How to Design Your Terrarium for Maximum Aesthetic Appeal

Clarisse Santos
Mar 15
3 min read

Lush terrarium with a naturalistic design featuring a variety of green plants, moss, stones, and a small water feature resembling a tropical forest.

Ever catch yourself staring at someone else’s gorgeous, Instagram-worthy terrarium and wondering — how did they make it look so effortlessly perfect?

Meanwhile, yours looks like a sad science experiment gone wrong.

Don’t worry — you’re about to learn how to design a terrarium that turns heads, sparks conversation, and makes you feel like a legit interior designer.

The truth is, terrarium design isn’t just about throwing some dirt, rocks, and plants into a glass bowl. It’s about creating a miniature world — one that feels balanced, intentional, and stunningly beautiful. So, let’s break down how you can create a terrarium that screams maximum aesthetic appeal.

1. Start with the Right Vessel — Shape Matters

The glass container you choose will set the tone for your entire terrarium. Want a clean, modern look? Opt for a geometric terrarium with crisp lines. Prefer something whimsical and cozy? Go for a round, bowl-like vessel or hanging glass orbs.

Pro Tip: Choose a vessel with a large enough opening so you can actually get your hand inside and design it without knocking over your plants every two minutes.

2. Layer Like an Interior Designer, Not a Gardener

Here’s where most people go wrong — they layer like they’re planting a garden, not creating art. Think of your layers like you’re decorating a room.

Base layer (drainage): Small rocks, pebbles, or gravel. This keeps your plants from drowning.
Activated charcoal (optional): Helps with drainage and keeps your terrarium fresh (no gross smells).
Soil layer: Choose soil that matches your plants (succulents, cacti, or moss).
Decor layer: This is your chance to shine. Add decorative stones, shells, colored sand, or moss to create visual contrast.

The key? Vary texture and color to create depth and interest. A flat, single-tone terrarium = boring. Layered textures = masterpiece.

3. Design Your Terrarium Plant Layout Like a Tiny Jungle

Here’s where the magic happens. Don’t just plop plants randomly and hope for the best. Instead, approach it like you’re designing a mini garden with:

A focal point: One standout plant (like a vibrant succulent or air plant)
Complementary plants: Smaller, less showy plants that fill in space without stealing the spotlight
Height variation: Place taller plants toward the back and shorter ones up front to create depth

This layout feels natural, balanced, and incredibly aesthetic.

4. Add Unexpected Decorative Elements

This is where you can go full-on Pinterest mode. Add tiny figurines (fairy gardens, anyone?), miniature houses, crystals, or driftwood. It transforms your terrarium from “just plants” to an entire little world.

Bonus points if your decor matches your interior style — boho, minimalist, earthy, or even whimsical.

5. Lighting Is Everything (Seriously)

You could design the most beautiful terrarium in the world, but if it’s sitting in a dark corner, it’s not going to pop. Place your terrarium where it can catch natural light (but not direct sunlight that can cook your plants).

Pro Tip: If your space is low-light, use LED grow lights or place your terrarium near a window with sheer curtains. Soft, indirect light makes your terrarium glow like a mini piece of living art.

6. Maintenance — Keep It Fresh, Not Funky

Aesthetic appeal doesn’t end when you finish designing — it’s in how you maintain it. Keep your terrarium looking sharp by:

Trimming overgrown plants regularly
Removing dead leaves (nobody likes a crusty terrarium)
Lightly misting it (if you have moss or air plants)
Avoiding overwatering (especially for succulents)

Think of it as regular touch-ups to keep your little world looking crisp and photo-ready.

Final Touch: Style It in Your Space

Here’s where most people stop — but not you. Now that you’ve designed a gorgeous terrarium, style it like a piece of decor. Place it:

On a stack of coffee table books
On a floating shelf with candles and art pieces
On your desk next to a cute lamp

The key is to treat your terrarium as interior decor, not just a plant project.

The Result? Everyone Asks, “Where Did You Buy That?”

Aquatic terrarium setup with vibrant plants, smooth white rocks, and a sandy substrate, designed to enhance maximum aesthetic appeal.

If you design your terrarium with intention — choosing the right plants, creating visual contrast, and treating it like a piece of art — you’ll end up with a show-stopping centerpiece.

And the best part? You’ll finally have one of those terrariums that people double-tap on Instagram or beg you to make for them.

Now go forth, design your mini jungle, and make your space unapologetically aesthetic. 🌿✨