Where to Put Plants in Your House: 10 Ideas

Wondering where to put plants in your house to add life and beauty without clutter? These 10 stylish indoor plant placement ideas will help you create a cozy, fresh, and inviting space in every room—from kitchens and bathrooms to bedrooms and bookshelves.

Why Indoor Plants Matter in Home Design

I love fresh flowers, but I don’t love the upkeep or cost. And with temperatures soaring into the 100’s, I recently decided to move the majority of my potted plants from my porch into my home. Though it took us a little while to find places for all of them that I loved, it made me regret not doing it sooner. Having a little green life in the home is such a bonus, and the plants sure are happier.

Update: see my favorite easy care indoor houseplants here.

Where to Put Plants in the House

Now there is no rocket science to these ideas. In fact, most of them are rather simple and standard… but it took us a while to find them all, and I wanted you to be able to benefit from our brainstorming. 😉  Oh, and please don’t judge the condition of my plants and leaves; most are in need of love (remember, I rescued them from the blazing heat of August!).

So without further ado (I love that phrase, have you noticed?), here are 10 places to put indoor plants:

10. Add Greenery to Bookshelves and Cabinets for Color and Movement

Bookshelves aren’t just for books. Cabinets aren’t just for papers. A trailing vine or upright leafy plant adds contrast and visual interest, helping your shelf styling feel more collected and organic.

9. Style Entryway Tables or Consoles with Plants for a Welcoming Look

A small potted plant near your front door sets the tone for your whole home. Try combining greenery with a mirror or lamp for an easy, balanced vignette.

8. Use Plant Stands to Highlight Plants as Decor

Elevating plants on a stand—especially next to furniture or in a hallway—lets them shine as part of your room design. It’s a great way to make even simple plants feel intentional and styled.

7. Put Plants on Bathroom Counters for a Spa-Like Vibe

Yes, plants can thrive in bathrooms! In fact, it’s the best place for some of them. Low-light lovers like ferns or pothos are perfect for adding life and softness to hard surfaces in small bathrooms or powder rooms. And moisture-loving plants can thrive in the humid environment.

6. Put Plants in Corners to Soften Hard Edges

A large floor plant or tree in an empty corner is one of the best ways to warm up a room. It draws the eye upward and fills space without clutter.

5. Tuck Plants beside Windows or onto Window Sills for Healthy Light Exposure

For light-loving plants, a window or sill is classic plant real estate. It’s an easy way to let them thrive in direct sunlight and add beauty at eye level, even for little ones.

4. Place Plants on Open Shelving for a Soft, Layered Look

Open shelves are the perfect place to tuck a little greenery into your space. Whether in the kitchen, office, or living room, plants break up the hard lines of books and decor for a more relaxed, organic look.

3. Place Plants on a Desk to Boost Mood and Productivity

Your desk is a great place to put indoor plants—especially if you work from home. A small plant or two adds life and calm to your workspace, helping reduce stress and increase focus. Try a low-maintenance variety like a philodendron or small succulent for a touch of greenery that doesn’t demand too much attention.

2. Try a Plant Beside the Bed for a Calming Touch

Placing plants in your bedroom adds texture and peace. A leafy green or even a tall cactus near the nightstand can soften your space and create a restful atmosphere.

1. Try a Hanging Plant to Maximize Vertical Space

Short on square footage? Hanging plants from the ceiling or wall hooks can bring in that lush feeling without taking up valuable floor or surface space. In this case, I used a succulent wreath (yes, with real succulents!) and a wreath hanger.

How to Care for Indoor Plants (Wherever You Put Them)

Once you know where to put plants in your house, the next step is keeping them happy and thriving! Here are a few simple tips to help you care for indoor plants in any room:

Light Requirements

Most houseplants thrive in indirect light, but every plant is different. Place sun-loving varieties like succulents or fiddle leaf figs or spider plants near bright windows, and opt for low-light plants like pothos, ZZ plants, or snake plants in rooms with limited sunlight. Group plants according to their amount of light preference.

Watering Basics

Avoid overwatering! A good rule of thumb is to check the potting soil before watering—most indoor plants prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. Not overwatering also helps avoid pests. Plants in bright, dry areas may need more frequent watering than those in humid spaces like bathrooms. Choose pots with a drainage hole, and be sure to protect your surfaces with plant trays.

Humidity and Temperature

Keep your plants away from drafts, heating vents, or overly cold windows. Many houseplants prefer moderate humidity, so bathrooms and kitchens can actually be great spots for moisture-loving varieties.

Rotate and Repot

Rotate your plants every few weeks so they grow evenly toward the light. And don’t forget to repot them when they outgrow their containers—typically every 1–2 years.

Whether you need to rescue your plants from the elements or you just want to capitalize on the seasonal sales at your local nursery, hopefully this will inspire you to bring a little life into your home.