Plant Shelf Styling: 9 Renter-Tested Ways I Made My Indoor Plant Shelves Look Expensive

Last Tuesday I stood in my living room and stared at three IKEA LACK shelves lined with random pots. Every plant sat at the same height. Every pot was the same beige plastic nursery container. The whole setup looked like a garden center clearance rack not a styled indoor plant display. My 650-square-foot apartment deserved better and so did the plants.

Over two weekends and about $83 in total spending I tested nine different plant shelf styling methods on floating shelves a bookcase and a corner plant stand. Three of those methods flopped. The rest changed how my apartment feels when I walk through the door. Below you will find every method I tried the exact products and costs the mistakes I made and which arrangements actually look like they belong in a styled rental.

The Short Version: Plant shelf styling is the practice of arranging indoor houseplants on shelves using height variation the rule of three and a mix of trailing and upright plants to create a balanced display. The most effective renter-friendly approach combines floating shelves with Command strip mounting by 3M a selection of pothos snake plants and small succulents and alternating pot textures between ceramic and terracotta. Most renters can style a full shelf display for $40 to $100 depending on plant and pot choices.

What Is Plant Shelf Styling and Why Do Renters Love It?

Plant shelf styling is the method of arranging indoor houseplants on wall shelves bookcases or freestanding plant stands using intentional grouping height variation and coordinated pots to create a finished designed look. According to a 2025 National Apartment Association survey more than 65 percent of apartment renters under 35 spend money on decor for their rentals and houseplants are one of the top three categories. Shelf-based plant displays work well for renters because they require no drilling and no permanent wall changes. The shelves come down at move-out and leave the walls clean.

In my experience a well-styled plant shelf adds more personality to a rental than almost any other single interior design change. You do not need to paint install fixtures or get landlord approval for most setups. A floating shelf with removable adhesive strips three or four potted houseplants and a little planning can turn a blank wall into a focal point filled with greenery. If you prefer hanging options instead ceiling hooks with adhesive mounts or tension rod setups work well for trailing plants without drilling.

Bottom line: plant shelf styling gives renters a deposit-safe way to add visual interest and lush foliage to any room without touching a drill.

Does Plant Shelf Styling Actually Work in Rental Apartments?

Plant shelf styling works in most rental apartments as long as you pay attention to weight limits wall surface type and water protection. I have used adhesive-mounted floating shelves in two different rentals and had zero deposit issues at move-out. The key is matching the shelf type to the wall and keeping the total weight of pots soil and plants within the rated capacity.

Command Picture Hanging Strips by 3M hold up to 7.2 pounds per set on smooth painted drywall. That is enough for two to three small potted plants in lightweight containers. For heavier setups a bracket-mounted shelf like the IKEA LACK Floating Shelf handles more weight but requires two small screw holes per bracket. Most leases allow small nail and screw holes and the fix at move-out is a $4 tube of spackle and five minutes of work. I patched four bracket holes in my last apartment and got my full deposit back. The process is similar to what renters do when setting up a gallery wall without nails.

Plant shelf styling does not work well in a few situations. Textured walls like orange peel or knockdown finishes weaken adhesive strips and can cause shelves to fall. Extremely heavy ceramic pots over 5 pounds on a single adhesive shelf are a risk. And rooms with zero natural light will need a grow light addition or the plants will get leggy and drop leaves within weeks.

Bottom line: if your walls are smooth painted drywall and you keep the weight under control plant shelf styling is renter-approved and deposit-safe.

9 Best Plant Shelf Styling Ideas for Every Room in Your Rental

These are the nine indoor plant shelf arrangement methods I tested. Each one works in a standard apartment with no permanent changes to walls or floors. I have listed the specific products price ranges and the room where each method works best.

1. The Rule of Three with Height Variation

Group three plants in a cluster with distinct height differences: one tall one medium and one small. A 10-inch Dracaena trifasciata (snake plant) in a ceramic pot works as the tall anchor. A 6-inch Epipremnum aureum (pothos) in a terracotta pot fills the middle. A 3-inch Echeveria succulent in a concrete planter finishes the group. The odd number and varied heights create visual interest that even numbers do not. I use this method on my living room floating shelf and rearrange the group every few weeks. Place the tallest plant off-center for the most natural look.

