“Plant stands can make a great accompaniment to smaller pots, adding vertical interest to a space and helping draw the eye upward,” says Heather Goerzen, design editor at Havenly. “I personally love layering two plants of varying heights or featuring one with a potted plant on the ground next to it for a more comprehensive look.” To find the best plant stands, we researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind dimensions, material, number of plants, and whether it’s an indoor or outdoor style. We also consulted Goerzen for additional insight. Overall, the best plant stand is the Mudeela 2 Pack Indoor Plant Stands. The set includes two plant stands that are adjustable, so you can likely use pots you already have. Keep in Mind: They’re meant only for indoor use. These bamboo plant stands match a variety of aesthetics, especially with a choice of three colors: black, brown, and natural, so they’ll match your space just how you want them to. It’s worth pointing out that they’re for indoor use only. Price at time of publish: $36 Dimensions: 8-12-inch diameter x 15 inches high | Material: Bamboo | Number of Plants: 1-2 | Indoor or Outdoor: Indoor Keep in Mind: It’s ideal for displaying one plant, which may not suit everyone’s needs. The plant stand is on the smaller side, so it can likely hold only one plant at a time. However, part of what makes this pick one of the best plant stands is that you can also use it as a side table or a nightstand, so there’s nothing to worry about if your plant collection outgrows it. Each leg is made up of two metal rods, so if you want to make the stand a few inches shorter, all you have to do is remove one. Price at time of publish: $26 Dimensions: 11.8-inch diameter x 16 inches high | Materials: Wood, metal | Number of Plants: 1 | Indoor or Outdoor: Indoor Keep in Mind: It’s larger than other styles, and some assembly is required. The plant stand is larger than other options, but part of what makes it one of the best plant stands is that you can use it in more ways than one. If you need more space during the colder months you can either fold it up or use it as a shoe rack or bookshelf. Designed with solid bamboo wood, it’s weather-, water-, and rot-resistant so you don’t have to worry as much about damage. Each shelf has a 32-pound weight limit. Price at time of publish: $69 Dimensions: 27.48 x 15.5 x 38 inches | Material: Bamboo | Number of Plants: Not listed; each tier has a 32-pound weight limit | Indoor or Outdoor: Both Keep in Mind: It’s more expensive than other options and can’t fit many plants. The set includes two plant stands, each of which is a different height. They’re offered in two leg finishes: brushed antique and black. Made with mango wood and metal, each stand has an elevated industrial vibe courtesy of distressing techniques applied to the top. You’re likely able to fit only one to two plants per stand depending on the size, so keep that in mind if you want to make a larger display. Although the set is more expensive than some other options, they’re fairly versatile. Don’t need the shorter one at the moment? Simply nestle it beneath the larger one. Plus, you could even use it as a petite side table beside your couch or bed. Price at time of publish: $325 Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 33 inches (small), 15 x 15 x 41 inches (large) | Materials: Mango wood and metal | Number of Plants: 2 | Indoor or Outdoor: Indoor Keep in Mind: Some assembly is required. The plant stand is offered in three different sizes, so you can choose the one that suits your space. It maximizes versatility as well thanks to a neutral wooden design. If you don’t have a large plant collection, however, it can also be used to show off countless other items, like picture frames or trinkets. Plus, it’s waterproof, so it can be used indoors or outdoors. Price at time of publish: $46 Dimensions: 12.6 x 12.6 x 39 inches | Material: Bamboo | Number of Plants: 3 | Indoor or Outdoor: Both Keep in Mind: Some assembly is required. The plant stand can be used both indoors and outdoors, and the wooden design has a simple, versatile look that’ll fit in well wherever you place it. There is some assembly required, though it should be fairly simple. Price at time of publish: $41 Dimensions: 24 x 23 x 41 inches | Material: Wood | Number of Plants: 14-17 | Indoor or Outdoor: Both Keep in Mind: It’s more expensive than other options. The plant stand features nine platforms to display plants at various heights. Though it’s more expensive than some other picks, you’ll be able to display most, if not all, of your plants in one spot, so you won’t need to buy many stands. Price at time of publish: $160 Dimensions: 46 x 10 x 46 inches | Material: Pine | Number of Plants: Not listed | Indoor or Outdoor: Both Keep in Mind: It doesn’t come with a hanging pot. At nearly 13 pounds, it also feels substantial while still being light enough to easily move around. It doesn’t come with a hanging pot, however, so you need to find one on your own that fits the circular frame. Price at time of publish: $120 Dimensions: 11.75 x 23.25 x 70.25 inches | Material: Metal | Number of Plants: 1 | Indoor or Outdoor: Indoor Keep in Mind: The bowl design of each tier makes it difficult to display more than one plant on each level. Though you could likely fit multiple small pots on each tier, picking one larger pot that fills up more space would better complement the bowl shape. While you can’t put these outdoors, you can further elevate your home with the matching standing planters and tabletop planters. The stands are more expensive than some other