Interiors inspiration: Small flats

Creative ways to display your plants in tight spots

You might not have room to swing a cat but you will always have room for houseplants. Even in tiny apartments where shelf and table space is at a premium, there are plenty of ways to add a splash of green without crowding out your space.

Aim high

Make the most of neglected spaces, like the tops of your kitchen cupboards. This will also have the effect of making the space feel bigger by drawing the eye right up to the ceiling. The flamboyant fern is an ideal choice for catching attention and sending eyes skyward.

Create a wall of colour

Even the smallest outdoor space, such as a tiny terrace or Juliette balcony, can be brought to life with hanging planters. Constructions that allow you to display multiple layers of pot-plants will really utilise the space to its full potential. Choose flowering plants, such as geraniums, daisies and purple campanula to create a vibrant wall of colour.

Bring outside in

Create your own magical indoor urban garden by filling an oversized bowl-shaped planter with pebbles and planting succulents in a variety of textures and colours. The effect is as calming and serene as a Japanese garden.

Step up your game

Narrow ladder-style shelves make the most of the smallest wall spaces and are ideal for smaller plants. For a vintage alternative, sand down some old stepladders and lean them against the wall. Fill with pots of rosemary, thyme and sage for a fragrant indoor herb garden in a kitchen-diner or breakfast room.

Foldaway foliage display

Foldaway tray tables are perfect for filling neglected nooks and crannies in smaller homes – and because they have sides on them, they can hold houseplants safely without fear of knocking them off. Cluster a few plants in pots of different sizes for a statement display that won’t get in the way.