Do you love the look of fresh flowers but hate how fast they dry up and wither away? Artificial flowers have come a long way in capturing the beauty and allure of real flowers and are a long-lasting, increasingly popular decoration.
To find the right artificial flowers to add flair to your home or office, consider what colors, shapes and sizes to look for. For instance, if you want a unique and vibrant flower that will fit perfectly on a desk or nightstand, the Dream of Flowers Galaxy Rose would be just the thing to brighten up your room.
What to know before you buy an artificial flower
Artificial flowers: single or bunch?
Artificial flowers are typically sold as either a single, often-stemmed flower such as a rose or a bunch of flowers. A bouquet option is fuller, takes up more space and can add visual interest to a table or a larger room, whereas a single flower is perfect for a nightstand, desk or as a gift.
Types of artificial flowers
Manufacturers have fine-tuned artificial options for many fan-favorite flowers, including roses, peonies, orchids and poppies, just to name a few. Some find that certain flowers invoke certain moods. Lavender can calm the mind, whereas roses bring a romantic touch to a room. You may have a particular flower in mind, or perhaps you’ll be paying more attention to the color and size more than the type of flower itself.
Realism of artificial flowers
Faux flowers have progressively become much more realistic, which helps avoid the “tacky” look that customers may have associated with them previously. For more information about other ways to decorate your space with faux flora, check out the full artificial plants buying guide from BestReviews.
Artificial flower features
Artificial flower color options
While most artificial flower colors come modeled after the natural colors of the flowers they’re based on, some manufacturers offer off-the-wall, even fantastical colors — some that don’t even exist in nature. That means that there are color options out there for just about any aesthetic or design plan, so feel free to dream of the perfect color for your space. Even blue roses aren’t off the table when it comes to faux flowers, so your decorative imagination can run wild!
Comes with a base or vase
Many single-flower options come with a resting base; bunches often come loose so that you can put them in the vase of your choosing, though some come with complimentary vases.
Artificial flowers with electronic add-ons
Some artificial flowers come with electronic lighting, which gives off a whimsical touch. Some even come with LED lights, which are a long-lasting way to keep your room sparkling.
Artificial flowers cost
Pricing for artificial flowers is based on the realism, amount and quality of the flowers, as well as any add-ons such as LED lights. They can cost $5-$50 per bunch, generally speaking.
Artificial flowers FAQ
How can I keep my artificial flowers looking new?
A. While there’s no getting around the natural wear and tear of the years, artificial flowers can last from a few years up to decades if you take proper care of them. Watch out for keeping them away from windows, which expose them to sunlight and can fade colors over time. Avoid leaving them in extreme heat, cold or humid conditions; this may cause them to fade prematurely or to grow mold or stains. Also, while dust won’t necessarily harm the flowers, be sure to clean them routinely with a dusting cloth to keep their colors visible and vibrant.
Can I leave artificial flowers outside?
A. If you’d rather decorate your porch, balcony or yard with your artificial flowers instead of leaving them inside, that’s fine! Just remember that with the rain, sun and extreme heat and cold that comes with exposure to the open elements, the lifespan of your faux flowers will be drastically reduced. Most flowers made of silk or synthetic materials like plastics only last around two to three months out in the open.
Which artificial flowers should I get?
Best of the best artificial flowers
Dream of Flowers Galaxy Rose: available at Amazon and Etsy
Our take: This magical, LED-lit rose makes for the perfect, thoughtful gift or for adorning your own room with a fairy-like touch.
What we like: This flower stands out on a bookshelf, nightstand or table. Since it comes in a specially-made gift box, it makes for a great present and is small enough to fit just about anywhere. It comes with its own base and dome and has LED lights.
What we dislike: This flower does require some assembly, and the LED lights run on AAA batteries, which would have to be replaced when they run out.
Best bang for your buck artificial flowers
TYEERDEC Artificial Lavender Bundles: available at Amazon
Our take: A calming and subtle bundle of lavender flowers to add a spa-like sensation to any room.
What we like: The branches are easy to bend, which allows you to mold them to the desired vessel. The plastic material is highly durable, non-toxic and easy to clean. There are varieties of other natural-looking colors in addition to purple.
What we dislike: Users reported they had to buy multiple bundles to fill larger vases.
Honorable mention artificial flowers
Mandy’s Artificial Red Poppies: available at Amazon
Our take: This everyday favorite stands out as the easiest option for brightening your space with a “pop” of color!
What we like: These faux poppies are 1:1 in size and appearance with live poppies. They are available in three different color options and come with a vase included. Users report that they are highly durable and low maintenance.
What we dislike: Some buyers think the plastic itself does not look very realistic.
Micayla Mead is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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