10 Ways to Decorate with Dried Flowers

Dried flowers bring a touch of nature’s beauty into your home without the worry of wilting. They’re perfect for year-round decoration and can last for months or even years with proper care.

Dried flowers offer endless creative possibilities for home decor, from simple arrangements to elaborate DIY projects. You can easily create stunning displays using flowers from your garden or store-bought varieties. The following ideas will help you transform these preserved blooms into beautiful decorative pieces for any space in your home.

1. Wedding Bouquet Keepsakes

Preserving your wedding bouquet as dried flowers creates a lasting memento of your special day. You can hang your bouquet upside down in a dry, dark space for 2-3 weeks to dry naturally.

Once dried, you can display your wedding flowers in a shadow box with other keepsakes like your invitation or a photo. This creates a beautiful wall display that brings back memories every time you see it.

Another option is to press selected blooms from your bouquet between heavy books. You can then frame these flat dried flowers or use them to make personalized cards for anniversaries.

Consider having your dried wedding flowers made into jewelry. Some artisans can incorporate petals into resin to create pendants or earrings you can wear on your anniversary.

You might also sprinkle some dried petals into homemade candles. This way, you can enjoy the beauty of your wedding flowers for years to come in a practical, lovely way.

2. Pressed Flower Frames

Pressed flower frames are a wonderful way to display your favorite blooms year-round. Simply press flowers between the pages of a heavy book for about two weeks until they’re completely dry and flat.

Choose a frame style that matches your home decor. Shadow boxes work great because they provide depth for your floral arrangement. Regular picture frames work too if you prefer a flatter display.

You can create simple designs with just a few flowers or complex patterns that fill the entire frame. Try arranging them in shapes like hearts or letters for a personalized touch.

Consider adding small leaves, ferns, or grasses to complement your flowers. These elements add texture and visual interest to your display.

White or light-colored backgrounds make the flowers stand out best. You can use acid-free paper or fabric as your backdrop to prevent yellowing over time.

These framed pressings make thoughtful gifts for special occasions. They’re perfect for preserving wedding bouquets, anniversary flowers, or blooms from your garden’s best season.

3. Dried Floral Wreaths

Dried floral wreaths add a touch of natural beauty to any space in your home. You can hang them on doors, walls, or even use them as table centerpieces during special occasions.

Creating your own dried flower wreath is easier than you might think. Start with a wreath base made of grapevine, wire, or foam, then attach your dried flowers using floral wire or hot glue.

Mix different types of dried flowers for visual interest. Lavender, strawflowers, and statice work wonderfully because they hold their color well after drying.

Don’t forget to add texture with elements like dried grasses, wheat stalks, or seedpods. These natural additions create depth and make your wreath more dynamic.

For a seasonal touch, incorporate dried citrus slices, cinnamon sticks, or pine cones during winter months. In spring and summer, lighter colored blooms and greenery can brighten your wreath.

Your dried floral wreath can last for years with proper care. Keep it away from direct sunlight and high humidity to prevent fading and deterioration.

4. Vintage Potpourri Jars

Potpourri jars add a charming touch to any home with their sweet scents and pretty looks. You can create your own vintage-style potpourri by mixing dried flowers with spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, and dried citrus peels.

Look for antique or vintage-style glass jars at thrift stores or flea markets. Mason jars, apothecary jars, or any containers with tight-fitting lids work great for this project.

Layer your dried flowers like roses, lavender, and chamomile in the jar. Add a few drops of essential oil to boost the fragrance if you want a stronger scent.

For a decorative touch, tie a ribbon around the neck of the jar or add a vintage-looking label. You can display these potpourri jars on shelves, mantels, or bathroom counters.

When the scent starts to fade, simply open the jar and add a few more drops of essential oil to refresh it. Your vintage potpourri jars will bring color and fragrance to your home for months.

5. Botanical Wall Hangings

Wall hangings made from dried flowers add an artistic touch to any room. You can create them using simple materials like embroidery hoops, wire grids, or wooden frames.

Try arranging dried lavender, baby’s breath, and ferns on a wire mesh frame. Secure them with thin floral wire or clear fishing line for a delicate look.

For a rustic vibe, attach dried flowers to driftwood or a weathered branch. You can hang this horizontally on your wall with some twine for a natural focal point.

Pressed flowers in floating frames create elegant botanical artwork. You can preserve special blooms from your garden or a meaningful bouquet this way.

Don’t be afraid to mix textures and colors. Combine fluffy dried pampas grass with delicate dried roses for visual interest.

Wall hangings can be changed seasonally too. Use sunflowers and wheat in fall, holly and pine in winter, and wildflowers in spring and summer.

