Everyone knows that hanging plants instantly makes a home feel more inviting. Those pots of joy are fairly inexpensive (sometimes), add color, soften empty corners, and bring life to spaces that might otherwise feel like something was missing. But if you’ve ever bought a beautiful trailing plant home only to watch it seemingly cling desperately to life a few weeks later, chances are it wasn’t the plant; it was the placement.
Choosing the best place to hang indoor plants isn’t just about what looks good. It’s about light, humidity, placement, as well as how you move through a room. They all play a role in helping your plants thrive.
Whether you’re decorating a small apartment, renting your home, or simply looking for smarter ways to hang plants indoors, this guide will help you find the perfect spot for every room.
- What Is the Best Place to Hang Indoor Plants?
- Choose the Best Place to Hang Indoor Plants Based on Light
- Where to Hang Plants Indoors, Room by Room
- Ways to Hang Plants Indoors Without Damaging Your Home
- The Best House Plants for Hanging Baskets
- 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Hanging Indoor Plants
- Quick Wins: Easy Ways to Decorate with Hanging Plants
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Hang Plants Indoor & Create an Indoor Jungle
What Is the Best Place to Hang Indoor Plants?
The best place to hang indoor plants is as close to a window with bright, indirect sunlight. So the plant receives enough natural light. All without blocking walkways or making the room feel crowded.
The ideal location also depends on the plant’s light needs, the type of room, and whether the plant will be supported.
Thinking about all of these factors first will save you from constantly moving plants around later.
Before hanging any plant, ask yourself:
- How much natural light does this area receive?
- Will the plant have room to grow?
- Can I easily water and maintain it?
- Will the hook be strong enough for a fully watered plant?
- Will it interfere with people walking through the room?
Choose the Best Place to Hang Indoor Plants Based on Light
Light is the most important thing when deciding where to hang plants indoors. Even the most beautiful display won’t last if your plants don’t receive the right amount of sunlight.
These are the sweet spots for many of the most popular indoor hanging plants.
Bright, Indirect Light
These spots give out plenty of light without exposing leaves to harsh afternoon sun:
- Besides east-facing windows
- A few feet back from south-facing windows
- In a bright living room corners
- By a large window with sheer curtains
Trailing varieties create the cascading look most people picture when they think of indoor hanging plants. Some of the best house plants for bright, indirect light:
- Pothos
- String of Pearls
- Hoya
- Philodendron Brasil
- Burro’s Tail
Medium Light
Not every room has floor-to-ceiling windows, and that’s perfectly fine. Medium-light spaces like these can work perfectly fine.
- Dining rooms
- Home offices
- Hallways with nearby windows
- Bedrooms
These plants still appreciate natural light but are generally more forgiving if the room isn’t especially bright.
- Spider Plant
- Tradescantia
- English Ivy
- Heartleaf Philodendron
Low-Light Areas
Most houses and apartments have a couple of corners that never seem to get much sunlight. While some plants tolerate lower light better than others, no plant truly thrives in complete darkness.
If you want to add some plants to a space with a limited amount of natural light:
- ZZ Plant
- Heartleaf Philodendron
- Golden Pothos
- Cast Iron Plant
If the space has no natural light at all, like a windowless bathroom or hallway, then a realistic faux plant may actually look better than struggling to keep a live plant alive.
Another option is adding a small LED grow light, which can dramatically improve growing conditions while remaining discreet.
Where to Hang Plants Indoors, Room by Room
Every room has a different purpose than the next. So your plants and their placement should also reflect how the space is used.
Living Room
The living room is often the easiest place to let your indoor house plants’ aesthetic show because it usually receives the most natural light.
Try hanging plants:
- Besides large windows
- In unused ceiling corners
- Above a reading chair
- Next to and on floating shelves
- In and around a bookcase for layered height
Trailing plants like pothos and philodendrons naturally soften furniture and sharp lines.Helping a room feel cozy without taking up precious floor space.
If your living room is small, hanging plants draw the eye upward, making ceilings appear taller and the room feel larger.
Kitchen
The kitchen is an overlooked room when it comes to wanting to decorate with plants. It is an incredibly practical space for plants of all sizes and shapes, but some of the best places are:
- Above the sink
- Near a sunny window
- On a hanging rail
- In breakfast nook corners
This is also the perfect place to grow herbs like basil, mint, oregano, or thyme, keeping fresh ingredients within easy reach while adding greenery to the room.
Don’t have a sunny kitchen window?
A smart indoor garden like the Click & Grow Smart Garden lets you grow fresh herbs year-round with built-in grow lights and automatic watering, making it a great option for apartments or kitchens with limited natural light
Love bringing nature into your kitchen? These green kitchen cabinet ideas pair beautifully with indoor plants and can help create a fresh, timeless look.