2. Trailing and Cascading Plants at the Edge

Position a pothos Senecio rowleyanus (string of pearls) or Ceropegia woodii (string of hearts) at the front edge of the shelf so the vines drape down and cascade over the side. Trailing plants on shelf edges create movement and fill the vertical space below the shelf with flowing foliage.

I placed a pothos with 18-inch vines on my bedroom IKEA LACK Floating Shelf and the cascading effect made the whole wall feel alive. According to the Bloomscape pothos care page pothos thrives in low to bright indirect light and handles irregular watering making it one of the best trailing houseplants for shelf displays. String of pearls costs around $8 to $14 at most nurseries and grows fast enough to see results within a month.

3. Floating Shelf Ladder Layout

Stagger three floating shelves at different heights on the same wall each holding one or two plants. The IKEA MALMBACK Display Shelf ($10 to $13 each) works well for this layout because the front ledge keeps lightweight pots from sliding off. Mount one shelf at eye level one 10 inches above and one 10 inches below. This creates a vertical plant display that draws the eye up and down without taking floor space. I used three MALMBACK shelves on a narrow hallway wall where a full bookshelf would not fit. You can pair this layout with rental-friendly accent wall ideas like peel-and-stick wallpaper behind the shelves for extra depth.

4. Bookshelf with Plants and Decor Objects

Mix plants into an existing open bookshelf alongside books small art prints and decorative objects. Leave 30 to 40 percent of each shelf for plants and keep the rest for non-plant items. I put a snake plant on one shelf a small jade plant on another and a trailing philodendron on the top shelf of my IKEA KALLAX unit. The key is spreading plants across multiple shelves rather than clustering them all on one level. A framed print or small candle next to a plant adds variety without overcrowding. You can also add large-scale wall art for apartments above the bookshelf for a full styled wall.

5. Corner Plant Shelf or Tiered Stand

Dead corners collect dust and look empty. A tiered plant stand fills that space without touching the walls. The IKEA SATSUMAS Plant Stand ($30 to $45) holds five pots on three tiers and sits freestanding on the floor. I placed one in the corner between my living room window and the TV and filled it with a mix of a tall ZZ plant a medium fern and three small succulents. The tiered design creates natural height variation without any wall mounting at all.

6. Windowsill to Shelf Bridge

Extend a windowsill plant display onto a floating shelf mounted on the adjacent wall. This works especially well for plants that need bright indirect light because the shelf catches the same window glow. I mounted a single Command Picture Ledge by 3M ($15 to $20) about 12 inches from the window frame and placed two small succulents and a miniature orchid on it. The plants on the shelf get enough light from the nearby window and the arrangement connects the window area to the wall instead of leaving a bare gap between them.

7. Minimalist Single Shelf with Matching Pots

One long floating shelf. Three to five plants. All in matching white ceramic pots. The clean lines and uniform containers create a minimalism-inspired look that works in modern apartments home offices and bedrooms. I bought five 4-inch white ceramic pots from Amazon for about $18 total and filled them with two pothos cuttings a haworthia a small spider plant and an echeveria. The matching planters made the whole shelf look intentional even though the plants were all different shapes and sizes.

Which of these nine methods sounds like the right fit for your apartment? Try one on a shelf you already have before buying anything new.

8. Mixed Material Pots for Texture Contrast

Alternate pot materials on the same shelf: one terracotta one white ceramic one woven rattan basket one concrete planter. The variety of textures creates depth and visual weight that matching pots do not. I tested this on my living room bookshelf and found that three different materials works better than four or five because too many textures starts to look cluttered. A terracotta pot (around $3 to $6) next to a woven basket cover (around $8 to $12) next to a smooth white ceramic pot creates a rhythm the eye follows. You can mirror this approach with wall decor by trying a damage-free mirror display for reflective contrast near your shelves.

9. Grow Light Shelf for Dark Rentals

Not every apartment gets good natural light. A clip-on Barrina LED Grow Light Strip ($20 to $30) attaches to the shelf above your plant shelf and gives houseplants enough light to stay healthy in dark rooms. I used one in my bathroom which has no windows at all and kept a pothos and a small snake plant alive for over four months. The LED strip runs about $0.03 per day in electricity and clips on without adhesive or screws. Adding grow lights opens up plant shelf styling in rooms most renters write off as too dark for any greenery.