options; however it’s worth noting that the two-plant stand could double as a side table. Price at time of publish: $99+ Dimensions: 12.5-inch diameter x 16 inches high | Material: Mild steel | Number of Plants: 1-2 | Indoor or Outdoor: Indoor Keep in Mind: It’s more expensive than other options and takes up quite a bit of space when set up, so it’s not ideal for smaller homes. Although it’s more expensive than some other styles, this stand comes fully assembled, so you don’t have to worry about interpreting instructions or manual labor. When it’s set up it will take up quite a bit of space, so be sure you have the room for it. Price at time of publish: $199 Dimensions: 39.63 x 11.88 x 33.5 inches | Material: Rattan | Number of Plants: 3 | Indoor or Outdoor: Indoor Keep in Mind: It’s more expensive than some other options. The lightweight piece is easy to lift, so you can move it around until you find the ideal spot. The stand holds one or two plants, or you can use it as a martini or catchall table as well. In addition to being easy to assemble, it’s also easy to clean, thanks in part to the removable trays. The unit, which is on the pricier side, is offered in three additional finishes. Price at time of publish: $93 Dimensions: 12-inch diameter x 23.8 inches high | Material: Metal | Number of Plants: 2 | Indoor or Outdoor: Both Keep in Mind: Given the petite size, these pedestals are best for smaller plants. The wooden plant stand is fairly versatile, as you can also use it to style vases, trinkets, and more. Since the set includes two stands, you’ll be able to arrange them however you see fit. Given the petite size, though, you’ll want to display smaller plants that don’t need much surface area. Price at time of publish: $20 Dimensions: 8.46-inch diameter x 2.9 inches high | Material: Wood | Number of Plants: 1 | Indoor or Outdoor: Both Keep in Mind: It’s offered in only one finish, so it may not match every aesthetic. The stand, which is made of pine, includes five tiers with circular platforms, so it’s a decorative piece in itself. It’s offered only in a black finish, which may not work with every decorating style. Price at time of publish: $40 Dimensions: 14-inch diameter x 34 inches high | Material: Pine | Number of Plants: 5 | Indoor or Outdoor: Both
What to Know About Plant Stands Before Shopping
Dimensions
Just like with any other piece of furniture, the dimensions are key when choosing the best plant stand for your home. Measure your area so you can visualize how much space you have for a stand. “If you’ve got a smaller footprint, perhaps consider a more narrow and tall stand to help draw the eye up and create the illusion of bigger space,” Goerzen says. “Whereas if you’re looking to fill a larger space with a significant plant, go big or go home.”
Materials
Determining the best materials for your plant stand should be done with the room’s design in mind—or as Goerzen says, “your overarching style and palette.” She recommends sleek brass for a luxe look, black iron for the modern minimalist, and rattan for an organic twist. “Even a vintage wooden stool can double as a plant stand for a more rustic, discovered aesthetic,” she says.
Number of Plants
Some of the best plant stands are designed to hold a single pot, while others offer more space and tiers to showcase many. If you’re someone who’s always adding to your collection, a stand with a lot of open shelving will offer you the most flexibility. If you just have one favorite, a stand with room for one plant will do the job.
Indoor or Outdoor
Not all plant stands are suited for the outdoors—it’s dependent on the material and how it’s been treated. For example, just because something is wood, doesn’t mean you can put it on the patio. It has to be carbonized at a high temperature to resist weather and insects. Look at the manufacturer’s recommendations before putting something outside, or you’ll risk losing money on a plant stand that may be quickly damaged.
Your Questions, Answered
How tall should a plant stand be?
“Should” is always relative. “Look for one that adds some height contrast to your space,” Goerzen says. “It ensures that pieces fall on different vertical planes.” A bedroom with a low headboard and dresser, for example, could use something taller to draw the eye up. Something lower creates juxtaposition if everything in the room seems to be higher. Ultimately, the best plant stand for your home is the one that makes everything look and feel balanced.
Why do I need a plant stand?
Displaying your plants on a stand can help keep your plants away from pets and maximize floor space. According to Goerzen, there are also aesthetic benefits. “Plant stands are one of those wonderful decor elements that adds sculptural interest to a room, all while creating a more layered aesthetic,” she says. “The main reason I turn to them is when a potted plant just feels a little too lackluster or when I need to create some visual height.”
What can you put on a plant stand?
“As with everything in design, there are no rules,” Goerzen says. The best plant stands offer some degree of versatility. Of course, potted plants will always look beautiful, but so will a stack of books, an artisan vase filled with elongated branches, or a larger sculptural moment, she offers as examples.
Who We Are
Quincy Bulin is a writer who covers products and home. To make this list, she spent many hours researching the best plant stands with consideration given to dimensions, materials, number of plants held, and indoor or outdoor usage. She also consulted with Heather Goerzen, design editor at online interior design company Havenly.