Bedroom
Hanging Plants in bedrooms takes on a more calm and minimal look. Instead of filling every corner with greenery, choose one or two statement plants, in strategic places like:
- Near a bright window
- Above a bedside reading nook
- In an empty corner beside a dresser
Trailing plants soften a room without looking too busy, making them perfect for smaller bedrooms.
A simple display makes plant care easier and prevents the space from feeling overcrowded.
Bathroom
Bathrooms are surprisingly good homes for many plants, especially tropical ones, because of the extra humidity.
Great bathroom hanging plants include:
- Boston Fern
- Pothos
- Air Plants
- Orchids
- Spider Plants
Hang them near a window whenever possible to give them enough natural light.
If your bathroom doesn’t have a window, realistic faux plants are often a better long-term solution unless you’re willing to add a compact grow light or install a sunlight.
Home Office
Adding greenery to a workspace can instantly make it feel warmer and more inviting. Hanging plants in a way that you can enjoy them but doesn’t disrupt your work:
- Above floating shelves
- Beside your desk window
- In unused ceiling corners
- Next to storage cabinets
This keeps desk space free while introducing texture and color to make working from home more enjoyable.
For small offices and multipurpose rooms, combining hanging plants with vertical shelving creates a stylish display without sacrificing functionality.
If you’re decorating a compact workspace, you’ll also want to avoid these small home office design mistakes that can make the room feel cramped and less functional.
Ways to Hang Plants Indoors Without Damaging Your Home
One of the biggest worries about hanging plants in your home, especially for renters, is how to hang plants safely without leaving permanent damage behind.
Fortunately, there are several options depending on your home and the weight of your plants.
Ceiling Hooks
For homeowners, ceiling hooks anchored into a ceiling joist provide the strongest and safest support.
Always check the combined weight of the pot, soil, water, and fully grown plant before installation.
Perfect for:
- Large trailing plants
- Heavy ceramic pots
- Mature hanging baskets
Command Hooks
If you’re renting, Command hooks can be an excellent option for lightweight plants. Just make sure you follow the weight limits and avoid using them for heavy ceramic pots.
They’re great for:
- Small pothos
- Air plants
- Mini hanging baskets
- Lightweight plastic planters
Renting your home? Don’t worry, you don’t have to drill into your walls or ceiling. Check out these renter-friendly ways to hang plants indoors for easy, damage-free ideas that are perfect for apartments and temporary spaces.
Tension Rods
A tension rod inside a window frame is one of the easiest renter-friendly solutions. Simply hang lightweight plants from S-hooks to create a beautiful window garden without drilling any holes.
Wall Brackets
Wall-mounted brackets are a decorative alternative to ceiling hooks that still allow you to position plants exactly where you want them and where they’ll receive the best light.
A great way to create a layered display with artwork, mirrors, or floating shelves.
The Best House Plants for Hanging Baskets
Not every plant is suited to hanging baskets. The best ones have trailing vines, are fast growers, compact growth, or naturally arching foliage that looks beautiful from above.
| Plant | Light Needs | Beginner Friendly | Pet Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pothos | Bright, indirect light | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🚫 |
| Spider Plant | Bright to medium light | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 👍 |
| Heartleaf Philodendron | Medium to bright indirect light | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🚫 |
| Hoya | Bright, indirect light | 🌱🌱🌱🌱 | Mostly* |
| String of Pearls | Bright light | 🌱🌱🌱 | 🚫 |
| Boston Fern | Medium to bright indirect light | 🌱🌱🌱 | 👍 |
| English Ivy | Bright, indirect light | 🌱🌱🌱 | 🚫 |
| Tradescantia | Bright, indirect light | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🚫 |
*Always check the specific variety if you have pets.
If you’re just starting, a Spider Plant, Pothos, or Heartleaf Philodendron is a top choice. They’re not dramatic, fast-growing, and instantly quickly become lush and cascading. Everything you want in your stunning indoor hanging plants
You’ll love this if... you’re new to houseplants: A self-watering hanging planter can help prevent overwatering and make maintenance much easier during busy weeks.
7 Mistakes to Avoid When Hanging Indoor Plants
Even healthy plants can struggle if they’re placed in the wrong location. Try to avoid these common mistakes to keep your indoor garden looking it’s best.
- 1. Hanging Plants Too Low
- Plants that hang at eye level in busy walkways can make a room feel cramped and become a daily obstacle. Plus, being constantly disturbed and brushed up against isn’t great for the plants. Instead, hang plants high enough to allow free movement while still enjoying their trailing foliage.
