I just switched out the dining room table at our house.

We went from a narrow, white plank farm table to a wider Mission-style oak table. The darker wood made the room look heavier, so I lightened up the room by adding a fern on the table to add a little lacy life. And just like that, the mood of the room changed.

 

Having plants on your dining room table is a treat. They make an evergreen centerpiece that I admire every time I walk by the dining room. With a festive table runner and a couple of small plants (switch out the ferns with a couple Rex begonias), I can transform my table into a party tableau in a matter of minutes.

But, of course, if you are going to raise houseplants on your dining room table, they need to be in the right light for the type of plants. Here are a couple other options for your dining room by light preference.

Direct sun

Some plants love bathing in the rays of full sunshine. If your dining room has large windows or skylights, try croton, succulents, cacti, and yucca.

Bright indirect light

If your dining room’s windows face east or west, you can grow plants that thrive in bright, indirect light. Try these leafy options: palms, dracaena, lucky bamboo, ficus, nerve plant, hoya, and zebra plant.

Low light

If your dining room has low light (north-facing windows), try plants that excel in darker conditions. These include snake plant, ZZ plant, calathea, ferns, and orchids.

Written by Karen Weir-Jimerson