Styling Artificial Flowers: Designer Tips for a Natural Look
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If you’ve ever walked past a beautiful floral arrangement and done a double take, only to realize they weren’t real, then you already know the power of well-styled artificial flowers! Faux flowers have come such a long way from the plasticky, obviously-fake versions of the past and when styled correctly, faux flowers can be incredibly convincing, low-maintenance, and long-lasting.
As Nashville interior designers, we use artificial flower arrangements all the time to add color, texture, and life to a space without worrying about the wilting or weekly replacements that come with fresh flowers. But not all faux flowers are created equal, and the secret is all about styling them. Which is why we’re ready to share our favorite designer tips for exactly how to pick, style, and care for artificial flowers that look natural, elevated, and anything but fake!
Why Use Artificial Flowers in Your Home?
Let’s start with the big question: why faux?
Fresh flowers are gorgeous, but they require frequent replacements, constant care, and a steady flower budget. That’s where realistic faux flowers shine!
Some of the biggest perks of faux flower arrangements:
They last forever (or close to it)
No watering or wilting
Allergy-friendly
Cost-effective long-term
Easy to customize for any season or occasion
You can also experiment with colors, styles, and sizes that might be hard to source in fresh blooms, making artificial flowers incredibly versatile.
Choosing the Right Faux Flowers for a Natural Look
Before you start arranging, it’s crucial to select artificial flowers that have a realistic appearance. Yes, you can absolutely fool even the most discerning eye, but it takes knowing what to look for. The good news is the options have never been better!
1. Invest in Quality
If you take nothing else from this blog, take this: quality matters. Look for "real touch" or "botanically correct" varieties, which are made with more advanced materials that mimic the feel and texture of real petals and leaves. These premium options have softer petals, natural-looking veining, and even slight imperfections that make them incredibly convincing.
Some of our go-to sources for high-end artificial flowers:
2. Stick to Nature-Inspired Colors
One of the quickest ways artificial flower arrangements can look dated is through overly bright, unnatural shades. Avoid anything too bright, neon, or unnatural (unless you’re going for an intentionally playful or artistic vibe). Instead, focus on colors you’d actually see in nature like soft blush pinks, creamy whites, buttery yellows, deep reds, and rich greens. These colors create faux flower arrangements that feel organic and chic.
3. Pay Attention to the Details
It’s the small details that make a big difference! Look for:
Slight imperfections in petal edges
Veining in leaves
Matte or semi-matte finishes (avoid super shiny petals)
Natural variation in color tones
Realistic stem thickness and flexibility
These tiny elements add up to create realistic faux flowers that look just as good as the real thing.
Designer Tips for Styling Artificial Flowers
Once you’ve chosen the right blooms, it’s all about learning how to arrange faux flowers in a way that feels fresh, natural, and effortless.
1. Bend and Shape the Stems
One of the biggest advantages of artificial flowers is their wired stems, which allow you to shape them just like real branches. Gently bend the stems to create natural curves, adjust the angles, and avoid stiff, straight lines. Nature isn’t perfect and your artificial flower arrangements shouldn’t be either!
2. Trim to Fit Your Vase
Proper scale is everything. Use wire cutters to trim your stems so they fit your vase proportionally. This keeps your arrangement balanced and prevents stems from looking like they’re awkwardly propped up.
3. Fluff and Separate Blooms
Faux flowers often arrive a bit flat from packaging. Take time to carefully fluff the petals, separate blooms, and open up the arrangement. This simple step makes a huge difference in creating fullness and depth.
4. Layer Different Textures
The most stunning faux flower arrangements mix bloom types and textures. Try combining:
Full blooms (like hydrangeas or peonies)
Delicate filler flowers (like wax flowers or baby’s breath)
Leafy stems (like eucalyptus or olive branches)
Layering textures adds dimension and interest, preventing your arrangement from feeling one-dimensional.
5. Vary Heights
Stagger your bloom heights to create visual movement. Avoid arranging all your stems on the same plane; varying the height brings an organic, garden-inspired feel that looks far more natural.
6. Choose the Right Vase
The vessel matters! A well-chosen vase can elevate even the simplest arrangement. For example:
A warm terracotta vessel works beautifully with smaller, delicate blooms.
A blush glass vase highlights a single statement bloom like a peony.
An oversized ceramic vase brings presence to tall branches like faux cherry blossoms or olive stems.
The vase should match your style, complement your blooms, and provide enough room for the stems to breathe.
How to Clean Faux Flowers and Keep Them Looking Fresh
Even though artificial flowers don’t wilt or die, they do collect dust and can start to look a little tired if not properly maintained. If you’re wondering how to clean faux flowers, the good news is they’re incredibly easy to care for.
Dust Them Regularly
Use a microfiber cloth or feather duster.
Try a can of compressed air for delicate petals.
For a deeper clean, gently rinse stems with warm water and mild soap.
Keep Them Out of Direct Sunlight
UV rays can fade even the best faux flowers over time. Place your arrangements in spots that avoid harsh, direct sunlight to help maintain their original color.
Rotate Seasonally
One of the biggest perks of artificial flower arrangements is how easy it is to change them out. Swap your faux flowers seasonally to give your home a fresh, updated feel year-round. Spring might call for blush peonies and cherry blossoms, while fall could bring out warm autumn leaves and dahlias.
Don’t Forget About Faux Outdoor Flowers
Yes, faux outdoor flowers are absolutely a thing, and they’re perfect for patios, balconies, and front porch planters! These specially designed artificial flowers are UV-resistant and weather-friendly, making them a great solution for areas where real flowers may struggle to thrive.
We love using faux outdoor flowers for:
Entryway planters
Balcony railing boxes
Outdoor dining table centerpieces
Poolside accent arrangements
With faux outdoor flowers, you can keep your outdoor spaces looking lush and colorful no matter the season (or your plant care skills).
A Few of Our Favorite Faux Flower Looks Right Now
If you're looking for inspiration, here are some of the pieces we’ve loved styling lately:
Single-stem peony: Perfect for a simple, elegant touch on a bedside or console table.
Delicate wax flowers: Gorgeous clustered together for a light, airy feel.
Faux olive branches: Beautiful as a statement piece in a large entryway vase.
Cherry blossom stems: Ideal for adding height and drama to dining tables or mantels.
Potted camellia trees: Great for a pop of color in corners or reading nooks.
Each of these can work wonderfully in both large and small spaces, and they bring in that botanical feel without the commitment of fresh flowers.
Let Your Entire Home Bloom
When it comes to creating beautiful spaces, every detail matters. Thoughtfully chosen and artfully styled artificial flowers can bring lasting beauty and personality into your space, whether you’re decorating a cozy corner, your dining room table, or even your front porch.
At Spaces in Bloom Designs, we believe it’s never just about one piece, but it’s about how every detail works together to create a home that feels uniquely yours. From furniture layouts to finishes (and yes, even faux flowers), we help bring your personal style to life with thoughtfully curated interiors that feel warm, beautiful, and lived-in.
Beautifully designed interiors are what we do best, so contact us today and let’s bring your home to life.
Shop this Look
For some of our favorite picks to help you style beautiful, natural-looking faux floral arrangements in your home, just click here!
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