Houseplants don’t just clean the air—they transform your living space into a lively, welcoming sanctuary.
But sometimes, finding space for pots on tables, shelves, or the floor can feel overwhelming. That’s where hanging plants come in.
By lifting greenery off the ground, you save space, add depth to your décor, and create a fresh, modern vibe.
And it doesn’t matter whether your home is small or spacious, there are countless creative ways to hang plants that make them both practical and stylish. Below, we’ll explore 18 clever methods to hang plants indoors, with ideas ranging from simple DIY setups to bold statement pieces.
1. Macrame Plant Hangers
Macrame plant hangers are timeless. Made with knotted cords, they add a cozy, bohemian touch to any room. These hangers can hold everything from small succulents to large trailing plants.
- Why it works: The neutral ropes match almost any interior style—boho, modern, Scandinavian, or rustic.
- Best plants: Pothos, spider plants, trailing philodendrons.
- Tip: Hang several at different heights for a layered effect, especially near a sunny window.
Macrame hangers are also a great DIY project. With just some rope, scissors, and a hook, you can make a custom piece that feels unique to your space.
2. Ceiling Hooks
The simplest and most versatile option—ceiling hooks. Install them directly into the ceiling joists, add chains or ropes, and suspend your plant pots.
- Why it works: It saves floor and shelf space while allowing you to choose exact heights.
- Best plants: Ferns, Boston ivy, hanging orchids.
- Tip: If you’re renting, try removable adhesive hooks designed for lighter pots.
Ceiling hooks also allow you to create a cascading jungle effect—imagine a mix of long vines and fuller plants hanging in the corner of your living room.
3. Hanging Shelves
Think of shelves suspended with ropes, macrame, or chains from the ceiling. Instead of supporting books, these shelves hold rows of plants.
- Why it works: Lets you display multiple plants at once while keeping them off the ground.
- Best plants: Small potted herbs, succulents, or trailing plants that can drape down.
- Tip: Use reclaimed wood for a rustic farmhouse look, or sleek glass for a modern style.
Hanging shelves work especially well above kitchen counters, where they can hold herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary within easy reach.
4. Wall Mounted Brackets
Wall brackets aren’t just for hanging lanterns—they can hold plant pots too. This is an excellent solution if you don’t want to drill into your ceiling.
- Why it works: Adds greenery without taking up floor space. Perfect for tight spaces like hallways or bathrooms.
- Best plants: English ivy, string of pearls, hoya.
- Tip: Choose ornate metal brackets for a vintage feel, or minimalist wooden brackets for a clean modern style.
You can create a gallery wall effect by combining hanging plants with framed artwork or mirrors.
5. Mounted Curtain Rods
If you have large windows, a mounted curtain rod is a clever way to hang plants. Instead of just curtains, let your rod double as a plant hanger.
- Why it works: Plants get direct sunlight, and the rod allows you to rearrange them easily.
- Best plants: Sun-loving varieties like jade plant, succulents, or trailing pothos.
- Tip: Mix hanging plants with sheer curtains for a dreamy, greenhouse-like vibe.
This method looks especially stunning in living rooms or sunrooms, where natural light can highlight your greenery.
6. Plant Chandelier
Why hang a light fixture when you could hang plants? A plant chandelier takes an old chandelier frame and transforms it into a striking centerpiece.
- Why it works: Instantly adds drama and a conversation piece to your room.
- Best plants: Trailing vines (like ivy), air plants, or small potted herbs.
- Tip: Choose a chandelier without bulbs, or combine plants with string lights for a magical effect.
This works beautifully over dining tables, giving the room a lush, organic focal point.
7. Ladder Display
An old wooden ladder can be repurposed into a hanging plant display. Suspend the ladder horizontally from the ceiling, and hang plants from each rung.
- Why it works: Adds a rustic farmhouse aesthetic while displaying multiple plants.
- Best plants: A mix of trailing and upright plants for variety.
- Tip: Paint the ladder white for a shabby chic look, or leave it raw for rustic charm.
This idea works well in kitchens or patios, where you can also hang herbs or small tools alongside your plants.
8. Magnetic or Suction Planters
For small spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, or offices, magnetic and suction planters are perfect. Stick them to refrigerators, mirrors, or windows.
- Why it works: No drilling required, making it renter-friendly.
- Best plants: Air plants, succulents, or tiny herbs.
