Inspiring examples of DIY macrame plant hanger ideas for every home

Real-world examples of DIY macrame plant hanger ideas to copy tonight

Let’s start with what you actually want: real examples of DIY macrame plant hanger ideas you can picture in your living room.

One of the best examples for beginners is a classic four-cord macrame plant hanger. You use four long cords (folded in half to make eight working strands), tie a gathering knot at the top for the hanging loop, add two or three rows of square knots, then finish with a few simple wrap knots under the pot. This example of a basic hanger works perfectly for a 6–8 inch terracotta pot and looks surprisingly polished with minimal effort.

Another easy win is a spiral knot hanger. Here, you repeat half of a square knot over and over so the cords twist into a spiral. It’s a great example of how one simple knot can look fancy. Use white cotton cord for a clean, modern feel, or mustard or rust tones if you’re leaning into a 70s vibe.

For renters with no floor space, a short window hanger is one of the smartest examples of DIY macrame plant hanger ideas. Make it only 2–3 feet long, hang it from a curtain rod, and pop in a trailing plant like pothos. It pulls the eye up and turns a plain window into a mini jungle.

These are just a few of the best examples of designs you can build on. As you read through the rest of this guide, think about your space: high ceilings, narrow corners, sunny windows. Then match each example of a hanger to the spot that needs a little life.

Trendy 2024 examples of DIY macrame plant hanger ideas

Macrame never really left, but 2024–2025 trends are a lot more curated and quiet than the wild, cluttered boho of a few years ago. Here are some trend-forward examples of DIY macrame plant hanger ideas that feel current instead of costume-y.

Minimalist single-ring hanger

If your style leans clean and modern, this is a perfect example of a subtle design:

You start with a single metal or wooden ring at the top, attach your cords with lark’s head knots, and keep the body of the hanger very simple: long, straight sections of cord with just one band of square knots and one band of half-hitch knots near the pot. The focus is on the plant, not the knots.

The best examples use neutral cord (ivory, gray, sand) and pair it with sleek planters in matte white or black. This kind of hanger works beautifully in kitchens and home offices where you want greenery without a lot of visual noise.

Two-tier hanger for small spaces

Apartment dwellers are obsessed with vertical storage, and plants are no exception. A two-tier macrame plant hanger is a smart example of using height instead of floor space.

You build it like a regular hanger, but instead of finishing after the first pot, you keep the cords going, add another cradle of knots, and end with a second tassel. Two smaller pots (4–6 inches) stack nicely without looking heavy.

Examples include:

• A neutral cotton cord hanger with two simple white ceramic pots, perfect for herbs in a kitchen window.
• A colorful ombré cord hanger with trailing plants, used as a room divider between a living area and dining nook.

This is one of the best examples of DIY macrame plant hanger ideas for studio apartments or dorm rooms.

Chunky cord, big statement

Another 2024 trend: chunky cord. Instead of thin, fussy string, people are using 5–7 mm cotton rope for bold, sculptural hangers.

An example of this style is a short, thick hanger with oversized knots and a wide, dramatic tassel. It looks almost like soft sculpture. Use it with a large, round pot and a big leafy plant like a philodendron. This kind of piece can stand in for wall art in a small entryway.

Boho and vintage-inspired examples of DIY macrame plant hanger ideas

If your heart belongs to thrift stores, rattan furniture, and 70s record covers, these boho examples of DIY macrame plant hanger ideas will be your favorites.

Beaded boho hanger

One classic example of vintage style is a macrame hanger with wooden beads. You slide beads onto the cords as you knot, spacing them between groups of square knots or spiral knots.

Real examples include:

• Natural wood beads on cream cord for a soft, beachy look.
• Dark stained beads on mustard cord for a deeper, retro vibe.

This design is forgiving for beginners because the beads do a lot of the visual work. Even if your knots aren’t perfect, the overall effect is charming.

Fringe-heavy wall and plant combo

A more dramatic example of a boho design is a macrame wall hanging that also holds a plant. Think of it as a wall tapestry with a built-in plant pocket.