Pro Tips for Renters:

1. Always place a plastic drip tray or cork plant mat ($8 to $12 for a set) under every pot to prevent water rings and shelf warping. I skipped this once and ended up with a permanent water stain on a white LACK shelf.
2. Weigh your planted pot before mounting the shelf. If a single pot weighs over 5 pounds use a bracket-mounted shelf instead of adhesive strips. A bathroom scale works fine for this.
3. Rotate each plant a quarter turn every week so it grows evenly and does not lean sideways toward the light source. I rotate mine every Sunday when I water.
4. Group plants with similar light and water needs on the same shelf. A succulent and a fern on the same shelf means you will overwater one or underwater the other.
5. Lay out the full shelf arrangement on the floor or a table first before mounting anything. Step back take a photo and adjust before committing to wall placement.

How to Style a Plant Shelf Step by Step Without Damaging Your Rental

Styling plants on shelves in a rental takes seven steps. Each step includes a common mistake to avoid so you do not waste time or risk your deposit. I used this exact process to set up three plant shelves in my apartment and had no wall damage after removing them.

Step 1: Pick your shelf location. Choose a wall that gets bright indirect light for at least four to six hours per day. Check the wall surface by running your hand over it. Smooth painted drywall works for both adhesive and bracket shelves. Textured drywall brick and concrete do not hold adhesive strips well. I picked the wall next to my living room window because it gets steady morning light without direct sun hitting the shelf.

Common mistake: Picking a wall that gets zero natural light. Your plants will get leggy and drop leaves within a few weeks unless you add a grow light.

Step 2: Choose your shelf type. Floating shelves (adhesive or bracket-mounted) open bookcases and freestanding tiered plant stands all work. Adhesive shelves like the Command Picture Ledge by 3M hold up to 5 pounds and leave no marks. Bracket-mounted shelves like the IKEA LACK Floating Shelf hold more weight but need two small screw holes per bracket. Freestanding plant stands like the IKEA SATSUMAS Plant Stand need no wall contact at all. I chose bracket-mounted shelves for my living room and a freestanding stand for my corner.

Common mistake: Buying a shelf before checking your wall type and weight capacity. A $15 adhesive shelf on a textured wall will fall within days.

You can also add a decorative backdrop behind your shelf. A strip of removable peel-and-stick wallpaper behind a plant shelf creates a built-in accent panel look.

Step 3: Select your plants. Pick three to seven plants that mix tall medium and trailing shapes. Good tall options include Dracaena trifasciata (snake plant) and Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZZ plant) both of which handle low to medium light. Good trailing options include pothos philodendron and string of hearts. Small succulents like haworthia and echeveria fill gaps and add texture. I spent $32 on five plants at a local nursery: one snake plant ($12) one pothos ($8) one philodendron ($7) and two echeveria ($2.50 each).

Common mistake: Picking all the same size plants. A shelf full of 4-inch succulents has no height variation and reads flat.

Step 4: Choose pots and containers. Mix two to three pot materials and keep a cohesive color palette. Neutrals like white terracotta and natural wood tones work with any apartment decor. Use plastic nursery pots inside decorative pot covers to cut weight and keep drainage simple. I spent $22 on pots: two terracotta ($3 each) two white ceramic ($5 each) and one woven rattan basket cover ($6). A single accent color like matte black or sage green adds personality without clashing.

Common mistake: Using pots without drainage holes. Water pools at the bottom roots rot and the plant dies within weeks. If your decorative pot has no hole keep the plant in the nursery pot inside it and lift it out to water.

Step 5: Arrange the display on the floor first. Lay out every pot on the floor or a table in the order you plan to place them on the shelf. Apply the rule of three (odd-number grouping) vary the heights from left to right and leave at least 2 to 3 inches of breathing room between each pot. Take a photo from eye level and check for balance. I rearranged my floor layout three times before I was happy with the spacing.

Common mistake: Overcrowding the shelf with every plant you own. Leave at least 20 to 30 percent of the shelf surface empty so each plant stands out.

Step 6: Mount the shelf. Follow the manufacturer instructions for your specific shelf type. For adhesive strips clean the wall with rubbing alcohol first to remove dust and oils. Press each strip firmly for 30 seconds. Wait a full hour before placing any weight on the shelf per 3M Command product instructions. For bracket mounts use a level and mark your drill points with painter tape before making holes.