- Tip: Place suction planters on windows for plants that thrive in sunlight.
These are great for adding small pops of greenery in unexpected places, like your bathroom mirror or office desk partition.
9. Tiered Hanging Baskets
Repurpose tiered fruit baskets as plant holders. They naturally cascade, allowing you to display multiple plants vertically.
- Why it works: Maximizes vertical space while adding charm.
- Best plants: Small ferns, trailing ivy, or colorful flowering plants.
- Tip: Use in kitchens for a mix of herbs and decorative greenery.
These tiered baskets look lovely in rustic and farmhouse-style homes, and they’re also easy to find at thrift stores.
10. DIY Hanging Frames
For something more artistic, build frames with chicken wire or mesh and hang small planters inside. This creates a living wall effect without the cost of a full green wall.
- Why it works: Turns plants into functional art pieces.
- Best plants: Air plants, moss, succulents.
- Tip: Arrange several frames together for a statement wall.
DIY plant frames are especially stunning in entryways, giving visitors an instant feeling of warmth and vibrancy.
11. Window-Mounted Plant Rods
If you’re short on space but have large windows, a mounted rod across the frame can hold several small hanging plants.
- Why it works: Plants get maximum sunlight without cluttering your window sill.
- Best plants: Herbs, orchids, or succulents in lightweight pots.
- Tip: Choose adjustable rods so you can move or rearrange plants easily.
This setup creates a mini indoor greenhouse feel and works great in kitchens or sunrooms.
12. Repurposed Coat Rack
An old coat rack can double as a plant hanger. Simply replace jackets with small potted plants in lightweight holders.
- Why it works: Adds greenery at eye level and makes use of unused furniture.
- Best plants: Trailing ivy, spider plants, or hanging air plants.
- Tip: Use a wooden rack for rustic charm or a painted metal one for a modern look.
This idea works well in entryways, giving a cheerful welcome to anyone stepping into your home.
13. Plant Hanging Rails
Similar to kitchen utensil rails, hanging rails can be mounted on walls to support hooks and small plant pots.
- Why it works: Perfect for renters since rails are easy to install and remove.
- Best plants: Small herbs, air plants, or succulents.
- Tip: Place one above your kitchen counter to keep fresh herbs within reach.
Plant rails are a modern and minimalistic option, especially if you want a neat and organized greenery display.
14. Floating Planters with Invisible Wire
Clear nylon fishing wire or transparent cable can create the illusion that plants are floating in the air.
- Why it works: Adds a magical, airy effect without visible support.
- Best plants: Air plants, orchids, or lightweight succulents.
- Tip: Hang them near windows to catch natural light and enhance the illusion.
This is a great way to wow guests with a unique plant display that looks almost futuristic.
15. Hanging Plant Grid
Install a metal grid panel on your wall or ceiling and use hooks to hang small pots.
- Why it works: Allows flexible arrangements—you can shift or add pots whenever you like.
- Best plants: A mix of succulents, ferns, and trailing plants.
- Tip: Paint the grid to match your wall color for a sleek, integrated look.
Plant grids work beautifully in modern and industrial-style homes and can even act as a green room divider.
16. Rope Shelf Hangers
Instead of full wooden shelves, use thick ropes with small wooden bases that hold individual pots.
- Why it works: Combines the charm of hanging shelves with the elegance of minimalist design.
- Best plants: Small potted flowers, succulents, or herbs.
- Tip: Hang two or three in a staggered formation for maximum visual appeal.
These rope hangers are simple to make as a DIY project and work well in both kitchens and bedrooms.
17. Wall-Mounted Hanging Pockets
Fabric or felt pockets attached to walls can hold soil and small plants, acting like a vertical garden.
- Why it works: Saves space and creates a lush, living wall effect.
- Best plants: Herbs, lettuce, or small flowering plants.
- Tip: Choose breathable, waterproof fabric to avoid water damage to walls.
This option is perfect for apartments or balconies where floor space is limited but greenery is still desired.
18. Repurposed Light Fixtures
Transform old pendant lights or lampshades into hanging planters by replacing the bulb socket with a pot holder.
- Why it works: Creates a bold statement piece while recycling unused fixtures.
- Best plants: Trailing plants like pothos, philodendron, or string of hearts.
- Tip: Pair with Edison-style bulbs or fairy lights for a cozy, glowing effect.
These planters are perfect for dining areas or creative studios where you want décor that’s functional and artistic.