House Plants in the Hallway

Halls are often narrow and lacking in both space and light, but these problems need not make them an unsuitable spot for house plants. Disadvantages can be overcome with clever display ideas and the right lighting.

Finding Space for Plants

• Hall windows can be used very decoratively if you position shelves in rows across the width. Mix plants in with a special display of glass, shells, China, or other ornaments.
• Narrow tables provide space for a low bowl massed with colorful flowering plants. Choose a color that contrasts with the surroundings for a strong and sunny impression.
• Walls can provide space for shelves, especially useful in a narrow hall where they can be used for necessary hall clutter such as telephone directories and letters. Intersperse essential items with attractively trailing plants.
• Corners in the hall or on the stairs provide an out-of-the-way spot for a tall and slim floor-standing plant. This will break up the hard lines of all those tall walls.Triangular-shaped shelves, one below the other, in a corner display trailing plants beautifully.
• Stairwell space can be used to create a hanging garden in front of a landing window. Use a pulley system of ropes and wheels so that plants can be lowered for care if they are out of reach. Check, however, that they look as good from the landing as from the hall.

Lack of Light

Most plants do not survive well in a dark spot but there are two ways of overcoming this problem.

A temporary stay in a less than ideal spot can be tolerated by many plants but they will need periods of recuperation in ideal conditions.

Fluorescent lighting, which loses less of its energy in heat than the more commonly used incandescent bulbs, can be used to provide extra light for growing plants. Special light fixtures for plant growing are available.

Decorative Display Ideas

• Use mirrors to create an effect of space in halls, and group plants so that they are reflected for double value.
• Match plant, leaf or flower colors to those in a hall and group them close by.
• Show off plants with a floodlight — but don’t position too close as the heat can scorch leaves.
• Use a tall chimney-pot for a trailing plant display, and use a matching pot to hold walking sticks and umbrellas.
• For an unusual effect arrange plants in a bird cage and hang in an out-of-the-way spot.
• Hall furniture for hanging outdoor clothing often has shelves and is ideal for displaying plants.

Some Plants to Try in the Hall

• Flame Violet has decorative leaves and bright red flowers.
• Italian Bellflower has starlike white or blue flowers in summer.
• Japanese Stonecrop is a succulent with small pink flowers in October.
• Decorative leaf varieties Variegated ivies have cream edging or blotches on the leaves.
• Bulrush has long, slim grass-like leaves that arch attractively.
• Creeping Fig likes shade so is a good choice for a hall short of light.
• Inch Plant can have cream or pink markings on its oval leaves.

Narrow upright plants for corners

Corners in narrow halls often feel wasted, but they can be transformed into striking focal points with the right plants. Tall, upright species with slim growth habits are ideal, as they add greenery without crowding the space. Plants like Dracaena marginata, Snake Plant, or Bamboo Palm work particularly well, their vertical form drawing the eye upward and softening sharp architectural lines.

Placing them in stylish pots enhances the overall effect while keeping the look tidy. For added depth, consider grouping one tall plant with a smaller trailing variety on a corner shelf. This approach brings life and balance to overlooked spots, making the hall feel more welcoming.