If you haven’t heard, the sale of artificial flowers in the UK is on the up. After going out of fashion for a while, they’re beginning to make a comeback and in a pretty big way. Many major department stores are now stocking a wide variety of luscious blooms that last a lot longer than the real thing and look highly attractive in the home or office.
This revival has been driven in part by a few interior decorators online but mostly by the brilliant quality of the flowers themselves. We look at what you need to know when buying artificial flowers for your home.
Should you choose real or fake flowers for your home?
Above: It’s hard to believe this stunning bouquet of roses isn’t the real deal! Price at an extremely competitive £7.99 – click here for more details and options.
There’s no doubt that flowers make a beautiful centre piece for any home. The big problem is that they all too quickly begin to fade and wilt, no matter how well you look after them.
Pick the right artificial flowers, however, and they can last a lifetime. The key here is to pick the ones that look real, whether your creating your own display from single stem flowers or choosing to buy a complete, colourful bunch.
Buying artificial flowers – what to look out for
Above: These incredible artificial lillies are just £9.99 for the bunch – click here for more details.
The new breed of artificial flowers are designed to be practically indistinguishable from the real thing. Whether you want a cool looking lavender allium or some green hydrangea or something mystical from the Far East, there’s a lot to choose from.
As with anything artificial, you need to look for quality and be prepared to spend a little more money if you want to get the best. A range of high tech materials are used nowadays to create a greater sense of realism. Some are made from silk, others more often nowadays use thin but dense latex fabrics and even mix in cotton and PVC.
Buying artificial flowers as single stems vs bunches
Above: This artificial hydrangea is breathtaking – could it be real? At just £7.99 for five stems/flower heads, you can be sure of a long-lasting stunning display. Click here to for more details and options.
You don’t have to go overboard with artificial flowers. A sprig of faux lavender or a single flower here and there can add depth to your décor in the home or office. Small displays often have much better impact than more opulent ones, so be prepared to look at a lot of different options before you finally settle on the artificial flowers of your choice.
If you are creating a central display, try to choose a lot of different textures, perhaps combining dramatic flowers with the odd delicate holly sprig and a few evergreen leaves here and there.
Buying artificial flowers: don’t forget the vase!
Above: The simplicity of this stunning vase makes it the perfect choice for all types of artificial flowers. Priced at a very reasonable £13.16. Click here for more details.
One important aspect you need to consider is the vase. This forms part of the display, so it’s very important. The general rule from interior decorators is that, the more dressy the vase, the simpler your flower display needs to be. Of course, much will depend on your décor and what kind of containers you have but there’s certainly plenty of room for experimentation with today’s faux blooms.
If you think of fake flowers and remember those plastic tulips your grandmother used to have in the parlour, then it’s time to think again. They’re now a quick and easy way to add colour and style to your home without having to replace those blooms every week. While they don’t have the aroma of fresh cut flowers (though manufacturers are working on this as we speak), they simply look brilliant in any room and are the perfect way decorate any space.
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