Traditional plant stands seem to come in two styles: those mid-century-modern ones that stay low to the ground and fit just one big pot, and the more bookshelf-style bamboo units with a few shelves that can hold a bunch of smaller plants. Both styles can be good-looking and super-functional, but they’re also a bit limiting. Thankfully, a plant stand can really be any object you can place a plant on, and one sweep of the internet will reveal that you can put plants on lots of things.
If you have a medium-size plant teetering off the edge of your windowsill, why not put it on top of a stool instead, or a bar cart, or floating shelves? If you’re a bit of a plant hoarder, with every square inch of floor and table surfaces covered, you can use rolling utility carts, shoe benches, or bookcases to better organize your collection. No matter what kind of “stand” you choose, though, you’ll want something that has an open design to let in light and that can support a decent amount of weight and hold up to the occasional water spill. Below, we rounded up some plant stands we like — along with a few bookshelves, end tables, step stools, art-supply carts, wooden crates, and more things you can also definitely put plants on.
Actual plant stands
Make your plants the centerpiece of your home with this dramatic plant archway. Between the different-size shelves and the hooks for hanging, you’ll find a spot for every plant in your collection with this stand.
With a bottom shelf that’s only 12.6 inches square and progressively narrower middle and top shelves, this plant stand has a small footprint but can still hold a few medium-size plants. The top shelf would be great for a pothos or another hanging plant.
This style is everywhere for good reason. Mkono’s 12-inch wooden stand unfortunately does not come with the white pot shown here, but it will work with any pot that’s 10 to 12 inches in diameter. You can also flip the stand over to switch between two height options.
This gold version is the same concept and will accommodate the same size plants, but it will suit your space better if your accents are more brass than wood.
This three-tier foldable plant stand could easily fit a dozen small or medium-size plants. It’s 27.6 inches wide, with shelves that get progressively less deep. Plus its naturally water-resistant bamboo material would work well indoors or out.
Sometimes there’s only one corner that gets just the right amount of light. Or maybe a tight corner has the only floor space you can spare. Either way, this smartly designed plant stand lets you use your free corner space as plant storage. And with six shelves, all at different heights, you can experiment with various arrangements.
Here’s a more minimal stand that can showcase just one large plant or a low, round planter housing a few smaller succulents.
The neutral color of this rattan planter is versatile enough to suit almost all decorating schemes.
If you prefer bamboo over rattan, this plant stand is for you. It has a carbon steel shelf that can hold up to 33 pounds, supporting your larger plants and their planters. The lower bamboo shelf can hold even more plants — plus books and magazines.
Pedestals that could be plant stands
Areaware, which makes aesthetically pleasing planters, also makes this plant pedestal set to hold them. Their simple wooden shape is appealing, and there’s two different heights to create some visual interest.
A clear acrylic sculpture-display pedestal for a very special plant. It’s just shy of three feet tall and has a 12-inch-square footprint, so it won’t take up much space.
Each tier of this bamboo pedestal can hold up to 22 pounds, making it ideal for medium-size houseplants like ZZ plants or Sansevieria.
Then, you can display your smaller succulents on this petite pedestal. It’ll look nice with a bottle of hand soap and a reed diffuser or a candle.
Utility carts that could be plant stands
Metal utility carts make great plant stands because they’re durable and the multiple shelves provide plenty of space. You could even hang a watering can or mister off the side with a hook. The attached wheels mean you can move the carts around for easy watering by the sink or to find the best light. The shelves on this model get slightly smaller as they go up, but each is roughly 16 inches by 11.5 inches, and hold 44 pounds each. Plus two of its wheels have locking casters, so it won’t roll away when you aren’t looking.
A similar idea but in a fun turquoise finish.
As seen in our roundup of the very best kitchen carts, this small-space-friendly rolling countertop would be just as functional as a plant stand. The racks can also be lowered or raised depending on how much underneath storage you need.
We named this four-tier utility cart the best less-expensive kitchen cart for small spaces. The wire mesh is rust-resistant, so if you spill while watering, there’s no fuss.
There’s also this springy option from Ikea that has some slightly wacky wooden wheels, making it even easier to cart your plants into a perfectly sunny spot.
If you’re looking for a piece that mirrors the shape of your planters, consider this round utility cart that’s available in black and gray.
Stools that could be plant stands
If you’re into the stool-as-plant-stand thing but prefer a more minimalist aesthetic, here’s a set of simple wooden ones you can use the same way as those above.
Made from 100 percent recycled wood material, this rustic pedestal comes in rectangular and circular styles. It’s mini, though, so be sure your plant is on the petite side.
