Thrifting Faux Flowers: Tips for Stunning Home Décor


Good morning, dear friends, and welcome to the blog today!

I hope you’ve got your favorite cozy drink in hand because I have a fun little thrifting adventure to share with you. Last week, I stumbled upon some absolutely beautiful faux blooms while out treasure hunting. You know the kind—so realistic they almost make you do a double take. Well, I simply had to bring them home, and today, I’d love for you to join me as we chat about all things faux florals and how to incorporate them into your home décor.

Now, when it comes to faux flowers, the options are endless. You’ll find everything from delicate single stems made of silk to lush bunches crafted from a variety of materials. Each has its charm, but let’s be honest—storage space is a precious commodity! That’s why it’s always a good idea to choose blooms that work well with your color palette and can transition through the seasons. And here’s a little secret: thrift stores are gold mines for faux florals. You can find stunning, high-quality pieces for a fraction of the retail price—leaving you with more money for, well… more thrifting!

A few years ago, I stumbled upon a delightful bunch of Japanese Iris blooms while out thrifting. And friends, this was one of those finds—the kind that makes your heart do a little happy dance! They were still in their original packaging, tags and all, just waiting for a second chance to shine. Naturally, I scooped them up and brought them home.

These beauties are quite high-end, and one of the reasons is the quality of materials used in their making. Crafted from silk, each petal has a fine central wire running through it, allowing you to shape and adjust them just like the real thing. The same goes for the leaves—meaning you can bend and fluff them into the perfect position with ease. And let’s talk about that center! It’s designed to mimic the intricate details of a natural iris, making these flowers look stunningly lifelike.

The ability to shape a flower is such a game-changer when creating an arrangement or even using them individually. No more stiff, unyielding stems—these florals let you play around, adjusting angles and fullness until your display looks just right.

Two finds from this week are a silk flower above left and a flower on the right made of a heavier material but beautifully rendered. I found five individual long stems of each flower type bundled together. Individually they would be somewhere between $8-$10 at hobby lobby but the thrift store price was around $8 for all 10 stems.

I grouped these beautiful white blooms with the Japanese Iris on the hearth to create a lovely transition from winter to spring. There’s something so refreshing about soft white florals—they bring a sense of calm and renewal, like that first hint of spring peeking through the frost.

To showcase these elegant stems, I placed them in a sturdy pottery jug. Its weight and shape make it the perfect vessel for these long-stemmed beauties. While the stems can be cut, I have a little trick I always use—I simply bend them when I need a shorter height. This way, I keep my options open for future arrangements without permanently altering them. (Thrifted flowers deserve a long and versatile life, after all!)

To complete the look, I flanked the arrangement with a pair of classic pillar candlesticks, each topped with matching blue candles. Would you believe these, too, were thrifted? It’s always such a thrill to find pieces that work together so effortlessly, even when they come from different places and times. The result is a serene and elegant display that feels both timeless and welcoming—perfect for easing into the changing season.

The next arrangement was intended for the front entranceway. I usually keep some flowers or a plant on the sideboard to welcome guests as they enter the house. I chose this bunch of flowers attached to a single stem. You can manipulate each attached stem to fluff it out. These are also silk flowers.

Next I added some individual stems to the arrangement and placed them in a pretty, cut glass vase. Using both types of faux blooms allows you to place the individual stems in strategic places amongst the multiple blooms that are attached to a single stem.

The flowers pick up the colors in the table runner and magazines that are bringing us just a little closer to spring.

The sideboard is kept simple and serene—a refreshing change after the exuberance of the holiday season. At the center, a graceful pillar candlestick stands tall, accompanied by a classic off-white pillar candle, creating a peaceful focal point beneath a lovely original piece of art by my dear friend, Cornelia. Her work adds such a personal and heartfelt touch to the space, making it feel extra special.

To balance the arrangement, I offset the delicate faux blooms with a lush live plant, setting the plant on a beautiful hand-thrown, scalloped plate. The mix of real and faux greenery brings a lovely contrast of texture and life, proving that a well-placed silk flower can be just as charming as the real thing.

After the sparkle and abundance of the holidays, it’s nice to let the space breathe a little. This pared-down approach feels fresh and calming—just what’s needed to ease into the new season with grace and simplicity.

Viewing the arrangement from the other side you can see a reflection of the study which is on the opposite side across from the sideboard. The colors in both rooms reflect the same peaceful look with some rosy tones and neutrals sharing the space.

When gathered together, these flower stems create such an exuberant display of color and texture—full of movement and life, just like a fresh-picked bouquet. Each bloom, whether real or faux, has the ability to bring beauty and charm to your home, adding that perfect touch of warmth and elegance.

Blending live and faux plants in your décor is a wonderful way to add depth and flexibility to a space. Faux florals provide long-lasting beauty, while live plants bring a natural vibrancy—together, they create a perfect harmony. Plus, mixing the two lets you experiment with arrangements and placement without worrying about sunlight, watering schedules, or seasonal availability. Limitless possibilities… and that’s exactly what I love about a great thrifted treasure!

Thank you for spending a little time with me today. I always love sharing these finds and ideas with you, and I hope to see you again soon. Happy decorating, and happy thrifting!