Artificial Plant Next to the Sofa: Which One Should You Choose?

The spot next to the sofa is one of the most popular locations for a plant in the home. It creates coziness, adds greenery to your seating area, and completes the space. But which artificial plant fits best next to your sofa? In this guide, we'll help you make the perfect choice.

Why an Artificial Plant Next to the Sofa?

The Benefits

Creating Atmosphere

A plant next to the sofa makes your seating area warmer and more inviting.

Visual Balance

A plant brings equilibrium to the space, especially if there's already furniture on the other side.

Greenery at Eye Level

When you're sitting on the sofa, the plant is nearby and adds greenery to your immediate surroundings.

Flexible Placement

The spot next to the sofa is usually free – no traffic flow issues.

Why Artificial?

No Maintenance Required

You don't have to get up to water or check if the plant is getting light.

Consistently Beautiful

No withered leaves or lopsided stems.

Safe for Pets

No toxic plants next to where your cat likes to sleep.

What Size Works?

Size Guidelines

Next to a Low Sofa (seat height <45 cm):

• Ideal plant height: 80-120 cm
• The plant should extend above the armrest
• Not too tall (it would overshadow the seating area)

Next to a High Sofa (seat height >45 cm):

• Ideal plant height: 100-150 cm
• Slightly taller to remain proportional
• Maximum at eye level when standing

Next to a Corner Sofa:

• Depending on the corner: 100-180 cm
• Fill the empty corner without dominating
• Consider a larger plant

Width Matters Too

Narrow Space Next to Sofa:

• Choose a slender plant (dracaena, sansevieria)
• Max. 50 cm wide
• Vertical rather than full

Spacious Spot Next to Sofa:

• Fuller plants possible (ficus, palm)
• Up to 80 cm wide
• More presence

Top 10 Artificial Plants Next to the Sofa

1. Artificial Dracaena

Why Perfect: Slender, elegant, fits any style. Height: 100-180 cm Suits: Modern, Scandinavian, and minimalist interiors. Note: Choose a variety with a full crown.

2. Artificial Ficus Lyrata

Why Perfect: Large, graphic leaves draw attention. Height: 100-150 cm Suits: Modern and Scandinavian interiors. Note: Needs some width.

3. Artificial Palm (Areca or Kentia)

Why Perfect: Tropical vibe, delicate leaves. Height: 120-180 cm Suits: Tropical, bohemian, and modern interiors. Note: Airy and light, not too dominant.

4. Artificial Olive Tree

Why Perfect: Timeless elegance, Mediterranean atmosphere. Height: 120-180 cm Suits: Country, Mediterranean, and classic interiors. Note: Needs a sturdy trunk and full crown.

5. Artificial Monstera

Why Perfect: Trendy with recognizable leaves. Height: 80-120 cm Suits: Modern, bohemian, and tropical interiors. Note: Width can be considerable.

6. Artificial Sansevieria (Large)

Why Perfect: Vertical, space-saving, modern. Height: 80-120 cm Suits: Modern and minimalist interiors. Note: Multiple leaves for volume.

7. Artificial Banana Plant

Why Perfect: Large leaves, tropical statement. Height: 120-180 cm Suits: Tropical and bohemian interiors. Note: Takes up considerable space.

8. Artificial Philodendron

Why Perfect: Lush greenery, full appearance. Height: 80-120 cm Suits: Bohemian and modern interiors. Note: Choose larger leaf shapes next to the sofa.

9. Artificial Strelitzia

Why Perfect: Unique leaves, tropical elegance. Height: 120-180 cm Suits: Modern and tropical interiors. Note: Sculptural and distinctive.

10. Artificial Bamboo

Why Perfect: Slender, tall, zen vibe. Height: 150-200 cm Suits: Asian, modern, and minimalist interiors. Note: Very slender, can combine multiple stems.

By Sofa Type

Next to a Leather Sofa

Leather calls for warmth and balance.