You create a wide, flat panel of knots (square knots, diagonal double half-hitches, and maybe a diamond pattern), then add a section of cords that gather into a cradle for a small pot. Underneath, you leave long, layered fringe.

This is one of the best examples of DIY macrame plant hanger ideas if you:

• Can’t drill into the ceiling.
• Want to fill a blank wall without adding more shelves.
• Love the look of big, dramatic fringe.

Use a lightweight pot and plant, and make sure your wall hook or nail is anchored properly for safety.

Color-blocked cord hanger

If you like color but don’t want your space to feel chaotic, try a color-blocked hanger. An example of this design uses three sections of different colors: natural at the top, a bold color around the pot, and a darker shade at the bottom tassel.

You can buy pre-dyed cord or dip-dye the finished tassel using fabric dye, following safety and ventilation advice from reputable sources like the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission at cpsc.gov. This keeps your project fun and creative while staying mindful of safe product use.

Simple, beginner-friendly examples of DIY macrame plant hanger ideas

If you’ve never tied a knot beyond your shoelaces, you still have plenty of options. Here are some of the easiest examples of DIY macrame plant hanger ideas that look polished without demanding a lot of skill.

One-knot wonder hanger

This is the training-wheels example of a macrame plant hanger.

You pick one knot—usually the square knot—and repeat it. That’s it. You:

• Cut your cords.
• Attach them to a ring.
• Tie a band of square knots.
• Leave a gap.
• Tie another band of square knots to form the cradle.
• Finish with a wrap knot and a tassel.

Because you’re repeating the same motion, your hands learn quickly. It’s an ideal example of a first project for kids, teens, or anyone who wants a relaxing, meditative craft.

No-ring, over-the-rod hanger

Another beginner example of a DIY macrame plant hanger idea skips the metal or wooden ring entirely. Instead, you tie your cords directly over a curtain rod or a sturdy dowel using lark’s head knots.

This style:

• Reduces materials.
• Makes it easy to adjust spacing.
• Works well for a row of small hangers in a window.

It’s a good example of how you can adapt macrame to your space instead of hunting for specific hardware.

Quick gift hanger

Need a housewarming or hostess gift? A quick gift hanger is a simple example you can finish in under an hour once you get the hang of basic knots.

Use soft cotton cord, keep the design short (for a windowsill or under-cabinet hook), and pair it with a small, low-maintenance plant like a spider plant or pothos. If you’re gifting to someone concerned about indoor air quality, you can mention that while plants are lovely, they’re not a magic purifier; research from organizations like NASA and later analyses summarized by the National Institutes of Health note that you’d need a huge number of plants to significantly change indoor air. The real benefit is emotional and aesthetic—and that’s more than enough.

Creative and advanced examples of DIY macrame plant hanger ideas

Once you’re comfortable with square knots and spiral knots, you can move into more adventurous territory. These examples of DIY macrame plant hanger ideas take more time, but the payoff is big.

Geometric diamond hanger

This example uses diagonal double half-hitch knots to create diamond shapes around the pot. You start with a band of square knots near the top, then angle your cords diagonally and tie half-hitches to form clean, geometric lines.

The best examples use contrasting cord and pot colors so the pattern stands out—think black cord with a white pot, or terracotta cord with a gray pot. Hang it against a plain wall so the geometry doesn’t get lost.

Triple-plant ladder hanger

If you have a blank corner and big plant dreams, a triple-plant ladder hanger is a dramatic example of what macrame can do.

You create three separate cradles spaced along one long set of cords, almost like rungs of a ladder. Each cradle holds a lightweight pot. The overall effect is a vertical garden.

Examples include:

• A natural cotton ladder with three matching white pots and trailing ivy.
• A colorful ladder with each level dyed a different color, creating a gradient from top to bottom.

Because this design holds more weight, it’s a good moment to think about safety. Make sure your ceiling hook is anchored into a stud or uses appropriate drywall anchors. For general home safety guidance, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offers helpful tips on secure installations.

