Hanging planters have become an increasingly popular choice for both seasoned plant lovers and beginner decorators. Their unique ability to utilize vertical space makes them ideal for homes with limited square footage or for anyone looking to add a dynamic visual element to a space. Whether you’re decorating a cozy studio apartment, a sun-drenched porch, or a spacious backyard, hanging planters offer flexibility and aesthetic appeal.
What makes hanging planters so versatile is their adaptability to different interior styles and outdoor settings. From bohemian macramé hangers to sleek modern ceramic pots, there is a hanging planter for every decor taste. Even better, they can be functional too, especially when used to grow herbs, succulents, or air-purifying houseplants.
In this guide, we’ll explore 17 stylish hanging planter ideas suited for every corner of your home—indoors and out. Whether you want to craft your own DIY planter or invest in a beautifully designed option, there’s plenty here to inspire your green thumb.
Why Choose Hanging Planters?
One of the biggest advantages of hanging planters is how they maximize space. In smaller homes or apartments, floor and counter space can be limited. Hanging your plants frees up valuable surface areas while still allowing you to enjoy the beauty and health benefits of greenery. This is particularly helpful in kitchens, bathrooms, or tiny balconies where every inch counts.
Another benefit is the vertical interest they add to any room. While traditional potted plants tend to be at eye-level or lower, hanging plants draw the eye upward, creating a more dynamic and layered aesthetic. This can make a space feel more finished and thoughtfully designed. Grouping multiple hanging planters together can even mimic the effect of an art installation.
Finally, hanging planters often make for easier plant maintenance. When placed at an accessible height, watering and pruning become simpler tasks. They also tend to be safer from pets and small children, which is an added bonus for many households.
I: Indoor Hanging Planter Ideas
1. Macramé Hanging Planters
Macramé hanging planters are a staple in boho and eclectic interiors. Made from knotted cords, these planters add texture and charm while holding small to medium-sized pots. They’re especially effective when used with trailing plants like pothos, string of hearts, or ivy, which cascade down the length of the rope.
You can find macramé hangers in various designs and colors, from neutral tones to vibrant hues. Many are handmade, adding a touch of artisan appeal to your decor. Their flexibility also means you can adjust the hanging height with ease, making them suitable for almost any room.
Try hanging them in corners or near windows where natural light streams in. They’re perfect for bedrooms, bathrooms, and even home offices, offering a soft, organic element that balances out modern decor.
2. Wall-Mounted Hanging Planters
Wall-mounted hanging planters are ideal for tight spaces where traditional planters just won’t fit. These planters are affixed directly to the wall, either with hooks, nails, or special mounting systems. They can be used to create a living wall effect that doubles as a statement art piece.
Choose between minimalist ceramic wall pockets, wire baskets, or even mounted wooden frames with built-in pots. When arranged in clusters, they create visual rhythm and interest. They’re also a clever solution for narrow hallways or empty vertical surfaces.
Fill them with hardy indoor plants like snake plants, ferns, or philodendrons. These plants thrive in indoor conditions and require minimal upkeep, making your vertical garden both beautiful and low-maintenance.
3. Window Hanging Planters
If you’re short on space but have plenty of sunlight, window hanging planters are a smart solution. These planters are designed to hang in front of your windows using suction cups, hooks, or tension rods. They allow you to take advantage of natural light without sacrificing counter space.
These setups are especially useful for growing herbs like basil, mint, or parsley, which require good sunlight and regular watering. They’re also an excellent choice for succulents and small flowering plants that add color and life to your kitchen or bathroom.
Consider arranging multiple planters at varying heights for a waterfall effect. This creates visual interest and makes your windows feel like part of your indoor garden.
4. Ceiling-Hung Ceramic Planters
For a sleek and modern look, ceiling-hung ceramic planters are a top pick. These often come with clean lines and neutral tones, making them ideal for contemporary spaces. Suspended from the ceiling using cords, chains, or rods, they bring greenery into eye-catching positions.
