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The living room is the heart of your home – the place where you relax, welcome guests, and spend time with family. It's also the space where artificial plants make the most impact. From an impressive tree in the corner to small accents on the windowsill: in this complete styling guide, you'll discover how to transform your living room with greenery that never fades.
Why artificial plants are perfect for the living room
The benefits in this space
Consistently beautifulYour living room is always on display. Artificial plants look equally good every day – no yellowed leaves or drooping stems for unexpected visitors.
Flexible placementDark corners, spots far from the window, next to the radiator – artificial plants thrive everywhere.
No messNo fallen leaves, no water rings, no soil on your floor.
One-time investmentA good artificial plant lasts 10-15 years. No replacement needed.
The challenges of real plants in the living room
Real plants in the living room are trickier than they seem:
- Heating dries out the air
- Not every spot has sufficient light
- Large plants are expensive and fragile
- Maintenance takes time
- Pets can damage plants (or vice versa)
The perfect spots for artificial plants
In the corner
The classic spot for a large plant.
Why it works:- Fills empty space
- Creates vertical interest
- Draws the eye without being in the way
- Artificial olive tree (Mediterranean, elegant)
- Artificial ficus lyrata (modern, graphic)
- Artificial palm (tropical, airy)
- Artificial dracaena (slender, space-saving)
- Choose a plant of at least 150 cm
- Ensure a beautiful pot that matches your interior
- Leave 50 cm of space around the plant
Next to the sofa
A plant next to your sofa adds atmosphere to the seating area.
Why it works:- Creates a cozy corner
- Brings greenery close by
- Completes the seating area
- Medium-height plant (80-120 cm)
- Not too wide (shouldn't be in the way)
- Calming varieties
- Choose a plant that doesn't hang over the sofa
- Ensure you can reach it to sit down
- Consider a side table with a smaller plant
On the windowsill
The traditional plant spot.
Why it works:- Natural association with plants
- Makes use of otherwise empty space
- Plays with the light
- Small plants (20-40 cm)
- Succulents and cacti
- Compact foliage plants
- Vary in height for interest
- Choose odd numbers (3, 5, 7)
- With wide windowsills: larger plants possible
On the bookshelf
Greenery among your books.
Why it works:- Breaks up monotony
- Adds life
- Unexpected accent
- Small plants or minis
- Trailing plants that fall over the edge
- Succulents
- Distribute across different shelves
- Combine with other decor
- Let the plant fill the space, not dominate
On the table as centerpiece
A green focal point on your coffee table.
Why it works:- Creates a focal point
- Adds greenery at eye level
- Easy to change
- Small compositions
- Succulents in a bowl
- Small flowering plant
- Not too tall (should be able to talk over it)
- Stable pot (knocking over would be a shame)
- Combine with candles or other decor
As room divider
Plants as spatial separation.
Why it works:- Defines zones without walls
- Creates privacy
- Adds greenery with function
- Multiple tall plants in a row
- Large plant in strategic spot
- Combination of heights
- Consider planters on wheels
- Choose full plants for privacy
- Combine with other elements
By interior style
Modern living room
Characteristics: Clean lines, neutral colors, minimalist Ideal artificial plants:- Artificial monstera (graphic leaves)
- Artificial ficus lyrata (sculptural)
- Artificial sansevieria (vertical, sleek)
- Choose one statement plant
- Sleek, white or black pot
- Less is more
Scandinavian living room
Characteristics: Light, natural, cozy Ideal artificial plants:- Artificial eucalyptus (soft colors)
- Artificial ferns (fresh green)
- Small hanging plants
- Light, natural pots
- Combine with wood
- Soft, fresh green tones
Bohemian living room
Characteristics: Lots of texture, patterns, plants Ideal artificial plants:- Mix of varieties
- Hanging plants in macramé
- Tropical plants
- More is more (but intentional)
- Terracotta and rattan pots
- Combine with real plants
Industrial living room
Characteristics: Raw, metal, concrete Ideal artificial plants:- Large statement plant as contrast
- Cacti
- Sleek foliage plants
- Concrete or metal pots
- Plant as counterbalance to raw materials
- Fewer varieties, greater impact
Country living room
Characteristics: Warm, welcoming, traditional Ideal artificial plants:- Artificial olive tree
- Artificial ivy
- Flowering plants
- Terracotta or wicker pots
- Warm green tones
- Traditional varieties
Choosing the right size
Rules of thumb for the living room
Ceiling height 2.40m:- Maximum plant height: 160 cm
- Ideal for corner: 120-150 cm
- Next to sofa: 80-100 cm
- Maximum plant height: 180 cm
- Ideal for corner: 150-180 cm
- Next to sofa: 100-120 cm
- Maximum plant height: 200+ cm
- Ideal for corner: 180-220 cm
- Next to sofa: 100-150 cm
Small living room (<20 m²)
Tips:- Choose one medium-sized plant instead of many small ones
- Use vertical space (tall, slender plant)
- Consider hanging plants
- Avoid plants that are too wide
Large living room (>30 m²)
Tips:- Multiple plant clusters
- At least one large statement plant
- Distribute greenery throughout the space
- Create zones with plants
Popular combinations
The classic corner
- 1 large tree (150-180 cm) in the corner
- 1 small plant on side table
- Optional succulents on windowsill
The green wall
- Row of plants along one wall
- Varying in height
- Combination of floor-standing and hanging
The scattered green look
- 1 medium-sized plant by the sofa
- 1 small plant on bookshelf
- 1 composition on coffee table
- Optional: hanging plant by the window
Maintaining artificial plants in the living room
Weekly
- Quick dusting with feather duster
- Check if plants are standing upright
Monthly
- Wipe leaves with damp cloth
- Clean pot and base
Quarterly
- Thorough cleaning
- Refresh position if desired
- Check for wear
Frequently asked questions
How many artificial plants fit in a living room?
That depends on the size and your style. As a rule of thumb: 1 large plant per 20 m², supplemented with smaller accents. In a bohemian interior, more is fine; in a minimalist interior, less.
Which artificial plant makes the most impression?
A large artificial olive tree or artificial ficus lyrata in the corner. These plants are large enough to make an impact and have a timeless appearance.
Can I combine artificial plants with real ones?
Absolutely. Place real plants in the best spots (lots of light) and artificial ones in the trickier spots. No one will see the difference with good quality.
Are artificial plants safe for pets?
Yes, they're not toxic. However, watch that pets don't chew on the plants – this damages the plant and can cause irritation from the materials.
Where should I not place artificial plants?
Directly next to the radiator (can cause deformation) and in full sunlight (fades colors). Otherwise, artificial plants can be placed anywhere.
Conclusion
The living room is the perfect space for artificial plants. From an impressive tree in the corner to small accents scattered throughout the space – with the right choices, you'll transform your living room into a green oasis.
The key tips:With artificial plants, you enjoy greenery every day – without worries, without maintenance, without disappointment.
View our artificial plants collection for the perfect living room plants.
