Simple Arrangements: Easy Ways to Style Artificial Flowers

Artificial flowers have become a versatile and stylish option for home and event decor. They offer the beauty and look of fresh blooms without the upkeep (watering, pruning, etc), making them perfect for those seeking long-lasting solutions. In this article, we'll explore some simple ways to style fake flowers, from easy one-flower arrangements to slightly more complex floral designs — we'll also touch on incorporating faux greenery, berries, and branches for added flair.

ONE-FLOWER WONDERS

Sometimes, simplicity speaks volumes. One of the easiest ways to style artificial flowers is by choosing a single type of bloom to fill your vase(s). Popular faux choices include:

ROSES

Timeless and beautiful, artificial roses are incredibly versatile and quite often the number one faux flower choice! Available in a variety of colors, they can fit in with nearly any decor or event style. For a simple, classic look, place a cluster of white or blush pink fake roses in a simple white or cream ceramic vase. For a more playful arrangement, mix softer shades like pale yellow and peach pinks. 5-7 roses fit a smaller sized vase for a perfect end table or counter top display.

PEONIES

Known for their lush, ruffled appearance, artificial peonies are a popular choice for those seeking more of a soft, romantic feel. Because they have larger blooms, faux peonies are perfect for creating arrangements with a full-bodied look. Use them in small groupings in a smaller vase, or combine multiple stems in a larger vessel for a grand (yet still simple) statement. The delicate beauty of peony flowers works wonderfully in bedrooms or as wedding centerpieces.

HYDRANGEAS

Another timeless favorite, fake hydrangeas are ideal for creating impactful arrangements with just a few stems. Their round, voluminous shape means you don’t need many stems to fill a vase. 4-5 will easily fill a same to medium vessel. Opt for classic white or experiment with blue, green, or even multi-toned varieties of this beautiful bloom. Hydrangeas look stunning on their own but they also work excellent as a base flower paired for smaller blooms like roses or tulips.

TULIPS

Sleek and modern, artificial tulips bring a fresh, spring vibe to any room. But think beyond spring! Faux tulips can be used in any season when styled right! Their clean lines make them perfect for minimalist arrangements. Place tulip stems in narrow bud vases and let the natural curve of their stems shine. Mix a handful of tulip colors together in a neutral vase for a cheerful display — perfect for kitchen tables or entryways.

ORCHIDS

Artificial orchids are perfect for achieving a high-end look with minimal effort. Their long stems and intricate blooms make them ideal for tall arrangements in statement vases or for replicating a fake orchid plant. They are a favorite for their chic look and graceful feel. Use white orchids for a classic contemporary aesthetic, or go with vibrant hues like pink or magenta for a bolder, modern touch.

SUNFLOWERS

Bright and cheerful, sunflowers are a favorite for country chic, rustic, and farmhouse-style decor. Artificial sunflowers bring that feeling of warmth on a summer evening to any space. Place them in a mason jar or a weathered ceramic vase for a cozy, country-inspired look. Their large blooms also pair beautifully with daisies or greenery for a vibrant, wild, summery arrangement. Sunflowers are also a great summer to fall flower — add fall foliage to your sunflowers for a simple transitional arrangement.

ADDING ARTIFICIAL GREENERY AND TEXTURE

Greenery is the perfect complement to any artificial flower arrangement. Adding greenery softens the overall look and makes the design look more like-like or "freshly" picked. Some go-to and popular fake greenery options include:

• Eucalyptus: The muted green tones of this foliage matches well with just about any arrangement or flower type without overpowering the design.
• Magnolia Leaves: Their rich green color and glossy finish provides a bolder look and definitely makes more of a statement.
• Trailing Greenery: Trailing greenery like ivy, pothos, or string of pearls are ideal for a whimsical look or for creating an arrangement that looks for more organic.

For added texture, consider incorporating a handful of artificial berries or tall branches. Red or white berries bring a festive feel — transforming everyday to holiday — while branches add height and structure. Simply mix these elements with your blooms for a more unique and custom design.

PAIRING TOGETHER TWO FLOWER TYPES

While still keeping things simple, but adding a little more visual appeal to your arrangements, you can combining two types of flowers! Popular faux flower pairings include:

• Roses and Hydrangeas: A classic combination that looks beautiful and natural every time.
• Peonies and Ranunculus: The combination of the ruffled and round blooms are perfect when you are going for a soft, romantic look.
• Sunflowers and Cosmos: Bright and cheerful for a country, rustic, or farmhouse style. This flower pairing also gives off a wild, organic vibe that instantly brightens up any space.
• Orchids and Calla Lilies: These flowers are both sleek and modern in appearance — ideal for contemporary decor.