Use them in living rooms, bedrooms, or offices to break up straight lines and hard surfaces. Their simple, elegant design allows the plant to take center stage. White or matte-black ceramic finishes work particularly well in minimalist or Scandinavian interiors.
These planters pair beautifully with lush, vibrant green plants like ferns or spider plants. Group a few together at different heights for a curated, gallery-like look.
5. Reclaimed Wood Shelf Planters
Reclaimed wood shelf planters are an ideal blend of rustic charm and practicality. These hanging shelves hold multiple small pots and are usually suspended with rope, chain, or macramé cords. They’re a great choice for plant lovers who want to display several species in one area.
This idea works especially well in kitchens or living rooms, where you can easily admire your mini garden. The wood adds warmth to the decor, and the layered structure of the shelves creates depth and variety.
Customize the shelves to your liking with wood stains or paint. Mix plant types—like succulents, trailing vines, and upright herbs—for a lively and textured arrangement.
II: Outdoor Hanging Planter Ideas
6. Hanging Baskets for Porches
Hanging baskets are a classic outdoor choice, especially for front porches or patio overhangs. Typically filled with seasonal blooms like petunias, fuchsias, or geraniums, they bring color and life to exterior spaces.
Use coconut fiber liners for a rustic look and improved drainage. Metal or plastic frames are durable options that hold up well in changing weather conditions. Watering can be frequent, especially in warm climates, so consider self-watering baskets for ease.
Hang several in a row or staggered heights to create a floral curtain effect. They’re an inviting touch that makes any entrance feel more welcoming and well cared for.
7. Rail-Mounted Hanging Planters
For balconies or decks, rail-mounted hanging planters offer a convenient way to add greenery without taking up floor space. These planters hook or clamp directly onto railings, making them perfect for urban settings or small outdoor areas.
Plant a mix of colorful annuals, herbs, or even small vegetables. The elevated position ensures they get plenty of light and visibility. Many rail-mounted designs include detachable pots, which makes changing or tending to plants much easier.
Their compact profile and tidy arrangement can turn a bland railing into a green highlight. Mix and match planter colors to coordinate with outdoor furniture or seasonal themes.
8. Hanging Gutter Gardens
Turn old rain gutters into creative hanging planters for your backyard fence or patio. This upcycled idea is both eco-friendly and space-efficient. Stack multiple rows vertically using chains or ropes to create a tiered garden.
Gutter gardens are especially good for herbs, strawberries, and lettuce, which don’t require deep roots. They also allow for easy access to each level for harvesting and maintenance. Paint the gutters to match your outdoor decor or leave them weathered for a rustic look.
Mount them on a sturdy wall or fence, or suspend them from a pergola beam. This idea brings greenery to overlooked vertical surfaces and encourages creative reuse.
9. Hanging Birdcage Planters
Vintage birdcages make charming hanging planters with a whimsical touch. Whether repurposed from thrift store finds or bought new, their open design allows plants to cascade over the edges beautifully.
Line the bottom with moss or coir before adding soil and small plants like succulents, pansies, or ferns. For added effect, tuck in a small fairy light string or decorative stones to enhance the magical vibe.
Hang them from tree branches or hooks along garden paths for a delightful surprise among your blooms. These are especially popular in cottage-style gardens or romantic outdoor spaces.
10. Vertical Ladder Hanging Planters
Lean an old wooden ladder against an exterior wall and use it as a frame to hang multiple planters. Attach hooks or shelves at each rung level for a tiered garden look. This setup works well for both flowers and culinary herbs.
Paint or seal the ladder to withstand weather, and choose uniform planters for a cohesive look or mix styles for something more eclectic. Position it near a sunny wall, on a patio, or in a garden corner.
Not only does this repurpose a common object, but it also adds architectural interest to your outdoor space. It’s a great way to showcase a variety of plants in a compact footprint.