Macrame shelf with plant hanger

A more advanced, furniture-like example is a macrame plant shelf. Instead of cradling a single pot, you knot cords that support a small wooden board, then place several plants on top.

You:

• Cut multiple long cords.
• Attach them to a ring.
• Tie decorative knots down to where the board will sit.
• Thread the cords through holes in the board.
• Knot underneath to hold the board level.

This is one of the best examples of DIY macrame plant hanger ideas for people who want both storage and style. It’s especially useful in bathrooms or kitchens where counter space is limited.

Choosing cord, plants, and placement for your macrame hangers

The prettiest examples of DIY macrame plant hanger ideas all share three quiet decisions done well: cord choice, plant choice, and placement.

Cord and materials

For most indoor projects, 100% cotton cord in the 3–5 mm range is a solid starting point. It’s soft on your hands and knots easily. If you’re hanging plants outdoors, consider weather-resistant synthetic cord and check for UV-resistant options.

If anyone in your home has allergies or asthma, it’s worth paying attention to dust. Cotton cord can shed a bit at first. Regular cleaning and vacuuming, along with good ventilation, can help keep indoor air more comfortable. For broader indoor air quality guidance, organizations like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offer practical tips.

Plant choices that love hanging out

Some of the best examples of DIY macrame plant hanger ideas feature plants that naturally trail or drape. Think:

• Pothos
• Philodendron
• String of pearls
• Spider plants

These plants visually echo the flow of the cords. For low-light corners, stick to low-light-tolerant plants and avoid sun-lovers that will struggle.

Placement and safety

Before you commit to a spot, ask:

• Can the hook support the weight of the pot, soil, and water?
• Is the plant getting enough light (but not being scorched)?
• Is it out of reach of pets and small children, especially if the plant is toxic?

If you have curious kids or pets, double-check plant toxicity using reliable sources like veterinary or poison-control organizations. While not plant-specific, the general poisoning prevention advice on CDC.gov is a good reminder to treat plants and fertilizers with care.

FAQ: Real examples of DIY macrame plant hanger ideas and common questions

Q: What are some easy examples of DIY macrame plant hanger ideas for total beginners?
A: Start with a basic four-cord hanger using only square knots, a spiral knot hanger made by repeating half of a square knot, or a no-ring hanger that ties directly over a curtain rod. Each example of a simple design can be finished in an evening and teaches you the core knots you’ll use in more advanced projects.

Q: Can you give an example of a macrame plant hanger that works in a very small apartment?
A: A two-tier hanger with smaller pots is a great example because it uses vertical space instead of floor space. Another smart example is a short window hanger that clips onto a curtain rod, perfect for herbs or trailing plants in a kitchen.

Q: What are the best examples of cords to use for DIY macrame plant hangers?
A: For most indoor projects, 3–5 mm cotton cord is one of the best examples of a beginner-friendly material. It’s soft, easy to knot, and widely available. For outdoor or bathroom hangers where moisture is an issue, polyester or nylon cord are practical examples of more durable options.

Q: I have kids and pets. Are there safe examples of DIY macrame plant hanger ideas I should stick to?
A: Look for designs that hang high enough to be out of reach and use lightweight pots. A simple single-plant hanger or a short window hanger are good examples. Pair them with non-toxic plants and make sure your ceiling or wall hooks are properly installed.

Q: How can I make my macrame plant hanger look more modern instead of overly boho?
A: Choose minimalist examples of DIY macrame plant hanger ideas: clean lines, fewer knots, neutral cord colors, and simple planters. A single-ring hanger with one band of square knots and a neat tassel is a good example of a modern, understated look.

Macrame plant hangers don’t have to be mysterious or intimidating. When you break them down into real, concrete examples of DIY macrame plant hanger ideas—simple, boho, minimalist, or advanced—they become exactly what they should be: relaxing, creative projects that bring more life into your home.