These stools come in two different heights so you can stagger your plant display. The 19-inch version is great if you have a succulent like string of pearls that you don’t want dragging on the floor.
If you’re looking for something with a little more character, consider this hand-crafted number from Serena & Lily. It’s made from teak wood, meaning each piece is unique — like your favorite plant. It can hold up to 225 pounds.
If you’re partial to a traditional terra-cotta look, this molded and hand-glazed ceramic side table would not look out of place in a garden shop. Like the option above, it will transition seamlessly from indoors to outdoors.
This step stool is ideal for that plant sitting in a heavy concrete planter. It may not look like it, but this little stool can support up to 350 pounds.
Pair this with your terra-cotta planters — or not. Either way, you’ll maximize on an earthy, natural vibe.
For a modern aesthetic, consider this hourglass-shaped option that has hidden internal storage. It comes in lime green, fire-truck red, and a classic white that’ll contrast nicely with deep green leaves.
Opposite of the clean-cut wooden stools above is this live-edge one. It’s made from reclaimed cedar and will add a rustic vibe and complement your plant sanctuary.
This stepladder is almost too nice for everyday chores, but perfect for a plant stand. Set up in a corner, it becomes the room’s new focal point. We think a vine-y plant like a philodendron would feel right at home on top with its leaves wrapped around the upper handle.
Placed under a big window, this bench (we’re considering it one long stool) would make a handsome multifunctional plant stand. Place a plant on the wooden edge and leave the cushioned area for supported seating.
If you’d like your bench to work even harder, this one triples as seating, shoe storage, and a plant stand. It’s our favorite affordable shoe-storage bench in part because of its classic design. You can choose between the three-tier and five-tier variations, depending on your storage needs.
End tables that could be plant stands
Your anthurium can sit on top, while the bottom basket serves as discreet and easy storage for plant-parent supplies like soil, a watering can, and snippers.
If you keep them nested together, you can use these tables to display three plants in descending sizes, or you can separate them and spread them out to act more like pedestals.
If you have one of those needy plants that requires a grow light, this end table has a built-in outlet for easy electricity.
The striking hourglass shape of this side table makes a statement while displaying your newest arrangement from the farmer’s market.
This 20-inch-tall end table has an all-metal construction and removable tray, making it super-easy to clean.
We’re very into Japanese brand Yamazaki Home’s wall ladder, and this end table has that same clean design. Unlike most of the options on the list, this one is long and narrow — 17 inches by 7 inches — so it’s probably best for a row of small pots or maybe a single orchid. You could use the bottom shelf to store supplies.
Although it’s a bit bigger than an end table, a console table like this will provide tons of space for your collection of succulents. Each of the four shelves is nearly a foot deep, so there is plenty of room for plants of all sizes. Anything with some height will have to go on top, but between the shelves you still get nearly a foot of vertical space. And don’t worry about how heavy that monstera is, because each shelf can hold 51 pounds.
For an option with a little sheen, consider this gold end table that has a lip around the edge of each shelf to prevent your plants from falling off. It can hold up to 150 pounds, so don’t hesitate to fill it up.
Finally, for the mid-century-modern-minded, there’s this simple yet elevated walnut-colored end table for a stellar price.
Storage units that could be plant stands
For a really uniform look, place one plant in the middle of each cubby for a clean and sophisticated display.
There’s also this option that’s a bit more affordable. You can fill half the cubbies with shoes and half of them with plants. We recommend it as a shoe organizer for especially small spaces.
With strictly function in mind, this metal shelving unit has a lot to offer. It has five shelves, each of which can hold 200 pounds. The entire unit is 72 inches tall, but the space between the shelves is adjustable, so you can make it work for a variety of plants. And while it’s not a looker on its own, covered in lush greens it definitely won’t be an eyesore.
This industrial-chic bookshelf has a unique A-frame shape that will work well for a bunch of medium-size plants. If you don’t have enough pots to fill it at first, you can store extra soil or your watering can on the lower shelves.
If your bathroom gets good light, consider stocking this storage shelf with toilet paper, tissues, and some of your smaller plants. (You can always top it off with some pothos plants if your bathroom is in want of light.)
There’s also this surprisingly charming over-the-toilet storage unit that’s ideal for small succulents and small spaces.
More things that could be plant stands
A stack of books is always a cute place to put a plant, but if you don’t want to risk water damage to any first editions you might have, this set of fake books will fool everyone.
When you run out of floor space or your windowsill is at full capacity, a hanging shelf is a great alternative. This set of two has a handy yet sleek safety bar that will prevent your plants from falling off.
Flip these over and you have an effortless matching set of three natural-wood plant stands. The set includes large, medium, and small crates, so there’s something for every plant.
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