10 Easy DIY Hanging Planters for Small Spaces

Saad Iqbal | 🗓️Modified: April 11, 2025 | ⏳Time to read:10 min

30 Clever Ways to Hang Plants in Your Home

By Maria Sabella

Are you running out of surface space for your plants, but still want to add more greenery to your home? Hanging plants are a great solution, offering both practical and aesthetic benefits. From hanging baskets and macrame holders to towel bars and wooden pegs, we’ve curated a collection of clever ways to hang plants that are sure to inspire you and give you ideas for your own home.

01. Use a Curtain Rod

Hang one or multiple trailing plants directly from a curtain rod for a striking effect, as Ana from Modern House Vibes did in this light and bright dining room. Make sure that the plants you hang can handle or even prefer direct sunlight and that the curtain rod can hold their weight. Use a hook to secure the plant hanger to the curtain rod and to make it easy to take down and hang back up as needed.

02. Hang Individual Terracotta Pots

Use individual flower pot holders to hang plants on the wall, like House of Chais did in this small bathroom. This is a great way to utilize an otherwise unused wall and to bring in greenery in an unexpected way. This hanging method is best suited for small planters with succulents that don’t need to be watered frequently or seasonal blooming plants that add a fun pop of color.

03. Choose a Planter That Blends In

Make the plant pop by choosing planters that blend in with their surroundings. These white wall-mounted planters are barely visible against the white wall they hang on. The draping vines draw the eye up the ceiling to create a sense of height. Heavier plants and planters should be mounted into wall studs, while lighter plants can hang on drywall.

04. Use a Towel Bar

Use hooks to hang plant holders on a towel bar or off a decorative shelf. It keeps them easily accessible when they need watering and makes it easy to shift them around or add new plants into the mix. Martina hung plants from a metal bar in a hallway, which is a great way to add a natural element to a small and narrow space.

05. Use Tiered Planters

A hanging tiered planter is a great way to add multiple plants into a space when you don’t have a ton of surface area, as Sarah from Nude And The Novice did with a four-tiered planter in this kitchen. Use the same type of plant for a uniform look or mix a couple different kinds for a more varied, eclectic look.

06. Create a Slatted Plant Wall

Create an entire plant wall like Stephanie from Casa Watkins Living did with this DIY slatted wood wall. Use flower pot holders that are the same color and size and place colorful flower pots inside them for a splash of color. This is a great way to add a natural element to a large wall.

07. Add Wooden Hooks For Hanging Plants

Instead of placing a plant on your desk or shelf, hang it on the wall using wooden hooks for a more interesting look. Designed by Cathie Hong Interiors, this bright office corner uses two wooden hooks above the desk to hold small hanging planters.

08. Drape Trailing Plants Over Wall Decor

Create an organic look by draping a long trailing plant over the tops of picture frames and mirrors, like Gemma from The Traveling Apartment did in this Paris living room. Use clear adhesive hooks to support the vines if needed.

09. Place a Plant In a Wall-Mounted Basket

Baskets are an excellent way to bring in texture and a natural element, and they’re also a great vessel to hold plants! Hang one larger-sized basket on the wall and use it to hold a nice, full plant that appreciates a basket, such as a staghorn fern, as in this cozy room.

10. Hang Them In Front of a Window

Bring the outdoors in by hanging plants in front of a window, like in this dining nook created by Sara Toufali. Hang multiple plants at varying heights for added interest and a more organic look that feels like an extension of the greenery outside the window.

11. Wrap Vines Around a Hanging Frame

Get crafty and turn your dining table into a focal point by creating a wooden frame above it to wrap trailing vines around. Martina from Martinas Cosy Crib made an inviting dining spot that looks like you’re dining under a canopy of greenery somewhere in the Mediterranean.

12. Use a Mirror

A mirror is a great tool to not only bounce light around and make a room feel larger, but if you hang a plant near it, it doubles the greenery effect. Plant enthusiast Esther used this trick in her bedroom, draping one of the vines around the edge of the mirror to fully incorporate it.