- 2. Blocking Natural Light
- It’s tempting to fill every window with greenery, but large plants can end up shading each other. Leave enough space for sunlight to reach all your plants, especially during winter when daylight hours are shorter.
- 3. Forgetting How Big the Plant Will Grow
- A small nursery plant can double or even triple in size within a year (or less). Before deciding on the best place to hang indoor plants, imagine how long the vines will become. Leave room for future growth so you won’t need to relocate the plant later.
- 4. Overloading Ceiling Hooks
- Always remember that a freshly watered plant weighs much more than dry soil alone. For heavy ceramic pots or mature plants, use a ceiling hook secured into a ceiling joist or use the right type of anchor. Decorative adhesive hooks should only be used for lightweight planters.
- 5. Choosing Style Over Plant Health
- That dark corner may look perfect in photos, but most live plants won’t thrive there. If the location lacks natural light, either add a grow light or opt for a high-quality faux plant instead.
- 6. Making Watering Difficult
- One of the easiest ways to neglect a plant is by placing it somewhere that’s awkward to reach.
- Think about how you’ll water it before installing the hook. Most people prefer taking hanging plants down to water them over a sink or shower, letting the excess water drain completely before rehanging.
- 7. Hanging Plants Above Electronics
- Avoid placing plants directly above televisions, computers, or other electronics where excess water could drip during watering. Instead, position them slightly to the side for the same visual impact with much less risk.
Quick Wins: Easy Ways to Decorate with Hanging Plants
Now for some inpiration her are some simple Ideas that will make a big difference. These ideas are budget-friendly, renter-friendly, and perfect for small homes.
Create a Window Garden
Hang two or three plants at different heights in front of a bright window to make the most of natural light without taking up shelf space.
Fill an Empty Corner
An e:pty corner wall instantly feels finished and designed with one statement hanging plant, especially if paired with a floor plant underneath for added height and texture.
Mix Hanging Plants with Shelves
Combine floating shelves with trailing plants for a layered display that adds depth and a pop of color. Nothing beats the pop of green that plants add to a room.
Want even more inspiration? These creative ways to style a wall with plants will help you turn a blank wall into a beautiful feature.
Use Matching Planters
Choosing pots in similar colors or materials creates a more polished, cohesive look, even if your plant collection includes different varieties.
Hang Herbs in the Kitchen
Fresh basil, parsley, mint, and thyme look beautiful while keeping your favorite cooking ingredients close at hand.
Add Texture with Macramé Hangers
Macramé hangers are very popular for a reason. They add a cool, boho vibe that isn’t limited to any particular direction of home styling.
Style Around Mirrors
Positioning hanging plants near mirrors reflects that greenery around the room, giving the impression that you have more plants than you actually do. Making your space look larger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should hanging plants be placed indoors?
The best location is near a bright window with indirect sunlight. Choose a spot where the plant receives enough light without blocking walkways or natural light.
Can you hang plants without drilling?
Of course. Lightweight plants can often be hung using removable adhesive hooks, tension rods, over-the-door hooks, or freestanding plant stands with hanging arms. But always check the weight limits before hanging any planter.
How high should hanging plants be?
Aim to keep the bottom of the planter about 6½ to 7 feet above the floor in walkways. In seating areas, hanging them slightly lower creates a cozy, layered look while keeping them out of the way.
What are the easiest hanging plants for beginners?
Some of the best house plants for beginners are adaptable, easy to maintain, and grow well in many indoor environments.
- Pothos
- Spider Plant
- Heartleaf Philodendron
- Hoya
- Tradescantia
What’s the best place to hang indoor plants in a small apartment?
In small apartments, prioritize vertical space. Windows, empty corners, kitchen sinks, floating shelves, and ceiling corners are all excellent choices. Hanging plants draw the eye upward, making rooms feel larger while keeping valuable floor space clear.
Hang Plants Indoor & Create an Indoor Jungle
Finding the best place to hang indoor plants is about more than making your home look really cool and polished.. It’s about creating the perfect environment for both your plants so they continue to look amazing.
Start by matching each plant to the available light, then think about the room’s purpose, ceiling height, and how you’ll care for the plant over time. Even one well-placed hanging basket can brighten a small apartment, soften a home office, or bring life to an empty corner.
It doesn’t matter if you’re using ceiling hooks, renter-friendly solutions, or stylish plant stands; the right placement is what will make your indoor plants thrive. Making your home feel greener, calmer, and more inviting.
The best part? You don’t need dozens of plants or a huge budget. A few thoughtfully chosen hanging plants can completely transform the look and feel of your space.