Choose statement plants like fiddle leaf figs, bird of paradise, or oversized monstera to create dramatic living room focal points. Arrange lush pothos, philodendrons, or spider plants on bookcases, floating shelves, or hanging baskets to transform your space with vibrant greenery at various heights. Group plants with complementary textures and colors, like trailing ivy and upright snake plants, in stylish containers to craft eye-catching vignettes on side tables, consoles, or fireplace mantels.

Create a Living Wall

Creating a living wall is a stunning way to bring nature indoors and make a striking design statement in your living room. To get started, you’ll need a sturdy vertical structure like a trellis, grid panel, or wall-mounted planters. Look for systems specifically designed for living walls, which often include irrigation and drainage solutions. When choosing plants, consider a mix of trailing vines, lush ferns, and colorful foliage to create visual interest and texture. Some excellent varieties for living walls include pothos, philodendron, spider plants, bird’s nest ferns, and peperomia. Arrange your plants in a pleasing pattern, varying heights and colors for a dynamic display. Be sure to position your living wall ideas on a structurally sound wall that receives adequate light for the plant species you’ve chosen. Start with a small section and gradually expand as you gain confidence in caring for your vertical garden. Regular watering, fertilizing, and pruning will keep your living wall lush and thriving, providing a refreshing focal point in your living space.

Indoor living wall with assorted plants in a well-lit living room
A lush living wall filled with various green plants in a bright living room

Curate a Coffee Table Terrarium

Creating a terrarium for your coffee table is a fun and easy way to bring a bit of nature into your living space. Start by choosing a clear glass container with an opening wide enough to accommodate planting. Add a layer of small stones for drainage, followed by a thin layer of activated charcoal to keep the soil fresh. Next, add potting mix suitable for the plants you’ve selected.

When choosing plants, consider small, slow-growing varieties that thrive in humid environments, such as fittonia, peperomia, selaginella, or miniature ferns. Arrange the plants in the terrarium, ensuring they have enough space to grow. Add decorative elements like rocks, crystals, or miniature figurines to create a unique, personalized design.

After planting, water the terrarium lightly and place it in a spot with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause the terrarium to overheat. Monitor the moisture level and water sparingly when the soil feels dry to the touch. With proper care, your coffee table terrarium will become a captivating focal point in your living room, bringing a touch of green and a sense of tranquility to your space.

Coffee table terrarium with miniature plants and ornaments
A glass terrarium on a wooden coffee table, filled with small plants and decorative elements

Hang a Sky Planter

Bring a touch of whimsy to your living room with the trendy upside-down hanging planters, known as sky planters. These eye-catching designs suspend your plants from the ceiling, creating a unique focal point and saving valuable floor space. To install a sky planter, securely attach the mounting hook to a ceiling joist or beam, ensuring it can support the weight of the planter and plant. Fill the planter with well-draining potting mix and choose a plant that thrives in the available light conditions, such as pothos, spider plants, or ferns. Water your sky planter carefully, avoiding overwatering as the unique design retains moisture longer than traditional pots. Regularly prune and maintain your plant to keep it healthy and prevent overgrowth. Sky planters add a playful, modern element to your living room decor while purifying the air and bringing a touch of nature indoors. Experiment with different sizes, colors, and plant varieties to create a stunning floating garden that showcases your personal style and enlivens your space.

Style Shelves with Succulents

Succulents are a trendy and low-maintenance way to bring life to your living room shelves and bookcases. These hardy plants come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them perfect for creating eye-catching displays. When arranging succulents on shelves, consider grouping them in odd numbers for a balanced, visually appealing look. Vary the heights and textures of your succulents to add depth and interest to your arrangement.

Some popular succulent varieties for shelf styling include echeveria, with its rosette-shaped leaves; aloe vera, known for its plump, serrated foliage; and burro’s tail, which features trailing, overlapping leaves. Mixing and matching different succulent types creates a dynamic, engaging display.

When it comes to containers, get creative! Repurpose small vintage tins, teacups, or even glass terrariums to house your succulents. Drainage is key for these plants, so ensure your containers have holes or use a layer of activated charcoal or pebbles to prevent water from sitting at the bottom.

Arrange your potted succulents on shelves alongside books, framed photos, and other decorative objects for a curated, personalized look. Play with color by choosing containers that complement or contrast with your succulents’ hues. Don’t be afraid to experiment with placement and composition until you find an arrangement that speaks to your style.

Remember, succulents thrive in bright, indirect light, so position your shelves accordingly. With their easy care requirements and sculptural beauty, succulents are a fantastic choice for adding a touch of natural charm to your living room shelves.

Feature a Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

The fiddle leaf fig tree has risen to star status in the world of indoor plants, thanks to its striking foliage and stately presence. This trendy tree can instantly elevate your living room decor as a stunning statement piece. With its large, glossy violin-shaped leaves, the fiddle leaf fig brings a lush, tropical vibe to any space.

To keep your fiddle leaf fig thriving, place it in a bright spot with indirect sunlight and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Rotate the plant every few months to ensure even growth. Fiddle leaf figs can grow quite tall, so choose a corner or area with ample vertical space to accommodate its height.

For a stylish look, plant your fiddle leaf fig in a woven basket or sleek ceramic planter that complements your living room’s aesthetic. Position it near a window as a natural focal point or use it to fill an empty corner, creating an inviting green oasis. Pair your fiddle leaf fig with other style indoor plants in varying heights and textures for a dynamic, layered display that breathes life into your living space.

Large fiddle leaf fig tree in a living room, placed in a decorative woven planter
A fiddle leaf fig tree in a woven basket next to a couch in a living room

Group Plants for Visual Impact

Grouping indoor plants together is a fantastic way to create a lush, styled look in your living room. By clustering plants of varying heights, textures, and colors, you can design eye-catching displays that bring life and visual interest to your space. Consider pairing tall, upright plants like snake plants or fiddle leaf figs with trailing varieties such as pothos or string of pearls for a dynamic combination. Mix broad-leafed plants with those featuring delicate or feathery foliage to add depth and dimension. When arranging your plant groupings, apply basic design principles like the rule of thirds or creating a focal point to guide the eye and establish balance. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different containers and placement until you find a composition that resonates with your personal style. As you curate your indoor plant clusters, keep in mind the biophilic design concept, which emphasizes the inherent human connection to nature. By thoughtfully incorporating plants into your living space, you not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also cultivate a sense of well-being and harmony within your home.

Incorporating indoor plants into your living room decor is a wonderful way to bring life, color, and a touch of nature to your space. From small potted herbs to dramatic hanging plants, the options are nearly endless. Remember to consider your space, lighting, and plant care needs when selecting and placing your plants. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different types, sizes, and textures of plants to create a lush, layered look. With a bit of creativity and care, you can transform your living room into a beautiful, inviting oasis that showcases your personal style and love of nature. Happy decorating!