II: DIY Hanging Planter Ideas
11. Mason Jar Hanging Planters
Mason jars are a go-to for DIY lovers, and they make charming mini hanging planters. Attach wire or rope to the jar necks and suspend them from a wooden plank or branch. They’re great for herbs, small succulents, or even candles.
Drill drainage holes in the lids or use pebbles to create a layer for water control. Paint or label the jars for a personal touch. This makes a fun project for beginner crafters or a rainy-day activity with kids.
Group several jars together to create a hanging herb garden in the kitchen or an outdoor lantern-style display on your patio.
12. Hanging Colander Planters
Turn an old colander into a quirky hanging planter by lining it with coconut fiber and adding soil. The built-in holes provide excellent drainage, making them ideal for hardy plants like ivy, sedum, or trailing petunias.
Attach chains or rope to the handles and hang them from a hook or pergola. The colorful and retro shape adds character to your space, especially in eclectic or farmhouse-style gardens.
Colander planters work well in both sunny and shady spots, depending on your plant choice. They’re a conversation starter and a great example of upcycled design.
13. Teacup Hanging Planters
Add a touch of vintage charm by transforming old teacups into dainty hanging planters. Simply drill a small drainage hole at the bottom of each teacup and use twine, ribbon, or wire to suspend them from a wooden beam, curtain rod, or garden arbor. These planters are best suited for small succulents or delicate flowers like violets.
You can hang a row in front of a kitchen window or cluster a few in a cozy nook for a whimsical, storybook feel. Mixing and matching cup styles enhances the eclectic vibe—perfect for cottagecore or shabby chic decor.
14. Hanging Tin Can Planters
Upcycle soup or coffee cans into colorful hanging planters with a bit of paint and creativity. Clean the cans thoroughly, punch small holes in the bottom for drainage, and use rope or wire to hang them from a wall bracket or porch beam.
These are ideal for herbs or annual flowers, and their industrial look pairs well with rustic or modern farmhouse themes. Group several in a staggered vertical row for a vibrant DIY garden wall that’s budget-friendly and eco-conscious.
15. Wooden Bead Planter Hangers
Add a decorative flair to your planter setup with a wooden bead hanger. String wooden beads along cords used to suspend your pots, alternating sizes or painting them in your preferred palette for added personality. Combine this with plain white ceramic pots for a clean Scandinavian vibe or with bold-colored pots for a more boho look.
This idea works great in indoor spaces like bedrooms or living rooms where you want to add subtle texture and interest. The tactile element of the beads brings a handcrafted elegance to any space.
16. Hanging Basket with Leather Straps
Elevate a simple basket into a stylish hanging planter by replacing traditional ropes or chains with leather straps. Leather adds a warm, sophisticated feel that contrasts beautifully with lush greenery. Use rivets or strong staples to secure the straps, and hang from a ceiling hook or shelf bracket.
This look works particularly well in contemporary, rustic, or industrial spaces. Choose woven baskets that complement your room’s color scheme and fill them with trailing plants like philodendron or creeping jenny for dramatic effect.
17. Embroidery Hoop Hanging Planters
Create a modern hanging display by repurposing embroidery hoops. Secure small planters or jars within the hoop using string or macramé, and hang the hoops vertically or horizontally for a floating garden effect. This lightweight and stylish setup is perfect for accent walls or small entryways.
Paint or stain the hoops to match your decor, or leave them natural for a minimalist finish. This DIY idea combines artistry and function, making it a great weekend project for crafters and plant lovers alike.
Final Thoughts: Let Your Creativity Hang Wild
Whether you’re working with a tiny balcony, a cozy kitchen corner, or a spacious sunroom, DIY hanging planters are a beautiful way to elevate your greenery—literally and stylistically. From upcycled tin cans to teacups and macramé masterpieces, there’s no shortage of ways to suspend your favorite plants in style.
The best part? These hanging planter ideas don’t just save space—they tell a story. Your story. So grab those old jars, beads, and baskets, and start creating something that reflects your unique style and love for all things green.