Plant Stands

Elevate Your Green Space: Best Plant Stands and Where to Buy Them in the UK

Why plant stands transform a room

Plant stands do more than lift pots off the floor — they lift the whole vibe of a room. Think of a plain pot as a book and a plant stand as its gorgeous cover: suddenly the story looks more compelling. A clever stand adds height, creates layers, and draws the eye to your greenery, which can make a small flat feel airy or a large lounge feel curated. Whether you’re after a minimal metal tripod, a warm wooden shelf, or a cork pot roller that feels sculptural, the right stand makes your plants sing.

Where to shop: trusted UK retailers for plant stands

Shopping in the UK means you’ve got plenty of reputable stores to choose from, each with a distinct flavour. Some specialise in Scandinavian design, others in garden hardware, and a few offer budget-friendly basics. Below I break down standout retailers — including selections from the HTML data — so you can match style, budget, and the plant types you own.

Nordic Nest — Scandi style and designer picks

If you love clean lines, neutral tones, and designer brands, Nordic Nest is a top choice. Their range features minimalist metal stands, walnut magazine-shelf-style plant shelves, and playful cork designs. Standouts from their catalogue include the String String Bathroom Combination A in white (a modular, space-saving option), the String String Magazine Shelf Wood in walnut at about 23 x 11.8 in, and the Broste Copenhagen Nordic Sea Pot Stand around 7.5 x 9.8 in — perfect for showcasing a statement pot on a console or window ledge.

Buy Sheds Direct — sturdy outdoor and wall-mounted options

For garden-focused pieces, Buy Sheds Direct offers practical, weather-ready wooden stands and wall planters. A great example is their 5'11" Forest Slatted Tall Wall Planter with one shelf, which pairs rustic charm with functional height for terraces and fences. The shelf dimensions are about 23.6 x 7.1 in, ideal for multiple small pots or trailing herbs on a balcony.

John Lewis & Partners — quality classics and designer collaborations

John Lewis mixes durable everyday stands with designer collaborations. Expect good warranties and a range that spans metal tripod stands to tiered wood-and-iron combos. If you want a stand that’s as much about longevity as looks, they’re worth a browse.

Dunelm and B&Q — budget-friendly and practical

Dunelm and B&Q are great when you want economical options that don’t sacrifice sturdiness. B&Q is particularly useful for heavy-duty metal stands and plant shelving for patios, while Dunelm offers lighter wooden tiers and wicker-effect stands that work indoors. These are the shops to check when you want multiple plant stands without breaking the bank.

IKEA and Wayfair UK — functional, plentiful, and easy to style

IKEA nails simple, modular solutions that are easy to multi-purpose; think shelving that doubles as plant display. Wayfair UK provides huge variety and a filter-rich browsing experience, so you can quickly zero in on tall metal stands, wall-mounted pots, or sets of three tiered stands in the finish you fancy.

Featured product types and what they’re best for

Not every plant stand is built for every place or plant. Below I break down the most common styles and where they shine, so you can make a confident pick.

Metal stands — sleek, modern, and space-saving

Metal stands are perfect for small spaces where you want an airy look. Thin legs and open frames let light travel through, which helps keep corners from feeling heavy. Many metal stands are powder-coated for outdoor use, but check the spec if you plan to leave them in the rain for months on end.

Wooden shelves and tiers — warm and versatile

Wood brings warmth and pairs beautifully with terracotta and ceramic pots. Tiered wooden stands are ideal when you want a plant corner with varying heights — larger floor plants below, smaller herbs or succulents above. For outdoor wooden stands, opt for pressure-treated or sealed wood to resist moisture.

Cork and natural materials — tactile and unique

Cork stands, like the Ferm Living Roller Pot Stand Cork, add texture and a handcrafted feel. They’re great indoors where temperature and humidity are relatively stable, and they pair well with neutral interiors or boho styling.

Wire baskets and classic metal tubs — industrial charm

Items like the Korbo Classic 35 in acid-proof steel bring a rustic-industrial edge. These are robust and easy to clean, making them excellent for potting stations or for plants that can get messy, such as herbs used in the kitchen.

