Open-plan living spaces have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a sense of spaciousness and flow. However, defining distinct zones within these open areas can be challenging. Utilizing plants as living partitions between the living and dining areas offers an innovative and aesthetically pleasing solution. This approach not only delineates spaces but also introduces natural elements, improving air quality and enhancing the overall ambiance. From sleek minimalist designs to lush vertical gardens, incorporating plants into your partitioning strategy brings a touch of biophilic design to your home, connecting indoor living with the natural world. Let’s explore 22 inspiring ideas to transform your living and dining space with the vibrant beauty of plants.
Vertical Garden Wall Divider
A floor-to-ceiling vertical garden creates a dramatic and stunning partition. Consider a metal framework with integrated planters for a modern industrial look. Opt for a mix of trailing pothos, vibrant philodendrons, and textured ferns to create a lush, living wall. In terms of color combinations, deep greens paired with the black or gunmetal gray of the metal frame offer a sophisticated aesthetic that aligns with current US and EU design trends favoring darker, moodier hues. Incorporate pops of color with flowering plants like bromeliads or orchids, echoing accent colors found in your furniture or décor. This design works well in both contemporary and eclectic spaces.
Open Shelving with Integrated Planters
Open shelving units with built-in planters offer a functional and stylish way to divide the living and dining areas. Choose a light wood like birch or maple for a Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic, popular in both the US and EU. Arrange a variety of plants on different shelf levels, incorporating trailing plants to soften the lines of the shelving. Small succulents in terracotta pots add a touch of earthy warmth, while taller snake plants provide vertical accents. Consider a neutral color palette of whites, grays, and beige for the surrounding décor, allowing the greenery to stand out as the focal point. Incorporate woven baskets and natural textures for a cohesive and organic feel.
Freestanding Planter Boxes on Casters
Large planter boxes on casters provide a flexible and mobile partition. Opt for sleek, rectangular boxes in a matte black or white finish for a modern look. Plant a mix of tall, structural plants like fiddle leaf figs or bamboo, combined with smaller, bushier plants to create visual interest. This approach allows for easy reconfiguration of the space, adapting to different needs and occasions. Incorporate warm lighting elements, such as string lights woven through the plants, to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. This versatile design works well in both minimalist and bohemian interiors.
Bamboo Screen with Hanging Planters
A bamboo screen provides a natural and textural backdrop for hanging planters. The warm tones of bamboo complement a variety of color schemes, from earthy browns and greens to vibrant blues and oranges. Choose macrame plant hangers for a bohemian touch, or sleek metal hangers for a more contemporary aesthetic. Trailing plants like ivy or spider plants create a cascading effect, softening the division between spaces. This design is particularly well-suited to homes with a focus on sustainable and natural materials, a growing trend in both the US and EU.
Repurposed Ladder with Potted Plants
A vintage wooden ladder can be repurposed into a charming and unique plant stand. Paint the ladder a distressed white or leave it in its natural state for a rustic look. Place potted plants of varying heights on the ladder rungs, creating a tiered display. Herbs, succulents, and small flowering plants are all excellent choices. This design adds a touch of vintage charm and works well in farmhouse or eclectic style homes.
Glass Terrarium Divider
A large glass terrarium filled with a variety of plants creates a striking visual focal point. Opt for a geometric terrarium shape for a modern look, or a more traditional rounded shape for a classic feel. Ferns, mosses, and air plants thrive in a terrarium environment. This design adds a touch of elegance and sophistication, complementing minimalist or contemporary interiors.
Trellis with Climbing Plants
A freestanding trellis with climbing plants like jasmine or bougainvillea creates a fragrant and visually appealing partition. Choose a metal trellis for a modern look or a wooden trellis for a more traditional aesthetic. The vibrant colors of the flowering vines add a pop of color to the space. This design is perfect for creating a romantic and whimsical atmosphere.
Hanging Planter Clusters
Suspend a cluster of hanging planters at varying heights to create a dynamic and visually interesting partition. Use a variety of planter materials and sizes for a layered look. This design adds a touch of bohemian flair and works well in spaces with high ceilings.
Row of Tall Potted Plants
A simple yet effective partition can be created by placing a row of tall potted plants along the boundary between the living and dining areas. Choose plants with varying textures and leaf shapes for visual interest.
Pallet Garden Wall
Repurpose wooden pallets to create a vertical garden wall. Attach planters to the pallet slats and plant a variety of herbs, succulents, or flowering plants.
Macrame Plant Hanger Wall
Create a bohemian-inspired partition by hanging a collection of macrame plant hangers on a wall or rod. Use a variety of plant types and hanger styles for a eclectic look.
Suspended Planter Rail
Install a ceiling-mounted rail system with hanging planters. This allows for flexibility in arranging and rearranging the plants.
Bookcase with Integrated Planters
Combine functionality and aesthetics with a bookcase that incorporates built-in planters. Display books and decorative objects alongside your plants.
Room Divider Screen with Planter Boxes
Choose a folding screen with integrated planter boxes for a versatile and mobile partition.
Window Box Divider
Create a window box-style planter that spans the length of the dividing line between the living and dining areas.
Stair-Step Planter Display
Utilize a stair-step style plant stand to create a tiered display of plants.
Floating Shelves with Hanging Planters
Combine floating shelves with hanging planters for a modern and airy partition.
Metal Grid Wall with Hanging Planters
Create a visually interesting partition with a metal grid wall and hanging planters.
Upcycled Furniture Planter
Repurpose an old dresser or cabinet into a unique planter by removing drawers and replacing them with planting containers.
Living Room Partition With Fish Tank and Plants
Combine the tranquility of an aquarium with the vibrancy of plants by incorporating a fish tank into your living room partition. You can build a custom wall unit with a built-in aquarium and shelves for displaying plants, or use a large aquarium as a standalone divider with strategically placed potted plants around it. Choose aquatic plants that complement the fish and add to the overall aesthetic. This design creates a unique focal point and adds a sense of serenity to the space.
Living Room Partition with Fireplace and Plants
A double-sided fireplace can serve as a dramatic and functional partition between living and dining areas, with the added benefit of providing warmth to both spaces. Integrate plants by placing large potted plants on either side of the fireplace, or by incorporating built-in planters into the surrounding structure. Consider using trailing plants to soften the hard lines of the fireplace and create a more organic feel. Choose fire-resistant plants and place them at a safe distance from the heat source. This design creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere while clearly defining the two zones.
