!
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