10 Indoor Plant Shelf Ideas to Make More Space for Green

Hanging Plant Shelf

This eight-foot-long hanging plant shelf from @styled_by_christine is suspended from the ceiling with eye hooks.

A hanging plant shelf is a great option if you’ve got limited space but still want to fill your room with beautiful greenery. This type of shelf can be hung anywhere. But near a window, as seen here, gives the plants optimal light without taking up wall space.

Tiered Plant Shelf

This tall, narrow eight-tiered shelf squeezes into tight spaces like the bathroom, a small bedroom or an unused corner. Made from solid wood, happy reviewers say it’s sturdy with straightforward assembly.

Ladder Plant Shelf

All you need is an old ladder to create a distinctive plant shelf like this one by @under.the.leaves. Place wood planks on each rung, using gradually shorter lengths as you near the top. Then sand and stain the wood shelves and the ladder. Add your favorite potted plants and watch your babies grow!

Plant Shelf with Propagation Station

This wall-mounted shelf made by @myprettyplantyplace displays plants and works as a plant propagation station. The bottom row of glass tubes hold propagates that will eventually be planted in soil.

Hexagon Plant Shelf

Hexagon plant shelves, like these from @frecklesandfiddles, hold your plants and add modern geometric design to your décor. You can easily make hexagon shelves yourself, but if you prefer two-day shipping to DIY projects, you can also find similar styles online.

Media Center Plant Shelf

You might already have a usable shelf without even knowing it! Turn an existing piece of furniture into a plant shelf, like @interiors.by.bec did with this media shelving unit. Arrange plants on the shelves, then mix in other objects liked framed art and vases to add dimension.

Bedroom Plant Shelf

Is the wall above your bed blank and boring? Add a long shelf like @krisreneeautho! She purchased a long piece of wood from The Home Depot, spray-painted it white, then attached it to the wall with heavy-duty shelf brackets. Use a stud finder to ensure the brackets can support the weight of multiple plants.

Bookshelf Plant Shelf

Here’s another easy way to display plants, no shelf-hanging required: Use a regular bookshelf but swap out the books for plants. Keep the look cohesive by using matching pots, as seen here in this example from @alamdalamrumah. Or if you prefer a more eclectic look, go wild with pots in different colors, shapes and sizes.

Window Plant Shelf

Give any small, ordinary window a makeover with plant shelves! @kelseysigarsdesigns decided to transform this transplanted garage window by attaching two scraps of wood directly to the window frame. And voilà! What once was an eyesore is now a pretty plant display and herb garden with plenty of sunshine.

Floating Plant Shelf

For the minimalist plant-lover, check out these sleek, round floating shelves. Each circular shelf is made from red oak. It can hold up to three pounds if hung with wall anchors, and up to eight pounds if attached to a wall stud. Experiment with different arrangements to make your perfect modern plant display.

FAQs

What are the best materials for DIY plant shelves?

“I’d go with some kind of solid wood, like pine or oak for plant shelves,” says wood and shelving expert Tony Korish. “You could use cedar too, but the scent might be a bit much indoors. Wood is easy to cut down to size, which will be difficult if you go with metal or plastic options.”

Can I make DIY plant shelves on a budget?

Yes! Plant shelves are easy and affordable to build. “Any home improvement store like Menards, Home Depot, or Lowes will have nice pieces of pine and oak for you to choose from,” says Korish. “You can pick up some boards and trim them down to size. Some of these stores will even cut the boards for you if you ask.” Then it’s simply a matter of locating the studs and attaching your shelf to the wall.

About the Expert

• Tony Korish is a wood expert and owner of Forever Joint Tops, a butcher block company offering butcher blocks, shelving, kitchen islands and more. With more than two decades of experience in woodworking and a passion for American hardwoods, Tony has established a company known for its craftsmanship, reliability, and dedication to quality.