13. Hang a Plant Above the Tub

Bathrooms are a great environment for plants because they’re usually warm and humid, which provides the perfect conditions for plants to thrive in. Create the effect of a natural chandelier by hanging a large trailing plant above a freestanding tub, like Nude And The Novice did in this bright and colorful bathroom.

14. Create a Hanging Plant Curtain

Turn your plant into a curtain by draping it around your window. Hang it from the curtain rod or a hook next to or above the window, and drape vines over the rod or hold them up using clear command hooks. The trailing plant curtain adds so much softness and a beautiful touch of greenery to this bedroom designed by Sara Toufali.

15. Think Vertical With a Moss Wall

Think vertical and create a piece of living art with different types of moss for a stunning focal point. Biophilic design, which strives to connect the indoors with the outdoors, has been on the rise and Plant Roost Design are a great example of art creations that incorporate plants in a unique way.

16. Use Your Headboard

Add a sweet decorative touch to your bedroom by hanging a small plant off your headboard, like in this bedroom. If you’re worried about a freshly watered plant dripping all over your pillows every couple of days, use a faux plant instead!

17. Add Greenery To Your Bathroom

Hang a plant in your bathroom to break up a wall of solid tile, such as in this bathroom. Greenery is a welcome touch in a bathroom, and as previously mentioned, most plants thrive in the warm, humid environment of a bathroom.

18. Hang an Air Plant From Coat Hooks

Add a little unexpected greenery to your entryway by hanging an air plant from a coat hook. Esther maximized this small entryway by creating a beautiful and functional green beadboard wall to hang coats, bags… and plants!

19. Place Plants Inside Hanging Baskets

Put together a grouping of different-sized and shaped baskets to create a decorative wall installation, and use one or more of the baskets to hold plants. Erika from Home & Spirit used these baskets above an upholstered headboard and added a hanging plant for an asymmetrical, natural look.

20. Drape a Plant Around a Window

Add a subtle green touch to your window by outlining it with a growing vine, like Gemma from The Traveling Apartment did in this home office nook. The plant doesn’t obstruct the window blinds but draws the eye up to accentuate the height of the beautiful window.

21. Use a Macrame Plant Hanger

A macrame plant holder like the one used in the corner of this home office created by Twelve 15 Design Studio is a great way to bring in texture and a decorative element into a room.

22. Create a Hanging Plant Curtain

Create a cozy nook by gathering a couple of trailing plants and hanging them from the wall and ceiling, and draping some of the vines across for a curtain effect. Erika from Home & Spirit used a macrame hammock chair in this corner and spread the leafy vines over the hanging bar to make it look like they’re growing wild.

23. Incorporate Decorative Plant Hangers

Unique plant holders are a great decorative accent and practical plant vessel at the same time. These hanging hoop-and-basket planters fill an otherwise empty corner, add a more texture to this living room.

24. Highlight a Sloped Ceiling With a Hanging Plant

Highlight a sloped shiplap ceiling, as is done in this attic laundry room designed by Jessica Nelson Design. A sloped ceiling can be a challenge to work around and decorate since you can’t hang artwork on the walls, but hanging plants is a great way to embellish the space.

25. Hang Plants From a Pergola

You can have as much fun decorating with hanging plants outside as you can inside. Mix hanging plants with oversized woven pendant lights for a summery look, like stylist Kirsten Diane did in this gorgeous pergola.

26. Drape Them Above the Bed

Hang plants above the bed to create a live green canopy, similar to what Martina from Martinas Cosy Crib did in this serene bedroom. Use ceiling hooks to hang the plants, hanging them at different heights for a fuller, more dramatic effect.

27. Replace a Floor Plant With Hanging Tiered Planters

Fill an empty wall with lively green plants in a tiered planter, such as this one. It’s a great alternative to a floor plant or a hanging ceiling planter, and allows you to hang multiple plants in one spot.

28. Accent a Window

A window is the perfect spot to hang a trailing plant, especially one that loves sunlight. It’ll give the plant plenty of room to grow and spread out, and if there is no greenery outside your window, why not bring it inside! This hanging plant makes a beautiful statement in this calm and serene bedroom by Sara Toufali.

