What Are the Best Artificial Plants for Reception Areas?

Your reception area is the first impression that shapes how clients, guests, and visitors perceive your business. The right design sets expectations, communicates your brand values, and creates a sense of calm and welcome from the moment they step inside.

Artificial plants can completely transform that first impression, combining beauty, practicality, and professionalism in one effortless solution. In any professional setting, from receptions to healthcare spaces, high-quality faux plants deliver both visual appeal and long-term practicality.

Quick Picks: Our Top Reception Plant Choices

For a quick refresh or complete redesign, here are our favourites for realism, stability, and impact:

• Best for Visual Impact: Statement Ficus Tree (1.8m), beautifully realistic with a weighted base, ideal for high-traffic entrances.
• Best for Desk Detail: Compact Snake Plant (45cm), sleek, structured, and easy to position without blocking sightlines.
• Best for Subtle Warmth: Desk-Safe Pothos (30cm drop), soft trailing texture that adds a natural touch without crowding your space.

All our plants are selected for market-leading realism, with many options available as UV-stable to meet UK commercial standards.

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Why Choose Artificial Plants for Commercial Spaces

Artificial plants offer a perfect blend of beauty and practicality that’s ideal for busy, professional environments.

• Low Maintenance: No watering or pruning, just simple dusting.
• Consistent Appearance: Always fresh, with no seasonal fading or dieback.
• Allergen-Free: Great for inclusive, public spaces.
• Durable: Handles temperature changes, HVAC airflow, and low light.
• Cost-Effective: Long lifespan and zero replacement cycles.
• Easy to Clean: Wipeable, hassle-free upkeep.
• Versatile: Styles and sizes for every setting, from boutique hotels to corporate HQs.

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How to Choose Premium Faux Foliage for a Reception Area

Creating a welcoming, professional first impression starts with thoughtful choices. Drawing from our experience in horticulture and commercial interiors, here’s how to select the right artificial plants for any reception space.

1. Define Your Space

Start with a quick spatial review.

• Busy lobbies need weighted bases that won’t tip.
• The room’s width and ceiling height determine scale; a 2.1m Ficus tree can look elegant in a double-height atrium but overpower a standard office ceiling.
• And don’t forget lighting: if your entrance has glass doors or lots of natural light, UV-stable foliage helps prevent fading.

Think of it as choosing plants that work with your space, not against it.

2. Keep Sightlines Clear

Plants should complement, not complicate, your reception layout. Keep the desk visible for staff and guests, and make sure signage and pathways stay clear. Use greenery to frame your reception area, not hide it.

Tip: Tall plants can soften corners and walls, while smaller varieties add focus and warmth around seating or check-in points.

3. Safety, Quality, and Practicality

In commercial environments, safety always comes first.

• Fire-Resistant (FR) certification is essential for most hospitality, healthcare, and education settings.
• UV-stable foliage prevents discolouration in sunny spaces.
• Choose weighted pots or anti-tip bases for stability.
• For clinical and educational spaces, smooth, wipeable planters keep hygiene standards high.

These details ensure your reception remains both compliant and cared for, without compromising on appearance.

4. Choosing Realistic Faux Foliage

When selecting premium faux plants, realism is what makes the biggest difference. The best designs replicate the natural details of live foliage — from texture to tone — giving your space the freshness of real greenery without the upkeep.

If you’d like to go deeper into styling techniques, see our guide on how to make faux plants look real.

When browsing, look for features that signal quality craftsmanship:

• Multi-tonal leaf veining that captures natural light variations.
• Asymmetrical branching to mimic organic growth.
• Textured trunks and stems with subtle, natural colour gradients.
• Finishing touches like moss, bark, or decorative stones at the base for a lifelike finish.

High-quality artificial foliage should feel effortless and authentic, creating the same sense of calm and vitality as the real thing.

5. Low Maintenance, Long Life

Artificial plants thrive where real ones often fail. They don’t need watering, feeding, or careful temperature control, just a quick monthly dusting (or fortnightly for busier spaces). Cleaning artificial plants is easy and can be done quickly. Reshape foliage every so often to keep it looking fresh.

This minimal maintenance makes artificial plants perfect for offices, hotels, and lobbies with limited staff time. Because they don’t require the same amount of maintenance as “real” plants, they’re a better, more sustainable investment in the long run.

6. Sizing and Placement Tips

The secret to professional-looking plant displays lies in proportion and spacing:

• Desk Plants: 35–90cm high, enough to draw the eye without blocking visibility.
• Floor Plants: 120–180cm for standard ceilings; up to 210cm for dramatic, open atriums.
• Clearances: Leave around 60cm around desks and 90cm in walkways.
• Pots: 12–15cm for desks, 25–35cm for statement plants.

A good rule of thumb? Keep things balanced, tall plants for height, trailing ones for softness, and compact greens for focus points.

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The Best Artificial Plants by Reception Style

Every reception space has its own personality, so we’ve grouped our favourites to match common design scenarios.

Statement Entries (1.6–2.1m)

Make an instant impression with large-scale plants that define your entrance.

Try a philodendron selloum for tropical warmth, some palm leaves in a spray for classic sophistication, or some of our tall indoor plants. All work beautifully in bright lobbies and glazed foyers. Just ensure they have weighted bases and UV protection for durability.

Behind and Around the Desk (60–90cm)

Choose mid-height plants to add character without obstructing movement.

Monstera and dracaena are ideal selections for this, elegant, structured, and easy to place. They also photograph beautifully, making them perfect for corporate settings that value brand presentation.

