Creative examples of 3 examples of how to make a terrarium as an art piece

Example of a minimalist moss terrarium as a living sculpture

Let’s start with the calmest of our examples of 3 examples of how to make a terrarium as an art piece: the minimalist moss terrarium. This style is perfect if you like clean lines, soft textures, and something that feels like a tiny, meditative forest.

Instead of cramming in lots of plants, you treat the moss itself as the main sculpture. Think of a low, wide glass bowl or a cylinder vase. Inside, you build a simple landscape with height, negative space, and a clear focal point.

Here’s how it comes together in practice:

You place a thin layer of small pebbles at the bottom for drainage, then a layer of activated charcoal to keep things fresh. On top, you add about 1–2 inches of moist potting mix. Then the art part begins. You might choose three types of moss—sheet moss to create a soft carpet, cushion moss for little green mounds, and mood moss for a wilder texture.

Arrange them like you’re composing a landscape painting. One side can be slightly elevated with a rock or a little mound of soil. The other side stays low and open to give the eye a place to rest. This is where these examples include artistic tricks from basic design: odd numbers of elements, a clear focal point, and variation in height.

To turn this into a true art piece, you can add:

• A single, smooth black stone that contrasts with the bright green
• A tiny driftwood branch arching over the moss
• A small, abstract clay form you sculpt yourself

People often underestimate how expressive moss can be. In 2024–2025, moss terrariums are all over minimalist and Japandi-style interiors because they pair well with neutral colors and natural textures. They look intentional, quiet, and grown-up—more art gallery than science project.

If you’re worried about care: moss generally prefers indirect light and consistent moisture. The US Forest Service has good background information on moss and forest ecosystems if you’re curious about how these plants behave in nature: https://www.fs.usda.gov/

Botanical still life: examples of 3 examples of how to make a terrarium as an art piece inspired by painting

If the moss terrarium is your quiet poem, this next example of terrarium art is your oil painting. Think of it as a three-dimensional still life under glass.

Instead of random plant placement, you build a composition the way a painter builds a canvas: foreground, middle ground, and background. This is one of the best examples of 3 examples of how to make a terrarium as an art piece if you like drama and color.

Imagine a tall glass jar or apothecary-style container. At the back, you plant something with height and structure, like a small fern or a nerve plant with striking veins. In the middle, you tuck in low-growing plants with interesting leaves—polka dot plant, baby’s tears, or a tiny peperomia. At the front, you leave a small “clearing” of moss or bare soil as negative space.

To make it feel like art rather than just a jar of plants, you can:

• Use contrasting leaf shapes: one feathery, one round, one spiky
• Play with color: deep green, burgundy, and variegated white-green leaves
• Add a single object: a brass beetle charm, a small ceramic bird, or a tiny framed “painting” you made from a scrap of watercolor paper

In 2024, plant stylists and interior designers are leaning into this kind of layered, lush look—especially for bookshelves and console tables. It’s a way to bring in greenery without another standard potted plant.

Since this style is usually closed or semi-closed, it creates a humid microclimate. For a quick primer on how humidity and temperature affect plants, the US National Park Service has accessible explanations of microclimates in nature: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/climatechange/index.htm

This still-life style is one of the best examples of how to make a terrarium feel intentional: every plant, every stone, every decorative object has a job in the composition.

Narrative terrarium: examples of 3 examples of how to make a terrarium as an art piece that tell a story

Now let’s move into terrariums that don’t just look pretty—they tell a story. These narrative builds are some of the most fun examples of 3 examples of how to make a terrarium as an art piece, because you’re basically directing a tiny movie set.

A narrative terrarium always has a theme. Some real examples include:

• A tiny “mountain hike” scene with a winding gravel path and a miniature hiker figurine
• A beach-inspired terrarium with sand, air plants, and a tiny beach chair
• A fantasy forest with a small fairy door at the base of a rock and a hidden “path” of stepping stones
• A desert canyon with layered sand and a miniature bridge

The plants and hardscape support that story. For a forest scene, you might use ferns, moss, and a gnarled piece of wood. For a desert scene, you’d switch to succulents, gravel, and sculpted sand.

This is where many people accidentally cross the line into clutter. The trick is to choose one main idea and edit everything else. In a “mountain hike” terrarium, for example, your path should be obvious, your rock “mountains” should be clearly placed, and you might use just one or two figurines instead of a whole crowd.

From an art perspective, these narrative builds are great examples of visual hierarchy. Your eye should go first to the main character or focal point, then follow the path or lines through the rest of the scene.

If you’re using succulents or cacti for desert-style terrariums, it’s worth reading up on their care. The University of Florida IFAS Extension has practical plant care resources that translate well to terrarium setups: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu

Trend-driven glass art: examples include hanging, wall, and coffee-table terrariums

Terrariums have come back strong in 2024–2025, especially as people look for low-maintenance ways to add greenery to small apartments and home offices. Some of the trendiest examples of 3 examples of how to make a terrarium as an art piece right now aren’t just about the plants—they’re about how and where you display them.

Some real examples include:

Hanging globe terrariums

These are clear glass orbs with an opening in front and a loop at the top. They’re often used with air plants, sand, and a few decorative stones or shells. The art here is about balance and negative space; because the globe is small, you want just a few carefully chosen elements.

Wall-mounted terrariums

These are like glass pockets or test tubes mounted on a board or directly on the wall. They can be arranged in a grid or an organic cluster. With trailing plants or moss, they become living wall art. Think of them as a botanical gallery wall.

Coffee-table centerpieces

A large, low terrarium can become the focal point of a living room. Imagine a shallow glass dish with layered sand, smooth river stones, and sculptural succulents. The entire thing becomes a horizontal art piece—like a living centerpiece you can see from every angle.

