The Fake Plants and Flowers Designers Actually Love (2024)

For years, fake plants and flowers have been considered the horticultural equivalent of a plastic-wrapped couch: They’re a practical way to preserve the look and feel of a room—especially for those who inadvertently kill their live, leafy greenery—but they’re not exactly known for their style. In fact, selecting an artificial plant that looks too perfect can have your space veer into kitschy territory, fast.

But recently, faux plants have begun to shed their tacky reputation and are adopting a new one: for being an easy, low-maintenance way to breathe life into an interior. Many top decorators—continuing the tradition of Mario Buatta, who had nothing against using artificial varieties—have put them in their projects.

That said, not all fake plants are created equal. From abstract flowers to lifelike alternatives, the options below, approved by decorators who swear by them, are the best place to start.

The Green Vase’s paper flowers are a decorator favorite.

Kate Mathis

The Green Vase

With nearly 20 years of experience in the floral industry, Livia Cetti has mastered the art of faux flowers. Her company, The Green Vase, boasts a long list of loyal customers—including John Derian, who sells the line at his New York storefront.

“Livia is a talented floral designer and, luckily for us, she just happens to know how to make magic paper,” Derian says. “It’s not often that you connect so quickly with someone’s work, but Livia’s was one of those emails from someone wanting to share their work that I jumped on. It was all so beautiful, well-crafted, and full of charm. I sent a quick ‘yes, please’ response!”

John Derian’s own New York City apartment showcases a creation by The Green Vase on the mantle.

Stephen Kent Johnson

The Fake Plants and Flowers Designers Actually Love (2024)

FAQs

The Fake Plants and Flowers Designers Actually Love? ›

“For the highest-quality faux flowers and plants, Afloral is my go-to,” Storck says. “They offer a stunning array of realistic branches and blooms that feel stylish and modern.” Bruno Grizzo makes enameled flower art pieces that designer Brock Forsblom admires.

What kind of artificial flowers look the most realistic? ›

The most realistic flowers are those made from high-quality materials like silk, polyester, and foam. While each material has its advantages, polyester fabric achieves the most lifelike appearance. We offer a range of polyester flowers including dahlias, tulips, and peonies.

Do designers use fake flowers? ›

Do you use fake plants for interior design – we do! Home décor experts and interior design companies aren't hesitant. Artificial plants make for a lovely addition to any room. They give you all the charm of real plants with full permission to neglect them as you see fit.

Are fake plants considered tacky? ›

They looked nasty, cheap, and tacky. But thankfully, material technology has since evolved, and artificial plants have made a huge comeback – yes, even the large ones! There's one caveat to using artificial plants, though – they shouldn't look fake. As long as they're as close to the real deal, they're not tacky.

Are fake plants in or out of style? ›

Are fake plants out of style? The answer to both of these questions is “absolutely not” — especially when done right! From Nordic Scandinavian's Hygge influence to ultra-modern interiors, faux plants certainly have a place.

How do you make fake flowers look more realistic? ›

Step by step: how to make fake flowers look real
  1. Compare against real flowers.
  2. Choose quality flowers.
  3. Arrange your flowers.
  4. Remove any creases.
  5. Trim your flower stems.
  6. Hide fake flower stems.
  7. Try scenting faux flowers.
  8. Use in-season flowers.
Feb 22, 2024

Is there a way to make fake plants look more realistic? ›

Use Real Dirt

It's harder to tell if something is fake if it's mixed with something real. “When we are doing larger scale faux plants, like fiddle leaf fig or olive trees, we always put real dirt and moss in the pots. Adding some life to faux can make a world of difference," says Ashley Macuga of Collected Interiors.

What are the cons of fake flowers? ›

Just so you know, artificial flowers tend to gather dust over time, which can make them look unkempt and may require regular cleaning. Plus, some people may be allergic to the materials used in artificial flowers or the dust that collects on them. Real flowers, on the other hand, do not pose all these risks.

Do fake flowers look tacky? ›

Using fake flowers or plants for a wedding is not tacky at all as long as you select high-quality artificial plants that look just as natural as the real ones. In fact, high-quality faux plants or flowers can even make your wedding appear more elegant while stretching the dollar.

What's more expensive real or fake flowers? ›

Real flowers are typically more expensive than artificial ones, but they often look more natural and elegant. However, they require more care and can be more susceptible to damage. Artificial flowers are usually less expensive and can be easier to care for, but they may not look as realistic as real flowers.

Are fake plants tacky in 2024? ›

Artificial plants have come a long way! Once considered tacky and fake, they are now so well designed that it's hard to find the real from the faux. In 2024, artificial plants are still “in”, and the demand for these products continues to grow due to their many advantages.

Why you shouldn't have fake plants in your house? ›

They aren't eco-friendly.

Many fake plants are created in factories using harmful dyes and synthetic materials that aren't easily recycled. And once a fake plant is faded or damaged, it gets thrown in a trash dump where it will probably take many years to deteriorate.

What are the cons of fake plants? ›

A high-quality fake plant can cost as much as a real plant, and even though they don't need to be replaced as often, the initial investment can be quite pricey. Additionally, fake plants can look just that - fake. If you're going for a natural look in your home, artificial plants are probably not the way to go.

Are artificial flowers dated? ›

You might think, “oh but artificial flowers are so outdated!” If you're thinking of the artificial flowers you would find at your grandma's house, then yes, those artificial flowers are outdated. However, you can still find quality artificial flowers that make stunning decorations that will never wilt or die.

Are fake flowers back in style? ›

The popularity of fake flowers continues to rise, driven by advancements in materials and design that offer realistic, durable, and aesthetically pleasing options.

Are fake flowers naff? ›

The cumulative effect of all this name-dropping, plus the fact the piece appeared in the rarefied FT, was that fake flowers were now chic, sophisticated and not even a tiny bit… iffy. That cut flowers add life and beauty to a room is a given.

What is the difference between real touch and silk flowers? ›

Occasionally, a latex-polymer combination is also used in the manufacturing process. Thanks to this process, Real Touch flowers are surprisingly durable. Even when pressed or squeezed, the thicker petals retain their shape and structure, even more so than with silk flowers. Their edges will not fray or shred either.

Do silk flowers look real? ›

Silk flowers are always formed and designed to imitate real flowers, such as orchids or peonies. So, when you use silk flowers to make a bouquet or buy a pre-fashioned silk flower bouquet, your blooms will always look very realistic. Best of all, you won't have to worry about them wilting on your wedding day!

What is the best artificial flower material? ›

What Is the Best Material for Artificial Flowers? While each material has its advantages, polyester achieves the most realistic look. It's versatile in its ability to accept different colorings. Yet, it's also delicate enough to capture the essence of real petals.

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