The Best Plant Shelves

The right shelves will be attractive on their own and also complement your plant collection. Multiple levels of shelves give you plenty of room to position and play around with your favorite plants, as well as give them easy access to water and sunlight. Instead of leaving your plants along the ground or scattering them around your home, shelves let you stack them up for a charming touch to your home.

Buying Guide for Plant Shelves

Why buy plant shelves?

Plant shelves are the perfect solution if you are surrounded by plants and running out of room. Stack your pots and planters high to keep your collection growing without running out of room in your home. They’re especially valuable if you have limited floor space, as they allow you to display your plants without taking up more than their share or room. A vertical plant shelf saves you room by more or less stacking plants on top of one another, while wall-mounted models won’t require any extra floor space. They’re also an effective way to organize your plants, especially if you have several different species or varieties with different lighting and watering requirements. You can group plants with similar needs on the same shelf, making it easier to care for them properly. And, of course, plant shelves can add a decorative element to any room in your home. They’re available in various styles and materials, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that matches your décor and enhances the overall look of your space.

What should you consider in plant shelves?

• Number of Tiers: Different plant shelves will have different numbers of tiers. Finding a unit with the right number of tiers is essential. The more tiers, the more space you’ll have for your plants. Make sure you find a sturdy unit that won’t tip over once you start stacking plants on the top tier.
• Assembly: Some plant stands are easy to assemble; others will frustrate you long before you set them up. Ensure you find a unit that is pretty easy to assemble and won’t require much extra work. All those tiers and shelves can result in a complicated setup.
• Sturdiness: You’ll want to find plant shelves you can rely on to stay strong. Some will want to keep the shelves outside to stand up to the elements. You spend lots of time caring for your plants; make sure you get a stand that won’t fall apart unexpectedly and damage your plants.
• Type: There are several different types of plant shelves out there. The most common types are wall-mounted shelves that attach directly to the wall, freestanding plant shelves that stand on their own and can be placed anywhere in a room, corner shelves designed to fit snugly into the corner of a room, hanging shelves meant to be suspended from the ceiling or wall or rod, and window shelves that attach to windowsills. Consider how much space you have, if you can mount shelves permanently to your walls, and what type of shelf best suits your personal preferences and home’s aesthetic.

What is the best material for a plant shelf?

The best materials for a plant shelf depend on the size and weight of your houseplants and their pots, the amount of moisture in the area, the style and design of the shelf, and your budget. Wood is popular for plant shelves as it’s strong, durable, comes in many colors, and can be customized to match your décor. Ideally, you’ll want a type of wood resistant to moisture, such as cedar or teak, and consider sealing it to prevent water damage. Metal is another even sturdier option that’s great for heavier plants, and metal plant shelves come in various styles and finishes, from sleek and modern to rustic and industrial. Just make sure you pick a rust-resistant metal or one treated to prevent corrosion. If you have smaller plants, glass shelves can be a great option to add a touch of elegance to any room. However, they’re pretty fragile, often pricier, and require constant, thorough cleaning to prevent water spots. Plastic is lightweight, affordable, and easy to clean. However, it’s less durable than wood or metal and may warp or discolor.

Our Picks for the Best Plant Shelves

Pros: The Gar-Life Bamboo Plant Stand Rack gives you six layers of support for all your favorite plants. With all those levels, the unique design saves you plenty of space and lets you put this stand wherever you want to keep your plants. It comes with cool gardening tools and features excellent workmanship. Plus, the two-column design lets you show off your favorite plants, thanks to spacious shelves.

Cons: The quality of the materials isn’t great, as some users have reported that the parts tend to break. It’s also not as easy to assemble as it claims to be. You may find yourself taking a little longer to get it set up than you would like.

Bottom Line: Overall, this sturdy plant holder offers plenty of room for your favorite plants. Each plant gets its own space, so it’s easy enough to water them and make sure they have plenty of sunlight. The bamboo also gives a stylish, organic look.

 

Pros: The COPREE Bamboo Hanging Plant Stand has a functional design that offers three tiers of shelving and a hanging rod that can support plants. When it comes to construction, it’s decay-resistant and eco-friendly. It’s also sturdy enough to position your plants for optimal sunlight, ventilation, and watering. This stand works well outside and inside.

Cons: There are some issues with the quality of the materials—they’re not as great as you might like. It’s also worth mentioning that it’s not the easiest thing to assemble. Finally, if you leave it outside, there’s the chance that mold will start to grow. Be sure you look out for this if you leave it on a porch or patio!

Bottom Line: It may take a while to assemble it, but once it’s ready, you’ll appreciate all the space this product offers you. The shelves and the hanging rod are a great way to position your plants however you like. The shelf itself is pretty nifty!

 

Pros: The cfmour Wood Plant Stand is made to be extra sturdy, thanks to 100% eucalyptus wood. The five-tiered shelving offers plenty of space for your plants. Plus, this unit is on wheels, so it’s easy to move around whenever your plants need more sunlight or if you want to change your home’s layout. You can also remove the wheels if you want a stationary stand.

Cons: This plant stand is not the easiest to assemble: the instructions aren’t very clear, and it can be a hassle to get the screws to fit. Once assembled, it can be a little wobbly despite all that effort. Some users have also found that it’s smaller than expected.

Bottom Line: This plant stand is mobile and has plenty of space: Position your favorite plants however you like. Don’t worry about how heavy your pots are—this stand is sturdy enough to hold your favorite plants. Plus, the wheels give you plenty of freedom for where to put it.

 

Pros: This durable and beautiful plant shelf is designed to nestle right into the corner of just about any room, allowing you to utilize an underused area. Made with sturdy yet lightweight materials, it’s a great indoor or outdoor decor addition. The package includes all the hardware you need for assembly, making it easy to set up and start immediately. Despite its lighter weight, this shelf is surprisingly stable and can support many plants at once. And there are many alternative design styles and colors to choose from.

Cons: The assembly process for this plant shelf can be difficult. Additionally, some have reported that the included rubber mallet may break easily. The stain used to dye the wood also tends to rub off easily, proving messy and affecting the shelf’s aesthetic appeal. The individual tiers and slots are also small, so this isn’t the best option for bigger plants and pots.

Bottom Line: The design is great since it’s small to nestle right into the corner of pretty much any room while still providing plenty of room to hold many plants. Whether you are a seasoned plant enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of houseplants, this corner shelf will be a valuable addition to your collection.

 

Pros: The Augosta Three-Tier Wood Plant Stand has a unique design, making it extra sturdy and spacious. The A-frame design lets you show off your favorite plants with an uncrowded appearance. It’s made from firewood for a stylish finish that’s also durable. Plus, it’s easy to set up: don’t worry about getting frustrated while putting it together.

Cons: The wood has not been sanded down for smoothness, meaning you might get a splinter when assembling it. Pieces might occasionally break off unexpectedly. Lastly, the color of the stand is a bit lighter than you would expect: it won’t have that dark look right away.

Bottom Line: While this stand has some issues, people love the design and the price. Plus, it comes with gloves: just put them on to avoid potential splinters. Overall, the stand is attractive and adds a nice touch to your plants.

Final Thoughts

Plant shelves are an affordable solution to your needs as they help free up space and look fantastic. They allow you to play around with positioning to make your plant collection look its best while making it easier to water and care for your favorites.