Common mistake: Skipping the cure time for adhesive mounts. Loading a Command strip shelf immediately after sticking it to the wall weakens the bond and increases the chance of the shelf falling overnight.

Step 7: Place plants and adjust spacing. Set each pot according to your floor layout plan. Step back about 6 feet and check the overall visual balance from the angle you see the shelf most often. Adjust the spacing swap plants between positions if needed and stagger the depth so not every pot sits flush against the wall. Pulling one or two pots forward by an inch adds dimension.

Common mistake: Pushing all pots flat against the wall. A line of pots at the same depth looks two-dimensional. Pull the front pot forward and push the back pot flush to create layered depth.

Bottom line: test everything on the floor first mount with patience and step back from across the room before calling it done.

Common Mistakes Renters Make with Plant Shelf Styling

Most plant shelf styling problems come from the same five errors. I made three of these myself before finding what works.

Overcrowding the Shelf with Too Many Plants

A shelf packed edge to edge with pots looks chaotic not styled. Every plant competes for attention and none of them stand out. Leave 20 to 30 percent of the shelf surface empty. The negative space is what makes a plant display look curated instead of crammed. I had seven plants on a 24-inch LACK shelf and it looked like a nursery overflow bin. Removing two plants and spacing the remaining five made the whole shelf look more expensive.

Using All the Same Pot Size and Shape

Five identical 4-inch pots in a row reads as uniform not designed. Mix at least two to three different pot sizes and two different materials. The contrast between a tall terracotta pot and a small white ceramic planter creates the rhythm that makes an indoor plant display feel intentional. I learned this by accident when I ran out of matching pots and had to mix materials.

Ignoring Light Conditions

Placing a sun-loving succulent like echeveria on a shelf in a dark hallway will cause the plant to stretch and lose its shape within a month. Putting a low-light pothos in direct afternoon sun will scorch the leaves. Match the plant to the light the shelf location actually receives not the light you wish it received. A Barrina LED Grow Light Strip can fix dark spots but you need to plan for that before placing plants.

Skipping Drip Trays and Shelf Protection

Water from overwatering condensation or drainage seeps onto the shelf surface and causes stains warping and potential mold growth. A stained or warped shelf can cost part of your security deposit if you rented the apartment furnished. Always use a plastic drip tray or a cork plant mat under every pot. I skipped this on one shelf and ended up with a white water ring that would not come out.

Mounting Heavy Pots on Adhesive-Only Shelves

A 6-inch ceramic pot filled with wet soil can weigh 4 to 8 pounds. An adhesive-mounted shelf rated for 5 pounds will eventually fail under that weight especially in humid rooms like bathrooms. I learned this the hard way when a Command strip ledge in my bathroom fell at 2 AM after two weeks of humidity exposure. Match the pot weight to the shelf capacity and use bracket mounts for anything over 5 pounds per pot.

Bottom line: most styling mistakes come from skipping the basics. Check your weight protect the shelf surface and match plants to their light.

Renter-Safe Plant Shelves and Accessories We Actually Tested

These are the six products I bought with my own money and tested in my apartment. I have listed the real price I paid how easy each product was to install and whether it left any damage. No sponsored picks.

IKEA LACK Floating Shelf ($12.99) is a 30-inch white laminate wall shelf that mounts with two metal brackets and four screws. Holds up to 15 pounds enough for three to four medium potted houseplants. Installation takes about 15 minutes with a drill. The bracket screws leave four small holes that a dab of spackle covers at move-out. I have used LACK shelves in two rentals and both times got my full deposit back after patching the holes.

IKEA MALMBACK Display Shelf ($10.99) is a 24-inch picture ledge with a raised front lip that keeps pots from sliding off. Mounts with small nails and holds lightweight items only not heavy ceramic pots. Works best for small succulents air plants and very lightweight planters. The minimalist design makes it a good fit for modern apartments and home offices.

Command Picture Ledge by 3M ($17.49) is a fully adhesive-mounted display ledge that holds up to 5 pounds. No drill needed and the adhesive strips peel off cleanly from smooth painted drywall. I used one next to my bedroom window and it held two small succulents and a pothos cutting for over three months with no issues. The 5-pound limit means only lightweight plants and pots work here.

