If you’re running out of space for your growing indoor jungle—or just want a better way to display your favorite houseplants—DIY plant shelves and stands are the perfect solution. Not only are they practical, but they also add a stylish and personalized touch to your home décor.
Whether you live in a small apartment or a spacious home, you can create beautiful plant displays using materials you already have or can easily find. In this article, we’ll share creative ideas for DIY indoor plant shelves and stands, along with simple tips to help you get started.
Why Create Your Own Plant Shelves?
Before diving into the ideas, here’s why making your own plant shelves is worth it:
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Customizable – You can tailor the design to your space, plant size, and style.
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Budget-friendly – DIY projects often cost much less than store-bought furniture.
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Fun and fulfilling – Building something yourself adds a personal and creative touch to your home.
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Improved plant care – Shelves let you position plants for the best light and airflow.
Floating Wooden Wall Shelves
Perfect for: Small spaces, minimalist décor
Install wooden planks directly onto your walls using L-brackets or hidden floating shelf hardware. You can stagger the shelves vertically or create a grid-like display.
What you’ll need:
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Wooden boards (cut to desired length)
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Wall brackets or floating shelf kits
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Screws and anchors
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Drill and level
💡 Tip: Choose a wood finish that complements your plant pots or wall color.
Repurposed Ladder Shelf
Perfect for: Boho, rustic, or farmhouse styles
Got an old ladder lying around? Turn it into a multi-tiered plant shelf. Lean it against a wall or add boards across the steps for wider platforms.
How to do it:
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Sand and paint or stain the ladder
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Add planks across the rungs to create flat surfaces
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Secure the planks with nails or brackets
This is a great vertical solution for holding trailing plants like pothos or ivy.
Cinder Block and Wood Shelves
Perfect for: Industrial or urban aesthetics
Cinder blocks make a strong and simple base for plant shelves. Stack them at both ends with wooden boards across the top to form a shelf unit.
Materials needed:
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4 to 6 cinder blocks
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2 to 3 wood planks
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Sandpaper and optional paint or sealant
This setup is sturdy, affordable, and doesn’t require any drilling or mounting.
Hanging Window Shelf
Perfect for: Maximizing light for sun-loving plants
Hang one or more glass or wooden shelves in front of a sunny window using hooks and strong ropes or chains. This setup lets you grow herbs or succulents with maximum sunlight.
What you’ll need:
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Glass or wood shelves
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Rope, chain, or metal cable
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Ceiling or window frame hooks
🌞 Ideal for small spaces with limited floor room but good natural light.
Painted Crate Plant Stands
Perfect for: Artistic or eclectic homes
Stack and paint wooden crates to make colorful plant stands. You can arrange them vertically or horizontally and fill each section with potted plants or gardening supplies.
Supplies:
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Wooden crates (new or upcycled)
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Paint or stain
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Sandpaper
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Screws (optional for extra stability)
This is a great way to create a flexible shelving system that can be easily moved or restyled.
Corner Wall Plant Shelf
Perfect for: Using awkward or empty corners
Build or buy a corner shelf unit to hold smaller plants. It’s a smart way to use unused wall space while keeping plants organized and accessible.
How to make it:
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Cut triangular wood shelves
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Mount using small brackets or floating shelf hardware
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Add 3 to 5 tiers depending on the height of your wall
A great solution for displaying succulents, air plants, or small pots.
Copper Pipe Plant Stand
Perfect for: Modern and industrial interiors
Copper piping gives your DIY project a sleek, modern feel. Create a freestanding plant stand using copper pipe, T-joints, and wooden shelves.
You’ll need:
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Copper pipes and fittings
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Pipe cutter
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Wood planks
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Screws or adhesive for securing wood
You can create multi-level designs and adjust dimensions based on your space.
Bonus Ideas
If you’re looking for even more simple and creative plant display ideas, try these:
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Wall-mounted pegboards – Hang mini pots with S-hooks or baskets.
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Rolling cart – Turn a bar cart or utility cart into a mobile indoor garden.
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Bookshelves – Dedicate an old bookshelf to plants instead of books.
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Macramé plant hangers – Combine with wall shelves for a layered look.
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Reclaimed wood shelves – Use old barn wood or pallets for a rustic vibe.
Conclusion
With a bit of imagination and some basic materials, you can transform any indoor space into a green oasis. DIY plant shelves and stands allow you to display your collection creatively, save space, and improve plant health by optimizing light and airflow.
Whether you repurpose furniture, build from scratch, or mix materials, there’s a project for every skill level and style. So grab your tools, pick your favorite design, and start building your very own plant paradise!