Ideal Plants:

• Artificial olive tree (warmth)
• Artificial palm (freshness)
• Artificial ficus (graphic contrast)

Pot Tip: Terracotta or matte ceramic.

Next to a Fabric Sofa

Fabric is warm, the plant can be contrasting.

Ideal Plants:

• Artificial monstera (modern)
• Artificial dracaena (elegant)
• Artificial sansevieria (sleek)

Pot Tip: Match the sofa color – contrast or tone-on-tone.

Next to a Corner Sofa

The corner is the challenge.

Ideal Plants:

• Larger plant (150+ cm)
• Full crown to fill the corner
• Artificial ficus or olive tree

Pot Tip: Round or square, depending on corner finish.

Next to a Sofa Bed

Functionality is key.

Ideal Plants:

• Slender plant that doesn't get in the way
• Easy to move
• Artificial dracaena or sansevieria

Pot Tip: Not too heavy, possibly on wheels.

By Interior Style

Modern Living Room

Choose: Artificial ficus lyrata, dracaena, or sansevieria. Pot: Sleek, white or matte black. Height: 100-150 cm.

Scandinavian Living Room

Choose: Artificial palm, eucalyptus, or fern. Pot: Light wood or white ceramic. Height: 80-120 cm.

Bohemian Living Room

Choose: Artificial monstera, banana plant, or mix of plants. Pot: Basket, terracotta, or macramé hanger alongside. Height: 100-150 cm, or combination of heights.

Industrial Living Room

Choose: Large cactus, sansevieria, or dracaena. Pot: Concrete or metal. Height: 100-150 cm, sleek and graphic.

Country Living Room

Choose: Artificial olive tree, eucalyptus, or ivy. Pot: Terracotta or wicker basket. Height: 120-180 cm, full and warm.

Practical Tips

Distance from the Sofa

Ideal: 30-50 cm distance from the armrest. Too Close: The plant touches the sofa, leaves fall on cushions. Too Far: It no longer feels like part of the seating area.

Choosing the Pot

Stable: Next to the sofa gets bumped accidentally sometimes. Matching: Match with the sofa or deliberately create contrast. Practical: Not too heavy to lift when vacuuming.

Lighting

Bonus: Place an uplighter next to the plant for extra ambiance. Alternative: String lights through the branches (subtle).

Combining

With Side Table: Plant next to the sofa, small plant on side table – layered effect. With Area Rug: Make sure the plant fits on the rug, not halfway on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Large Should an Artificial Plant Next to the Sofa Be?

As a rule of thumb: the plant should extend above the armrest, but not so high that it dominates the space. Usually 80-150 cm is ideal, depending on your ceiling height.

Which Artificial Plant Suits a Gray Sofa?

Almost any green artificial plant looks beautiful with gray. For warmth, choose an olive tree or warm green tones. For modern contrast, choose a ficus lyrata or monstera.

Can I Place Multiple Plants Next to the Sofa?

Yes, but keep it organized. One large plant usually works better than many small ones. If you combine: vary in height and keep the same pot style.

What Do I Do with a Narrow Space Next to the Sofa?

Choose a slender, vertical plant like a dracaena or sansevieria. These take up little floor space but still add greenery.

How Do I Prevent the Plant from Tipping Over?

Choose a pot with a wide base and sufficient weight. For tall plants, a heavier pot or some pebbles at the bottom helps. Also maintain 30 cm distance from the sofa.

Conclusion

An artificial plant next to the sofa is one of the easiest ways to add greenery to your living room. With the right size, the right type, and a suitable pot, you create a cozy seating area that always looks inviting.

The Key Tips:

Choose a height of 80-150 cm (depending on your sofa)

Match the plant style with your interior

Maintain 30-50 cm distance from the sofa

Invest in a stable, beautiful pot

Consider ambient lighting for extra effect

With the right artificial plant next to your sofa, your living room feels more complete – without the hassle of maintenance.

View our artificial plant collection for the perfect addition next to your sofa.