IKEA SATSUMAS Plant Stand ($34.99) is a freestanding bamboo and steel tiered stand with five pot positions. No wall contact and no mounting needed. I placed it in a living room corner and filled all five tiers with a mix of houseplants. The bamboo and white steel design complements most apartment decor styles from boho to mid-century modern. Best option for renters who cannot make any wall holes at all.

Barrina LED Grow Light Strip ($24.99) is a clip-on full-spectrum LED bar that gives houseplants enough light to grow in rooms with little or no natural sunlight. Each bar clips onto the shelf above the plants and plugs into a standard outlet. I used one in my windowless bathroom and kept a pothos alive for over four months. Also works well for shelves in dark hallways corners and north-facing rooms.

Cork Plant Mat Set ($9.99) is a pack of six round cork coasters designed to sit under plant pots on shelves and furniture. The cork absorbs small water drips and prevents condensation rings on wood and laminate shelf surfaces. Simple cheap deposit protection.

Bottom line: IKEA SATSUMAS Plant Stand is the safest renter option with zero wall contact. Command Picture Ledge by 3M is the best adhesive shelf for renters who cannot drill.

What to Check with Your Landlord Before Mounting Plant Shelves

Before you mount any shelf to a wall scan your lease and ask your landlord about these items. A quick text or email now saves a deposit argument later. According to Nolo.com tenant rights resources most standard residential leases in the US do allow small nail holes and picture hanging hardware but terms vary.

• Does your lease allow adhesive-mounted shelves or does it restrict wall modifications to bracket mounts only?
• Is there a maximum number of wall holes allowed per room or per apartment?
• Does the lease require you to patch and paint nail and screw holes at move-out or does the landlord handle normal wear?
• Are there weight restrictions for wall-mounted items?
• Does the lease include a clause about water damage to walls or floors from indoor plants?
• Does your landlord require written approval before you mount anything to the wall?
• Do small nail or bracket holes count as normal wear and tear or will they be deducted from your security deposit?

Bottom line: one email to your landlord before you start saves potential deposit deductions when you move out.

Real Results: I Styled 3 Plant Shelves for Under $85

I set up three plant shelf displays across different rooms in my 650-square-foot rental apartment. The total cost came to $83.44. Here is exactly where the money went.

Living room floating shelf setup: Two IKEA LACK Floating Shelves ($12.99 each) one snake plant ($12) one pothos ($8) two echeveria ($2.50 each) two terracotta pots ($3 each) one white ceramic pot ($5) one woven basket cover ($6). Total: $68.48. This setup took one afternoon including mounting and arranging.

Bedroom windowsill-to-shelf bridge: One Command Picture Ledge by 3M ($17.49) three small succulents (I already had these from a previous purchase) cork mat set ($9.99 which I split across all three setups). This shelf cost $27.48 and took 20 minutes to install.

Bathroom grow light shelf: One existing MALMBACK shelf (leftover from a previous project) one Barrina LED Grow Light Strip ($24.99) one pothos cutting (free propagated from my living room plant). The bathroom shelf added $24.99 to the total but gave me a plant display in a room with zero natural light.

The one failure: that bathroom shelf was originally a Command strip adhesive shelf not the MALMBACK. The humidity from daily showers loosened the adhesive within two weeks. I woke up at 2 AM to the sound of the shelf hitting the floor. One pot cracked and soil spread across the tile. I switched to the MALMBACK with bracket screws and it has held steady for three months. You can also pair plant shelves with a peel-and-stick wood plank wall backdrop for a rustic look. And if your kitchen shelves need attention too our $131 rental kitchen makeover covers damage-free shelf styling for that space.

My landlord came by for a routine inspection last month saw the floating shelves in the living room and asked where I bought them. That is the reaction you want.

Bottom line: three styled plant shelves across three rooms cost me $83.44 total and the only failure came from using adhesive in a humid bathroom.

FAQ: Plant Shelf Styling for Renters

What is the best way to style plants on a shelf?

The best way to style plants on a shelf is to apply the rule of three by grouping plants in odd numbers with height variation. Place the tallest plant (like a snake plant) off-center add a medium trailing plant (like pothos) at the shelf edge and fill with a small succulent (like echeveria). Alternate pot materials between ceramic and terracotta for texture contrast.