These trend-forward builds are perfect examples of how terrariums have shifted from “science project in a jar” to “interior design element.” They also show how you can adapt the same basic planting techniques to different containers and display styles.

For general indoor air quality and plant benefits, the EPA has an easy-to-read overview of indoor environments and health: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq. While terrariums alone won’t transform your air, they do contribute to a more pleasant, biophilic space.

Mixed-media terrarium art: when plants meet sculpture and craft

If you love DIY art projects, this category will feel like home. Mixed-media builds are some of the best examples of 3 examples of how to make a terrarium as an art piece because they combine traditional crafting with living elements.

Instead of only using natural materials, you bring in handmade or upcycled pieces:

• A small wire sculpture you twist yourself and anchor in the soil
• Hand-painted stones that echo the color palette of your room
• Tiny polymer clay mushrooms, houses, or abstract shapes
• A miniature archway or frame that plants can grow around

The trick is to keep the plants healthy while treating the glass container as a gallery box for your art. You might build a small raised “stage” from rocks where your sculpture sits, with moss and low plants around it like a green audience.

This kind of terrarium becomes a conversation piece. It’s also a good way to reuse sentimental items—like a single earring with no pair, a tiny charm from an old bracelet, or a small souvenir stone from a trip.

When you mix materials, always think about water safety and rust. Avoid anything that will corrode or leach into the soil. For general guidance on household materials and safety, the Consumer Product Safety Commission offers helpful information: https://www.cpsc.gov

Real examples of color-themed terrariums for decor

Another fun way to think about examples of 3 examples of how to make a terrarium as an art piece is by color story. Instead of starting with the plants you find, you start with the color palette you want.

Some color-based real examples include:

Green and white

Use plants with variegated leaves (white and green), white quartz stones, and clear glass. This feels fresh, clean, and modern—great for kitchens or bathrooms.

Earthy neutrals

Think warm browns, soft greens, and cream. Use tan sand, brown river stones, and plants with muted foliage. This works well with boho or rustic decor.

Jewel tones

Combine deep green moss, dark purple plants (like some varieties of tradescantia), and a few gold or brass accents. The result feels rich and dramatic, almost like a tiny fantasy world.

Monochrome green

Stick to variations of green but play with texture—smooth leaves, fuzzy leaves, feathery ferns, and moss. This is soothing and easy on the eyes.

Color-themed terrariums are subtle but powerful examples of how to make a terrarium function as intentional decor. They can tie together a room the way a throw pillow or rug does, but with the added bonus of being alive.

Simple steps to design your own artful terrarium

After seeing all these examples of 3 examples of how to make a terrarium as an art piece, it’s easy to feel inspired—and a little overwhelmed. The good news: every single terrarium you’ve seen can be broken down into a few repeatable decisions.

Start with one clear idea

Pick a theme: minimalist moss, lush still life, narrative scene, mixed-media, or color-based. Write it down. If you can’t describe it in one sentence, simplify it.

Choose the right container

Tall jars are great for vertical scenes and ferns. Low bowls are perfect for moss and succulents. Hanging globes and wall pockets shine when you want something sculptural and light.

Build from the bottom up

Most plant-based terrariums follow the same base pattern:

• Pebbles or gravel for drainage
• A thin layer of activated charcoal
• Potting mix suited to your plants (cactus mix for succulents, regular mix for most tropicals)

Compose like an artist

Think in layers: back, middle, front. Use odd numbers of rocks or focal objects. Leave some open space so the eye can rest. Step back and look at your arrangement from different angles before you water.

Keep the ecosystem in mind

Closed terrariums like humidity and indirect light. Open terrariums with succulents prefer brighter light and less water. If you’re ever unsure about light and watering needs, university extension sites (like the University of Minnesota Extension at https://extension.umn.edu) have reliable plant care basics.

Once you understand these patterns, you can create endless variations—dozens of real examples—based on the same three core ideas: structure, story, and setting.

FAQ: Real-world questions about terrariums as art pieces

What are some easy examples of terrariums I can make as an art piece if I’m a beginner?
Start with a minimalist moss terrarium in a clear bowl, a small succulent coffee-table terrarium, or a hanging globe with an air plant and sand. These examples of simple builds are forgiving, inexpensive, and low maintenance.

Can you give an example of a terrarium that works in a small apartment?
A wall-mounted terrarium or a narrow, vertical jar with one tall fern and moss at the base works well. It takes up very little surface space but still reads as art. Another example of a space-saving option is a cluster of small glass vials with cuttings mounted on a board.

Do terrarium plants clean the air in a meaningful way?
Terrariums do contribute a bit to indoor air freshness and humidity, but they’re not a magic fix. For realistic expectations about indoor air and plants, it’s helpful to look at resources from the EPA: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq.

How often should I water these artistic terrariums?
Closed terrariums might only need water every few weeks or even months, depending on condensation. Open terrariums with succulents need less frequent watering than those with tropical plants. Always check the soil first; if the top inch is dry, it may be time. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes in all these examples of terrarium art.

What are some examples of materials I should avoid in a terrarium art piece?
Avoid untreated metal that can rust, anything that might mold easily (like paper), and objects coated in flaking paint or glitter. Stick to glass, ceramic, stone, sealed wood, and plastics that won’t break down in moisture.

Can kids help make these art terrariums?
Absolutely. Many of the narrative and mixed-media terrariums are perfect for kids, especially when they can choose figurines or sculpt small pieces. Just supervise handling of glass, soil, and any small parts. Terrarium building can be a fun, hands-on way to talk about plant life and ecosystems.

Once you’ve tried a few of these real examples of 3 examples of how to make a terrarium as an art piece, you’ll start to see every glass container in your home as potential canvas. And that’s when the real fun begins.