
The hallway or entryway of your home sets the tone for your living space.
It is a good idea to style the entrance to your home in a way that appeals to you, as it makes you feel good each time you enter and leave, and when you welcome guests into your home.
Incorporating house plants in these areas is an excellent way to add colour, soften harsh architectural lines, and breathe life into the space.

I should be honest with you, our hallway does not always reflect the ideals I talk about in this article, as it frequently becomes a dumping ground for bags, shoes and coats. It is certainly not the minimalist living space pictured above.
But those are temporary problems.
Let’s be aspirational and instead explore how to make the best of your space using plants. In this piece, we bring you some inspirational images (with the help of AI) of house plants for hallways and some suggestions for types and sizes of plants, placement ideas, and essential maintenance tips.
Why use house plants for hallways or entryways?

Hallways and entryways often lack natural light and tend to have limited floor or wall space. These areas can feel stark or utilitarian, making them ideal spaces to enhance with plants.
Plants bring texture, colour, and a sense of calm to the space and can also improve air quality.
Choosing the right plants
The type of plants you select for your hallway or entryway will depend on the space available, the light conditions, and the style of décor you wish to achieve. Here are some ideas:
Low-light plants

- Snake plant (Sansevieria): Known for its architectural look and tolerance of low light, the snake plant adds height and structure.
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): With its trailing vines and vibrant green or variegated leaves, pothos works beautifully on a shelf or a high plant stand.
- ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): This hardy plant thrives in dimly lit spaces and requires minimal care, making it perfect for busy households.
- Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior): Aptly named for its resilience, this plant features broad, dark green leaves that add depth and colour to the hallway.
Bright and airy spaces

If your hallway benefits from natural light, consider these options:
- Peace lily (Spathiphyllum): Its elegant white flowers and glossy green leaves add softness and sophistication.
- Fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata): For larger entryways, a fiddle leaf fig makes a bold statement with its broad, sculptural leaves.
- Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Easy to care for and adaptable to different light levels, spider plants bring a playful touch with their arching leaves and tiny offsets.
- Philodendron: Trailing or climbing philodendrons can create a lush, green wall effect when trained on a trellis or shelf.
Small spaces

If your hallway is narrow or compact, choose smaller plants that don’t obstruct movement:
- Succulents: Place a few in decorative pots on a console table for a pop of greenery without taking up much space.
- Air plants (Tillandsia): These minimalistic plants require no soil and can be displayed in hanging glass globes or mounted on driftwood.
- Miniature ferns: Delicate ferns like the maidenhair fern add softness to a confined space.
Creative placement ideas
Plants can be placed in various ways to create an appealing look. Here are some ideas to maximise the impact:
Floor plants

For larger entryways, place tall plants like a tall cactus, a rubber plant or fiddle leaf fig in decorative planters to create a striking focal point. Pair them with a smaller plant for added dimension.
Console table display

A console table is ideal for showcasing smaller potted plants, creating an elegant layered effect with varying heights and textures. Combine a trailing pothos with a cluster of succulents or a flowering plant like an African violet for variety.
Wall-mounted solutions

Install shelves or floating wall planters to display a collection of small plants, like these bonsai. Hanging plants like string of pearls or ivy can cascade down, adding softness to the vertical space.
Corners and nooks

Make use of otherwise unused corners by placing a tall plant like a bird of paradise or Monstera deliciosa. Add a smaller companion plant for a curated look.
Staircase accents

If your hallway includes stairs, consider placing plants on alternating steps or at the base of the staircase to guide the eye upwards.
Hanging plants
If floor or table space is limited, use hanging baskets to display plants. Choose lightweight varieties like ferns or trailing philodendrons for this purpose.
Colour and styling tips
- Monochromatic themes: Stick to plants with green foliage for a serene, cohesive look.
- Colour: Add flowering plants or foliage with variegation, such as a pink prayer plant or croton, to inject vibrancy.
- Planters as décor: Use planters in materials like ceramic, wicker, or metal to complement your interior design. For a modern look, opt for geometric shapes and neutral tones. For a bohemian vibe, choose textured or colourful planters.
Maintenance tips

Keeping plants healthy in a hallway or entryway requires attention to lighting, watering, and environmental conditions:
- Assess lighting: Choose plants that match the light availability. Use grow lights for dim hallways if necessary.
- Water sparingly: Hallways often have cooler temperatures, which slow plant water uptake. Check soil moisture before watering to avoid overwatering.
- Dust leaves regularly: Since hallways experience frequent foot traffic, dust can accumulate on leaves. Wipe them gently with a damp cloth to ensure optimal photosynthesis.
- Monitor humidity: Entryways can be draughty or dry, especially in winter. Use a pebble tray or mist plants like ferns to maintain humidity.
- Rotate plants: Move plants periodically to ensure even growth, especially if light conditions are uneven.
- Prune and groom: Remove dead or yellowing leaves to keep plants looking their best and encourage healthy growth.
Other hallway plant design suggestions

This above example features a minimalist entry featuring a small bench with an aloe vera plant in a woven basket beneath it. The plant’s spiky green leaves offer a natural texture contrasting with smooth surfaces.

The image above features a quiet, understated hallway with a slim console table in natural wood. A single Calathea plant in a ceramic pot adds colour and warmth to the entrance, its patterned leaves a subtle focal point.

The large bird of paradise plant above sits in a matte white planter, tucked into the corner of a modern entryway. The plant’s broad leaves add boldness and a touch of tropical green to the minimalist space.

The image above features another Olive tree. The silver grey leaves add a calmness and lightness to the spece.

The succulents above show that you don’t always need large statement plants to create the right atmosphere in your hallway. These add interesting shapes – almost link ornaments.
The Bird of Paradise plant below shows you just how effective a large single plant can be.

Conclusion
Decorating your hallway or entryway with houseplants not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also transforms it into a warm and inviting space.
By selecting plants that suit the light and size of the area, using creative placement techniques, and maintaining them with care, you can create a stunning green sanctuary that sets a positive tone for your home.

Martin Cole has been an avid plant lover and gardener for more than 20 years and loves to talk and write about gardening. In 2006 he was a finalist in the BBC Gardener of the Year competition. He is a member of the National dahlia Society.
He previously lived in London and Sydney, Australia, where he took a diploma course in Horticultural studies and is now based in North Berwick in Scotland. He founded GardeningStepbyStep.com in 2012. The website is aimed at everybody who loves plants or has been bitten by the gardening bug and wants to know more.
Gardening Step by Step has been cited by Thompson and Morgan, the UK’s largest mail order plant retailer, as a website that publishes expert gardening content.