How do you arrange plants on a living room shelf without it looking cluttered?

Arranging plants on a living room shelf without clutter requires leaving 20 to 30 percent of the shelf surface empty and grouping plants in odd numbers rather than even rows. Use three to five plants maximum on a standard 24 to 30 inch shelf. Vary the heights pull one pot slightly forward for depth and avoid lining up identical pots in a straight row.

Is it safe to put plants on floating shelves in a rental?

Putting plants on floating shelves in a rental is safe when you match the plant and pot weight to the shelf capacity. Command adhesive shelves by 3M hold up to 5 pounds on smooth painted drywall. Bracket-mounted shelves like IKEA LACK hold 15 pounds. Always use a drip tray or cork mat under each pot to prevent water damage to the shelf surface.

Do indoor shelf plants cause wall damage?

Indoor shelf plants do not cause wall damage when proper precautions are taken. The two risks are water splash from overwatering and humidity buildup behind the shelf. A plastic drip tray or cork mat under every pot prevents water contact with the shelf surface. Keeping the shelf at least a half inch from the wall allows air to circulate and prevents moisture trapping.

How much does it cost to set up a styled plant shelf?

A styled plant shelf setup costs most renters between $40 and $100 for a single shelf display. A floating shelf runs $10 to $20 three to five houseplants cost $15 to $50 depending on species and size and matching pots add $10 to $30. StealTheDecor tested a three-shelf setup across three rooms for $83.44 total using IKEA shelves and nursery-priced plants.

What are the best trailing plants for shelf styling?

The best trailing plants for shelf styling are pothos (Epipremnum aureum) string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) string of hearts (Ceropegia woodii) and heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum). These plants drape naturally over shelf edges and grow vines 12 to 36 inches long. Pothos is the most beginner-friendly option because it tolerates low light and irregular watering. Most trailing houseplants cost $8 to $15 at local nurseries.

What should I do if my plant shelf falls off the wall?

If a plant shelf falls off the wall clean up soil and water immediately to prevent floor staining. Check the wall for damage and patch any torn drywall or adhesive residue with lightweight spackle ($4 at any hardware store). Replace adhesive-mounted shelves with bracket-mounted shelves for heavier pots and avoid reinstalling adhesive shelves in humid rooms like bathrooms where moisture weakens the bond. For hanging alternatives consider ceiling hooks with adhesive mounts or tension rod setups that need no drilling.

Plant Shelf Styling Key Takeaways for Renters

• Plant shelf styling uses height variation the rule of three and a mix of trailing and upright houseplants to create a balanced curated display on any shelf type in a rental apartment.
• Renters can mount floating shelves damage-free using Command adhesive strips by 3M which hold up to 7.2 pounds per set and leave no wall damage at move-out when removed according to manufacturer instructions.
• The best trailing plants for shelf styling are pothos (Epipremnum aureum) string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) and string of hearts (Ceropegia woodii) which drape naturally over shelf edges and cost $5 to $15 each at most nurseries.
• A full plant shelf setup costs most renters $40 to $100 covering one shelf ($10 to $20) three to five plants ($15 to $50) and matching pots in mixed materials ($10 to $30).
• StealTheDecor tested nine plant shelf styling methods in a 650-square-foot rental apartment and found that the rule of three with mixed pot textures produced the most polished expensive-looking result.
• Always place a drip tray or cork plant mat under every pot on a shelf to prevent water rings shelf warping and potential security deposit deductions at move-out.
• A clip-on Barrina LED Grow Light Strip ($20 to $30) makes plant shelf styling possible in dark apartments with north-facing windows or windowless rooms where natural light is limited.

Your Shelves Are Ready

Plant shelf styling in a rental comes down to three things: picking the right shelf for your wall type mixing plant heights and pot materials and protecting the shelf surface from water. You do not need a big budget or a landlord who lets you drill. A freestanding plant stand a few well-chosen houseplants and a little patience with the arrangement goes a long way.

Have you tried plant shelf styling in your rental? I would love to hear what worked and what flopped for you. If you want to take your plant display vertical beyond shelves StealTheDecor has a full walkthrough on hanging plants from the ceiling without drilling for ceiling and wall options.

Every product I mentioned and tested is linked above and most of them cost less than $20. Your apartment does not have to look like a beige box. Start with one shelf and three plants and see what happens.