When someone says “dried flowers”, a lot of people picture dusty bouquets on top of a dark wooden cabinet, something their grandma never threw away. And yeah… that image exists. But it’s outdated. Big time.

Dry flowers have quietly made a comeback, especially in modern interiors. The problem isn’t the flowers themselves. It’s how they’re used. Push them too far, overload the space, and boom – instant kitsch. Use them right, and they bring texture, calm, and a kind of slow, natural elegance that fresh flowers sometimes can’t.

And if you’ve ever stood in a flower shop thinking “I love this, but would it look weird at home ?”, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too.

Start with the right flowers (this part changes everything)

First rule – and honestly, the most important one – not all dried flowers deserve to enter your living room. Some are just… too much. Too stiff, too yellow, too “craft store aisle”.

What works best ?
Simple shapes. Soft colors. Natural tones.

Think pampas grass, eucalyptus, lagurus, bunny tails, dried hydrangeas, a bit of wheat. Things that look good even slightly imperfect. Because imperfections are kind of the point.

I remember walking past a florist in Lyon last fall, rainy afternoon, grey sky. Inside, a wall of dried arrangements in beige, dusty pink, muted green. Nothing flashy. Nothing loud. Just calm. That’s the vibe you want at home.

If you want to see what tasteful dried flowers actually look like today, have a look at https://denisfleurs.com – it’s a good reminder that dried doesn’t mean boring or old-school.

Less, always less (yes, even if you love them)

This is where people mess up. They like dried flowers… so they put them everywhere. Shelf, table, hallway, bedroom, bathroom. Stop. Breathe.

One arrangement per room is usually enough. Sometimes even one per apartment. I know, it hurts a bit. But restraint is what keeps things chic.

A single vase on a sideboard.
A small bouquet on a coffee table.
That’s it.

Ask yourself : if I remove this, does the room still work ?
If yes, good. If no, maybe the flowers are doing too much heavy lifting.

The vase matters more than you think

Put beautiful dried flowers in a bad vase, and the magic is gone. Instantly.

Avoid anything too decorative, too shiny, too patterned. Dried flowers already have texture. They don’t need competition.

What works :
– Clear glass
– Matte ceramic
– Stoneware
– Simple clay

Neutral colors. White, sand, off-white, light grey. I personally love slightly imperfect handmade vases – the ones that aren’t perfectly round. They feel alive.

And please, no plastic. Even once. Even “just for now”.

Match them with the room’s energy

Dry flowers don’t belong everywhere. And that’s okay.

They shine in calm spaces : living rooms, bedrooms, entryways. Places where you want to slow down a bit. They’re less convincing in ultra-modern kitchens or very busy offices.

If your interior is already full of colors, patterns, objects… dried flowers can feel like too much. But in a neutral room ? Linen sofa, wooden floor, soft light ? They’re perfect.

Look at your space at 6pm, when the light drops. Does it feel peaceful ? If yes, dried flowers will fit right in.

Forget symmetry, seriously

One thing that makes dried flowers look fake or staged is symmetry. Perfectly centered. Perfectly balanced. Perfectly boring.

Let stems lean. Let some be taller, some shorter. Let the bouquet breathe. Nature isn’t neat – and that’s exactly why it works.

I often leave a bouquet “unfinished” on purpose. One empty side. A bit of air. It feels more natural, more modern. Less showroom, more real life.

Maintenance is easy (but not zero)

People love dried flowers because “they last forever”. True… but only if you treat them nicely.

Keep them out of direct sunlight, or colors will fade fast.
Don’t put them near humidity. Bathroom is risky.
Dust them gently. Hair dryer on cold, low power. Sounds weird, works perfectly.

And if one stem looks tired after a year ? Remove it. No guilt. It’s allowed.

So… are dried flowers kitsch ?

Honestly ? They can be. But so can anything. Velvet sofas, gold mirrors, even white walls if done badly.

Used with intention, dried flowers feel calm, grounded, timeless. They don’t scream for attention. They just sit there, quietly making the room feel finished.

If you’re hesitating, start small. One vase. One bouquet. See how it feels after a week.

And ask yourself the right question :
Does this make my space feel more like me ?

If the answer is yes, you’re doing it right.