When working with two flower types, follow the rule of thirds to balance the arrangement. Use one flower as the focal point and the other as an accent. For example, cluster hydrangeas at the base of the arrangement and add artificial roses throughout for a layered effect.

THE RULE OF THIRDS

Let's talk a little more about that rule of thirds! The rule of thirds in flower design is a guiding principle for creating balanced and visually appealing (and natural) arrangements. This rule is about dividing the design space into three sections, either vertically or horizontally, and using these divisions to guide the placement of flowers and foliage. By arranging elements so that one-third of the space is filled with the focal flowers (think hydrangeas), another third is used for secondary blooms (roses) or supporting elements (greenery), and the final third is left open or lightly accented (berries), the design achieves a natural flow with your design. This prevents the arrangement from feeling overcrowded and draws the eye to key areas, creating depth and movement throughout the display.

ODD NUMBERS

Another helpful design tip is to create your botanical display by using odd numbers, such as three, five, or seven, etc. Using odd numbers create asymmetry, which feels more organic to the eye compared to even numbers. When flowers and foliage are grouped in odd numbers, the arrangement avoids that stiff or overly structured appearance. This technique works particularly well in both flower arrangements and wedding bouquets, as it helps achieve a sense of balance without looking too uniform or predictable.

GRAND DESIGNS WITH A SINGLE FLOWER TYPE

Now, let's back to simple! Even with just one flower type, you can create a large and impactful flower arrangement. The key is to use more stems and a larger vase. How easy is that? For example: Fill a tall vase with a dozen or more hydrangeas for a grand, luxurious centerpiece. Use multiple stems of artificial tulips in a wide, low vase for a modern, minimalist look. Cluster a variety of colors of roses in a large ceramic vase for a dreamy, eye-catching display.

WHERE TO PLACE FAUX ARRANGEMENTS

The beauty of artificial flower arrangements is their versatility. You can truly place your botanicals anywhere that needs a little decor pick me up! Here are some ideal spots to showcase your creations:

HOME DECOR

• Living Room: A simple arrangement of faux flowers or foliage on a coffee table can bring life to the space. For faux flowers, select seasonal blooms to keep the decor feeling fresh, or choose timeless options like white hydrangeas or eucalyptus for a classic look that can be displayed throughout the seasons.
• Dining Room: Faux flower centerpieces are ideal for dining tables. Consider using long, low arrangements for an unobstructed view of family and guests during meals, or cluster smaller bud vases with 1-2 faux stems in each for a more eclectic and playful vibe.
• Bedroom: Place a small arrangement on your nightstand or dresser. Choose soft, romantic botanicals like roses or peonies for a calming atmosphere. Complement the room's decor with a monochromatic palette of white, cream, or soft pink.
• Home Office: Brighten your workspace with a faux arrangement on your desk. Flowers and plants can boost energy and mood! Create a small arrangement with your favorite faux flower or brighten the space with an artificial greenery arrangement or plant — an arrangement of magnolia leaves or trailing pothos in a planter.

WEDDINGS

• Decor: Faux flowers are perfect for creating wedding decor that can be prepared in advance and reused as keepsakes. Use artificial botanicals for altar arrangements, table centerpieces, or to line the aisle. Faux blooms like roses, hydrangeas, and eucalyptus are timeless choices.
• Bouquets: Fake botanicals are ideal for bridal, bridesmaid, and flower girl bouquets. Wedding bouquets can be designed to stand out with arrangements of roses, peonies, or cascading orchids, while bridesmaid bouquets can be smaller but complementary to the bridal design. For the flower girl, a petite bouquet or a floral hoop is a charming and lightweight option that’s easy to carry. Faux bouquets allow for custom color palettes and styles that match the wedding theme perfectly.
• Boutonnieres and Corsages: For boutonnieres and corsages, choose smaller, sturdy blooms like mini roses, ranunculus, or other flower sprays. Accent with greenery or faux berries and add ribbon. For a step by step guide, check out our DIY Wedding Boutonniere. Corsages, whether worn on the wrist or pinned, can be customized with faux blooms like orchids, roses, or lavender.

PARTIES

• Entryways: Welcome guests to your event with smaller arrangements placed on entryway tables or in the foyer. Bright and bold artificial flowers create a warm and welcoming first impression!
• Buffet Tables: Adorn buffet tables with long centerpieces or garlands. You can also use smaller vases or low arrangements to add color without obstructing the flow of the table. Play with festive or seasonal blooms to match the party’s theme and tone, and have fun with it!

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Styling artificial flowers is doesn’t have to be complicated! By starting with simple arrangements and experimenting adding in artificial greenery, berries, and branches, the possibilities are endless! Whether you’re decorating your home or planning a wedding or special event, these easy tips will help you create stunning botanical displays. Embrace the versatility of permanent botanicals, and let your creativity bloom!