No longer a relic of the 1970’s, houseplants are once again having their day in the sun. They are the perfect styling solution in almost every room. If you don’t know how to fill a space, popping a plant in a tricky spot usually solves the problem perfectly.

Styling with plants has many benefits. They are naturally beautiful and can help soften architectural features in modern homes. Greenery also provides a contrast to timber floors, painted walls and other hard finishes like tiles, glass and appliances. If you want to step up your styling game with plants, pay attention to light, scale and layers.

Light

The first rule when creating your own thriving green metropolis is to understand the light. Selecting the right plants and placing them in the right zones will allow them to thrive.

Areas with low to moderate indirect light are typically hallways and low spots in the living room where there isn’t as much light filtering through. These areas will want low light loving plants like Mother in Law’s Tongue. A room with bright, indirect light or full sun you will want to look for light lovers like succulents and cactus. Remaining areas will typically experience medium bright, indirect light. Most house plants enjoy this kind of light.

Scale

Just like with furniture and accessories, scale is an important consideration for plants. If you have a spot on the floor calling out for a plant, you’ll want something with height so it feels like part of the room. Want a plant on your bedside table? It needs to be small enough to allow for other essentials like a lamp and books. Consider your plants and pots as living decor items and size them accordingly.

Layers

Plants look amazing when layered together. Sometimes one isn’t enough, especially if you are after that lush tropical vibe. When grouping plants together use a theme to unify your look. Consider the height and shape of plants, too. Look for a taller, straight plant to pair with a bushier one, then maybe a short and squat one. This ensures that each plant gets its own moment. You can also layer plants alongside other decor items, such as using an artwork as a backdrop.