29. Liven Up a Staircase

Add a natural element to your staircase with a hanging plant, like content creator Erika did in her home in Germany. The good news is there’s no need to drill any holes – just tie the plant holder around the spindles.

30. Use a Hanging Basket and Wall Hooks

Anything that has a pocket or interior space can hold a plant, including a hanging basket, like this one in Paulas bedroom. Accessorize wall hooks with a mix of hanging framed artwork, accessories such as a sun hat and plants for some color and natural greenery.

The 11 Best Planters for Your Hanging Plants

Choosing the right planter for your hanging plants can make all the difference. Here are our top picks for the best planters that will complement your plants and add a touch of style to your space.

  • Ceramic Planters: These planters are perfect for adding a decorative touch to your space. Choose from a range of colors and patterns to match your home decor.
  • Wooden Planters: Wooden planters are a great way to add a natural element to your space. Choose from a range of woods and finishes to match your home decor.
  • Macrame Planters: Macrame planters are a great way to add a bohemian touch to your space. Choose from a range of colors and patterns to match your home decor.
  • Woven Planters: Woven planters are a great way to add a natural element to your space. Choose from a range of materials such as rattan or wicker to match your home decor.
  • Geometric Planters: Geometric planters are a great way to add a modern touch to your space. Choose from a range of shapes and patterns to match your home decor.
  • Concrete Planters: Concrete planters are a great way to add an industrial touch to your space. Choose from a range of colors and patterns to match your home decor.
  • Rustic Planters: Rustic planters are a great way to add a country touch to your space. Choose from a range of materials such as wood or clay to match your home decor.
  • Terracotta planters are a great way to add a natural element to your space. Choose from a range of colors and patterns to match your home decor.
  • Reclaimed Wood Planters: Reclaimed wood planters are a great way to add a unique touch to your space. Choose from a range of woods and finishes to match your home decor.
  • Spherical Planters: Spherical planters are a great way to add a modern touch to your space. Choose from a range of materials such as glass or metal to match your home decor.
  • Self-Watering Planters: Self-watering planters are a great way to add a convenient touch to your space. Choose from a range of materials such as plastic or ceramic to match your home decor.

By choosing the right planter and hanging it in the perfect spot, you can enjoy the many benefits of having plants in your home, from improved air quality to enhanced decor.What are some clever ways to hang plants in a small bathroom?
Use hooks to hang plant holders on a towel bar, place a plant in a wall-mounted basket, or drape vines over the edge of a mirror.

How can I add greenery to a sloped ceiling?
Hang a plant directly from the ceiling to create a focal point and highlight the unique ceiling shape.

What types of planters are best for hanging plants?
Consider ceramic, wooden, macrame, woven, geometric, concrete, rustic, terracotta, reclaimed wood, spherical, or self-watering planters.

Can plants thrive in hanging baskets?
Yes, hanging baskets are a great option for small plants that do not require frequent watering, such as succulents.

How can I hang plants from a curtain rod?
Secure the plant hanger to the curtain rod using a hook, ensuring the plant can handle the light and the curtain rod can support the weight.

What are the benefits of hanging plants?
Hanging plants improve air quality, add visual interest, and can make a space feel larger and more inviting.

Are there ways to hang plants over a window?
Yes, you can use a curtain rod or hooks to hang plants in front of a window, creating a natural window curtain.

Can I create a plant wall using hanging planters?
Yes, by using multiple hanging planters, you can create a beautiful and functional plant wall.

What kind of plants are ideal for hanging?
Trailing plants, succulents, and air plants are often ideal for hanging as they can tolerate drying out between waterings and thrive in indirect light or hanging conditions.

How do I choose the right planter to hang?
Select a planter that matches your decor style and consider the plant’s specific needs in terms of drainage, size, and weight.

Saad Iqbal is a professional civil engineering and freelance write. He's passionate about structures, construction management, and home improvement topics. He's been working as a Senior Engineer in a consultant firm for over 8 years. Besides he loves writing informative and in-depth content focused on construction and home-related topics. You can catch him at his linkedin page or reach out via our contact us page.

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