Small apartment but big plant dreams? That was me, and secretly still is. When I first started styling my space with indoor houseplants, I imagined a Pinterest-perfect jungle and quickly realized that decorating with plants in a small space is both an art and a learning curve.
It truly doesn’t matter if you are in a cozy studio or a compact one-bedroom, here are some space-savvy, style-forward tips I wish someone had waved in front of me with a huge neon sign when I started.
1. Start Small (Literally)
I know, this really does sounds counterintuitive. I dove headfirst into fiddle leaf figs and monsteras which was a big mistake, kinda. No one told me that these big plants I saw on Instagram would actually get big and maybe wouldn’t fit in my space. Even though they are beautiful and can work in a small apartment it was just too much for me at one time. Large plants like these take up precious floor space and need a lot of light and care. If I were to do it again, I would start with smaller, beginner-friendly plants like pothos, snake plants, or pilea. They are still beautiful, low-maintenance, and easy to move around while you find their perfect spot.
2. Go Vertical
After months of crowding my space, I realized that I could look up and spread out more. This was the biggest light bulb moment for me. I had been trying to fit everything on the floor from plant stands to stools and baskets, yikes! When I literally had perfectly good wall space just sitting there, sigh.
I started to install floating shelves, tiered wall racks, plant hanger , and even macrame hangers can instantly expand your planting zone without cluttering your floor. I once added a narrow ladder shelf behind my door and styled it with trailing plants, books, and a diffuser which completely transformed a dead corner into one of my favorite spots in the apartment.
Try mounting planters above your desk, in your kitchen corner (especially if you have a window), or on bathroom walls. Vertical styling adds height, texture, and a whole lot of personality.
3. Use Multipurpose Furniture
In small spaces, every item needs to earn its keep because I will quickly throw something away. Your furniture can do double duty as a plant display. A console table? Turn it into a curated greenery station with staggered plant heights. A bookcase? Style a few shelves with plant clusters. Even an entry bench can hold a row of mini succulents underneath.
One of my favorite moves was transforming a Facebook forgotten table into a rolling plant stand. I used the top tier for leafy greenery, family photos, and the bottom for storage baskets and seasonal décor. Here’s one I would buy now: Entry Table it’s mobile, chic, and functional, a total win
Being creative is the best part! Plants bring softness and movement, and when mixed with everyday pieces, they make your home feel intentional and layered.
4. Don’t Overcrowd, Curate
I get it, once you start with plants, it’s hard to stop, trust me. But here’s what I’ve learned the hard way: clutter cancels out charm. It’s easy to fall into the trap of cramming every flat surface with greenery, but the real beauty lies in the balance of it all.
Instead of aiming for quantity, think of each plant as a styled moment. Let it have space to breathe and shine. A single draping pothos can make a shelf feel styled and lived-in, especially when paired with a candle or framed photo. A statement rubber plant by the window might be all you need to ground the room, it really doesn’t take much.
Editing is part of styling. Rotate plants out seasonally, group them in odd numbers for visual appeal, and give yourself permission to skip the overcrowded jungle aesthetic if it doesn’t fit your vibe.
5. Learn Your Lighting
This one? A total game-changer. I used to rely on plant tags and simple advice—“low light,” “bright light” which can all be true. But I didn’t really study the light in my space, and no you don’t need a light thermometer or whatever they are (that was even more confusing). This was a rookie mistake.
Spend a few days observing where the light hits in the morning, afternoon, and early evening. East-facing windows give gentle morning sun (perfect for herbs and peace lilies), while south-facing windows bring in strong light for sun-lovers like cacti and succulents. North-facing? That’s where your low-light heroes like snake plants, ZZ plants, and philodendrons shine.
Also, don’t be afraid to mix real and faux if your lighting just doesn’t support certain plants. Bonus points for low maintenance and no guilt!
6. Hanging Plants Are Your BEST Friends
Ok, let’s talk about one of my favorite styling tricks: hanging plants. All Hanging Plants. They save space, soften corners, and instantly elevate the room—literally and visually.
You can hang plants from curtain rods, ceiling hooks, or even use hanging shelves to create layers. My go-to picks? Any trailing philodendron, pothos or hoya. They grow fast, trail beautifully, and add instant drama without taking up a single square inch of floor space.
Timeless Tip: And if you’re renting or hesitant to drill? Use adhesive hooks or tension rod , even if it says its for a shower, to create non-permanent solutions that still pack a punch.
7. Stylish Storage Baskets Make a Difference
When I first started, I didn’t realize how much the container matters. I had plants in every mismatched nursery pot imaginable, and it made everything look a little…chaotic.
Enter: storage baskets and decorative planters, thank you for the sales Hobby Lobby. Woven baskets, ceramic covers, or neutral-toned pots can make even the most affordable greenery look polished. I especially love baskets because they add texture and disguise cheap plastic pots. Just drop your nursery pot in, tuck the edges, and voila—instant style.
Timeless Tip: keep a few neutral baskets on hand so you can rotate plants seasonally and always have a go-to styling base.
8. Be Okay with Trial and Error
Boom, here’s your permission slip to not be perfect. Not every plant will make it, and it’s really not failure, it’s just part of the process of being a true plant parent. I’ve lost plants to bad soil, overwatering, under-watering, not enough humidity, pest infestation(s), over fertilizing, under fertilizing, the list goes on…but
You learn by doing. And honestly? That’s part of the growth into the hobby and it helped me love it every more. Each move, each adjustment, each new plant adds to the personality of your home. Embrace it. The process is just as rewarding as the final look.
Final Thoughts: Grow Where You Are
You don’t need a massive sunroom or sprawling porch to enjoy decorating with plants. Apartment spaces can work, greenery brings life, comfort, and a sense of timeless charm. With a few thoughtful choices, a little creativity, and a dose of patience, your small space can bloom into a plant-filled retreat that feels uniquely you.
Want to Get Started?
Check out the Room-by-Room Guide: Plant Styling + Timeless, Simple Decor and Styled with Greenery E-book for beginner plants, small-space styling ideas, and cozy essentials that make every corner feel fresh and timeless.
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