Macrame Plant Hanger Guide: Types, Sizes & Styling Ideas

If there's one detail that instantly makes a room feel warmer, more textured, and more alive, it's a macrame plant hanger. This guide answers the questions people ask before buying: what a macrame plant hanger is, which type and size to choose, where to hang it, and how to keep both the macrame and the plant inside thriving for years.

What is a macrame plant hanger?

A macrame plant hanger is a hand-knotted cord sling — usually cotton, jute, or a blend — that cradles a potted plant and suspends it from the ceiling, a wall hook, or a plant stand. Unlike a simple rope sling, it uses decorative knotting (square knots, spiral knots, wrapped beads) that turns a functional holder into a piece of art on its own. The technique dates back centuries; the modern boho revival made it one of the most recognizable elements of natural home styling.

What types of macrame plant hangers are there?

There are three main formats — single, tiered (multi-pot), and wall-mounted — plus material variations in cotton or jute. The type you choose changes both the look and the function of the space.

Single hangers. The most common style — one cord cradle holding one pot. Best for accent plants near a window, in a reading nook, or flanking a doorway.

Tiered or multi-pot hangers. These hold two or three pots stacked vertically on a single cord. They're ideal for small apartments where floor and shelf space is limited but you still want a layered, jungle-like effect from a single anchor point.

Wall-mounted hangers. Designed to hold the plant against a wall rather than free-hanging from the ceiling — a good option for renters or anyone who can't drill into a ceiling joist.

Material variations. Cotton cord gives a soft, refined look and holds dye well for cream, blush, or sage-tinted hangers. Jute is rougher, more rustic, and pairs naturally with terracotta pots and dried botanicals. Some designs add wooden beads or rings, which add structure and a slightly more polished, Scandi-boho finish.

What size macrame plant hanger do I need?

Measure the diameter of your pot at its widest point — not the plant — and match it to the listing: most macrame plant hangers fit pots between 4 and 8 inches (10–20 cm) in diameter. A hanger sized for a 6-inch pot will sag or slip with anything larger.

Also account for drop length — the distance from the mounting point to the bottom of the pot. A short drop (12–16 inches) works well in low-ceiling rooms or above furniture, while a longer drop (24 inches or more) creates a dramatic statement in a stairwell, entryway, or near tall windows. As a rule of thumb, leave at least 8–10 inches of clearance below the pot so trailing leaves have room to grow without dragging on the floor.

Where should I hang a macrame plant hanger?

Almost any room works if you think about light first: a living room corner near a window, a kitchen window with herbs, a humid bathroom, a reading nook, or an entryway where a long drop draws the eye upward.

• Living room corners — a single tiered hanger near a window fills empty vertical space without blocking light.
• Kitchen windows — small hangers with herbs (basil, mint, thyme) bring greenery within arm's reach of cooking.
• Bathrooms — humidity-loving plants like pothos or ferns thrive here, and a hanger keeps them off the vanity.
• Reading nooks and bedroom corners — pair with a rattan chair and a warm throw for an instantly cozy, styled corner.
• Entryways and stairwells — a long-drop hanger draws the eye upward and makes a strong first impression near the front door.

Which plants look best in a macrame plant hanger?

Trailing varieties are the classic pairing, because their vines echo the flowing lines of the knotwork — pothos, string of pearls, spider plant, and English ivy top the list.

• Pothos — nearly indestructible, fast-growing, forgiving of inconsistent watering.
• String of pearls / string of hearts — delicate, trailing succulents that look striking against a chunky cotton cord.
• Spider plant — produces babies that dangle naturally below the pot, doubling the cascading effect.
• English ivy — for a cooler, more European cottagecore feel.

For a layered look, mix two or three plant textures across multiple hangers at slightly different heights rather than lining them up perfectly even — it reads more natural and less staged.

How do I hang a macrame plant hanger from the ceiling?

Screw a hook rated for at least double the expected weight into a ceiling joist or wall stud — never drywall alone, since a watered pot can weigh several kilograms. Then loop the top ring over the hook, let the cords settle, and place the pot so it sits level.

1. Locate a ceiling joist or a stable wall stud rather than drywall alone.
2. Install a ceiling hook or wall hook rated for at least double the expected weight.
3. Loop the macrame hanger's top ring over the hook and let it settle naturally before adding the pot.
4. Place the pot inside the cradle and adjust the knots evenly so the plant sits level.

If you're renting, look for a wall-mounted style or a tension rod setup instead of drilling into the ceiling.

How do I care for a macrame plant hanger?

Dust it with a dry soft brush every few weeks, wipe it immediately if the pot drips after watering, and keep dyed cord out of harsh direct sun to prevent fading. Cotton and jute are natural fibers — this small routine keeps them looking their best for years.

• Dust gently with a dry soft brush every few weeks.
• Avoid direct exposure to constant moisture — wipe immediately if the pot drips after watering.
• Keep out of direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods to prevent fading on dyed cord.
• Re-knot or fluff the tassels occasionally to keep the fringe looking full.

Shop the Collection

Ready to bring this look home? Browse the full Macrame Plant Hanger collection for single, tiered, and wall-mounted styles in natural cotton and jute — each one hand-knotted, with free worldwide shipping and 30-day returns.

With love, Emma at Bohoartis