Sizing and scale: how to pick the right height

Choosing the right height for a stand is a bit like picking the right shoe for an outfit — it needs to balance and flatter. Tall stands (around 2 to 4 ft) elevate a single sculptural plant and make it a focal point. Low stands or shelves (10 to 24 in) are perfect for groups of small pots. When positioning near furniture, aim for the plant’s top to fall between the midpoint and top of the adjacent furniture piece for harmonious composition.

Indoors: windowsills, corners, and console styling

Windowsill planters and shallow shelves are great for small herbs and succulents. If you’ve got a console table, a mid-height stand beside or on it turns a vignette into a mini indoor jungle. For corners, tall multi-tier stands create a layered look without taking up much floor space.

Outdoors: balconies, patios, and vertical gardens

On a balcony, wall-mounted options or slim tall stands keep the floor clear while maximizing planting area. For patios, invest in heavier or secured stands to resist wind. Wall planters like the Forest Slatted Tall Wall Planter at nearly 6 ft tall let you grow vertically and add instant privacy.

Styling tips: groupings, tiers and mixing materials

Want your display to look curated rather than cluttered? Group pots in odd numbers — three or five tends to read as intentional. Mix heights and textures: pair a metal tripod with a wooden tier and a small cork roller to create contrast. Think of plant groups like a band: you want a strong lead (a large leafy plant), supporting vocals (medium pots), and percussion (tiny succulents) to keep the rhythm.

Color and pot choices

Neutral stands let bright green foliage pop, while colored stands can add a playful accent. For a cohesive look, coordinate stand finish with one color from your room (like the sofa or a rug) so the whole space feels pulled together.

Care, maintenance and weatherproofing

Plant stands, especially outdoors, need basic care. Metal needs checking for rust; a fresh coat of outdoor-grade paint can extend life. Wood benefits from periodic sealing to fend off rot. If a stand is labeled for indoor use, don’t assume it will fare outdoors — moisture and temperature swings are tough on many finishes.

Protecting your floors

Use rubber or felt pads under stands to prevent scratching, and place a tray or saucer beneath potted plants to catch stray water. Heavy pots on narrow-legged stands can dent soft flooring, so take care when positioning large ceramic planters.

Budget vs designer buys: where to spend and where to save

Deciding between a bargain stand and a designer statement is personal, but here’s a quick rule: spend on the piece that will be the centre of attention, save on multiples. If you plan a dramatic, sculptural stand as your focal point — like a large cork roller or a striking metal tripod — invest in quality. For sets of matching small stands scattered across shelves, more affordable options from big retailers will do the job well.

DIY plant stand ideas for a personal touch

Feeling handy? A simple wooden crate stack or painted ladder can become a chic plant display. Even an upcycled side table can be repurposed into a tiered plant stand. DIY allows you to customize height, width, and finish exactly to your space — and it’s often cheaper than buying ready-made.

Matching stands to plant types

Large, top-heavy plants like monsteras and palms need low, sturdy stands with wide bases. Trailing plants such as pothos or ivy work beautifully on wall-mounted shelves or higher stands where they can cascade. Succulents and cacti prefer shallow trays or compact stands that keep them grouped and visually cohesive.

Selecting the right finish for outdoors

If your garden or balcony faces frequent rain, choose galvanized steel, treated wood, or powder-coated metal. These finishes resist corrosion and require less maintenance. For seaside or high-salt environments, acid-proof steel — like that used in some classic Korbo models — is particularly resilient.

Final styling checklist before you buy

Before you click buy, ask yourself a few quick questions: How tall should the stand be relative to nearby furniture? Is it weight-bearing enough for your chosen pot? Will it be indoors or exposed to weather? Answering these helps you avoid returns and ensures the stand fits your vision from day one.

Conclusion

Plant stands are a small investment with a big payoff: they add height, structure and style to your plant collection, help you make the most of small spaces, and let you create displays that feel intentional and personal. Whether you favour the Scandinavian simplicity of Nordic Nest, the sturdy outdoor gear from Buy Sheds Direct, or budget-friendly finds from Dunelm and B&Q, there are options across the UK to suit every taste. Think about materials, scale, and where you’ll position the stand, and don’t be afraid to mix and match finishes for an eclectic, lived-in look. With the right stand, your plants won’t just live — they’ll perform.