Why olive trees work so well indoors
The olive tree has a quality that few other trees share: it looks simultaneously ancient and contemporary. The gnarled, character-filled trunk reads as aged and natural; the silver-green canopy works with almost every neutral interior palette from warm cream to cool grey to deep navy. It's one of very few large plants that suits both a modern London flat and a traditional country kitchen equally well.
The artificial version allows you to place an olive tree anywhere — north-facing rooms, spaces with no natural light, basements, bathrooms — without compromise.
Choosing the right size
The most common styling mistake with artificial olive trees is choosing one that's too small. An olive tree that's proportional to a room commands attention and looks intentional. One that's too small disappears into a corner and looks apologetic.
- Ceiling height 2.4m: A 150–175cm tree works well. Leave clearance for the natural spread of the canopy.
- Ceiling height 2.7–3m: A 180–210cm tree suits the scale of the room.
- Double-height or large open spaces: A 240–300cm specimen tree creates a statement that nothing else can match.
Pots and planters
The choice of pot dramatically affects how an olive tree reads in a room. Our recommendations:
- Terracotta: Classic and warm. Works beautifully in Mediterranean and rustic interiors.
- Matte white or off-white: Clean and contemporary. Lets the tree's natural character speak.
- Aged zinc or brushed metal: Industrial and sophisticated. Particularly good in grey-toned spaces.
- Dark basalt or slate-effect: Grounding and dramatic. Strong choice for modern interiors.
Size the pot to give the base of the trunk room to breathe — too tight a pot makes the whole arrangement look pinched.
Placement tips
Place olive trees near natural light sources where possible, even though they don't need it — it makes the arrangement feel more believable and creates attractive natural shadows. Corners are the most popular placement but flanking a doorway or fireplace can be equally striking.