Explore more options in our post: Which Plants Are Good for an Office with No Windows.

Desk-Safe Miniatures (≤35cm)

For surfaces and counters, compact plants like succulent arrangements or trailing Pothos add natural detail without clutter. Adding trailing artificial foliage will add that green pop without the need for pots (unless you want one for decoration), and helps create that more biophilic atmosphere.

An orchid is another timeless choice, subtle, luxurious, and ideal for boutique hotels or clinics. These smaller pieces bring a touch of calm and polish to high-use areas.

Soft Floral Touches

In luxury hotels or clinical spaces, floral accents elevate the experience.

Hydrangeas add volume and charm; orchids bring sophistication and serenity. Use sparingly; these are finishing details that convey care and attention, not centrepieces competing for attention.

For more ideas, explore The Best Plants for a Hotel Entrance.

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Choosing the Right Planters for Your Reception Space

The plant pot you choose can completely change how your reception feels. Beyond holding your faux foliage in place, the material, finish, and scale all contribute to the overall design language of the space.

Planters are going to be able to hold a range of different plants, and will be able to fit them into different sections of the reception.

Metal Planters

Metallics such as brushed brass, blackened steel, and copper offer a refined, contemporary look. They work beautifully in modern offices or hotel foyers, where clean lines and subtle shine complement the surrounding décor.

For high-traffic spaces, metal planters also add durability and weight, essential for keeping statement trees stable.

Tip: Use a matte finish for understated luxury, or high-polish metallics for a more boutique or glamour-led aesthetic.

Ceramic Planters

Ceramics are timeless and versatile. Glazed finishes introduce colour and sheen, while textured or patterned surfaces can add depth and personality.

They’re especially effective in hospitality settings where you want to soften a commercial feel with handcrafted warmth.

Tip: Pair a structured plant like a Snake Plant or Dracaena with a curved ceramic pot to balance geometry and form.

Terracotta and Stone Planters

Terracotta, sandstone, or composite stone planters bring an organic, natural element to your reception. Their warm tones and subtle textures make them perfect for rustic, relaxed, or biophilic schemes.

They’re also excellent at grounding tall, leafy plants, creating a stable and balanced appearance.

Tip: Choose a pot slightly larger than the base of your plant and add weighted filler or moss to secure it neatly.

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Reception Styling by Sector

Our design tips are based on real-world commercial projects, each with its own atmosphere and practical needs.

Corporate Offices: Calm and Credible

Opt for cool-toned planters in matte finishes and structured forms.

Try one tall statement piece near the entrance, two medium plants by seating areas, and a trio of smaller desk plants to complete the look. Creating a space where the eyes can naturally rest to help improve efficiency and wellness in the office.

Hotels and Leisure: Warm and Welcoming

Add floral accents near seating or check-in areas to create a sense of comfort and care. Pair with warm metallic or ceramic planters for a cohesive, high-end feel.

Adding those floral touches to your sprays and bouquets is going to add that hint of timeless luxury. Artificial floras and foliage come in many different shades, which will also allow more flexibility when decorating for each season.

Healthcare and Clinics: Clean and Calming

Gentle greens and simple silhouettes help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of cleanliness. Soft pinks and baby blues will help add some colour.

Keep surfaces clear and choose wipeable planters. Artificial plants are a great choice for clinic reception areas because they avoid strong fragrances and any potential allergic reactions.

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Styling by Atmosphere and Mood

Every reception tells a story. Whether you’re creating calm professionalism or boutique charm, your planter and foliage choices should echo the emotions you want guests to feel.

Rustic and Relaxed

Think terracotta, woven baskets, and soft trailing foliage such as artificial Pothos or String of Hearts. These textures create a casual, approachable atmosphere, ideal for wellness studios, countryside hotels, or creative agencies.

Luxury and Boutique

Polished metal, ceramic, and deep-toned planters pair beautifully with Orchids, Hydrangeas, or large-leaf Monstera. Add mirrored surfaces or accent lighting to enhance the sense of sophistication and care.

Modern and Minimalist

Opt for neutral, matte planters in white, grey, or black, paired with structured plants like Ficus, Snake Plant, or Dracaena. Keep arrangements simple and symmetrical for a sleek, uncluttered finish.

Natural and Calming

Combine muted ceramic tones with soft, mid-green foliage. Ferns, peace lilies, or small potted herbs can create a spa-like calm that’s perfect for healthcare or clinic receptions.

Seasonal or Thematic Touches

If your brand changes décor throughout the year, consider planters in modular sets. Metal or ceramic trios can be restyled easily with floral stems or decorative moss to reflect different seasons or events.

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FAQs

Are artificial plants suitable for office reception areas?

Absolutely. They maintain a polished, professional look all year round, without the need for watering or sunlight. Perfect for high-traffic or low-light environments.

How do I keep faux plants looking realistic?

Follow our realism checklist: multi-tone leaves, textured details, and a regular dusting routine. A little reshaping every few months helps keep them photo-ready.

What sizes work best on desks and floors?

Desk plants usually range between 35–90cm tall. For floor displays, aim for 1.2–2.1m, depending on ceiling height. About two-thirds of the way up the wall is ideal for balance.

Do I need Fire-Retardant or UV-Stable plants?

Yes, if you’re styling a commercial space. FR certification supports safety compliance, while UV protection prevents fading in sunlit areas.

Can I mix real and artificial plants?

Definitely. Use artificial plants in low-light or high-maintenance zones, and mix in live plants where natural light is plentiful. It’s a great way to create variety without the extra upkeep.