6. Herbarium Art Pieces

Herbarium art turns dried flowers into scientific-looking displays that add a touch of vintage charm to your home. You can create these pieces by pressing flowers between heavy books for 2-3 weeks until completely dry.

Once dried, arrange your flowers on acid-free paper or cardstock. Add labels with the plant names if you want that authentic botanical look. A simple black pen works great for this.

Frame your creation in a floating glass frame to showcase your flowers from all angles. These frames protect your delicate specimens while making them the star of the show.

You can theme your herbarium pieces by season, color, or plant family. A collection of wildflowers from your summer hike makes a meaningful memento with a story behind it.

Herbarium art makes thoughtful gifts for nature-loving friends. You can even create tiny versions in smaller frames for a sweet gift that doesn’t take up much space.

7. Floral Candles

Floral candles bring a special touch to your home decor by combining the warmth of candlelight with the beauty of dried flowers. You can make these yourself with just a few supplies.

Start by gathering plain white candles, dried flower petals, and a heat source like a hairdryer. Choose small, flat flowers and petals that will stick well to the candle surface.

Heat the outside of your candle slightly with the hairdryer until it becomes tacky. Then carefully press your dried flowers onto the soft wax. Work in small sections to ensure the wax doesn’t harden before you place your flowers.

You can create patterns or random designs based on your style preference. Thin flowers work best as they’ll adhere more smoothly to the curved candle surface.

For added protection, you can seal your finished candle with a clear craft spray or dip it in clear wax. This helps preserve the flowers and prevents them from burning when you light the candle.

These floral candles make wonderful gifts or centerpieces for your dining table. You can match the flower colors to your home decor or to celebrate different seasons.

8. Decorative Flower Crowns

Flower crowns made from dried blooms create a beautiful accessory that lasts longer than fresh flower versions. You can wear these for special occasions or hang them as wall decorations in your home.

Start by selecting flexible dried flowers like statice, baby’s breath, and small roses that won’t crumble easily. You’ll need a wire circle as your base – measure around your head for the right size.

Attach thin floral wire to the base and begin wrapping small bunches of dried flowers around it. Overlap each bunch slightly to hide the wire and create a fuller appearance.

Mix different flowers and colors for a more interesting crown. Add some dried herbs like lavender or eucalyptus for pleasant scents and texture variation.

When you’re not wearing your crown, display it on a wall hook or lay it flat on a shelf. These crowns make gorgeous gifts for birthdays or bridal showers too.

Spray your finished crown lightly with clear floral preservative to help it last even longer. Store in a dry place when not in use to prevent moisture damage.

9. Rustic Table Centerpieces

Dried flowers make stunning centerpieces for your dining table. Try arranging wheat stalks, dried lavender, and baby’s breath in a weathered wooden box for that perfect farmhouse look.

Mason jars wrapped with twine make excellent vases for your dried flower arrangements. You can place several jars of different heights down the center of your table for a charming display.

Combine dried flowers with natural elements like pinecones, acorns, or driftwood. These additions enhance the rustic vibe and create interesting textures in your centerpiece.

Consider using antique items as containers. Old tin cans, vintage teapots, or ceramic pitchers can hold your dried flowers and add character to your table setting.

For special occasions, add some battery-operated fairy lights among your dried flowers. The soft glow creates a magical atmosphere as you dine with family and friends.

Change up your centerpieces with the seasons. Use warmer tones like orange and red in fall, or soft pastels in spring to keep your table decor fresh and inviting throughout the year.

10. Boho Garland Strings

Boho garland strings bring a free-spirited vibe to any space with their natural elements and relaxed design. You can create these charming decorations by stringing dried flowers along twine or thin rope.

Choose flowers like lavender, strawflowers, and baby’s breath for a delicate look. Eucalyptus leaves and dried ferns add interesting texture and greenery between the blooms.

For a truly bohemian feel, mix in other elements like wooden beads, small feathers, or tiny bells. These additions create gentle movement and sound when hanging in doorways or windows.

You can drape your boho garlands across mantels, over headboards, or along bookshelves. They also look stunning hanging vertically in clusters from a branch or dowel rod.

These garlands work well for everyday decor but also shine at special events. Consider making custom versions for weddings, baby showers, or birthday celebrations with colors that match your theme.

When the seasons change, you don’t need to replace them. Their faded colors actually enhance the vintage boho aesthetic over time.

Choosing The Right Dried Flowers

Not all dried flowers are created equal, and selecting the perfect blooms for your projects can make all the difference in the final result. The right choices will ensure your arrangements look beautiful and last for months or even years.

How To Select Colors That Pop

When choosing dried flowers, color is super important. Look for vibrant blooms that haven’t faded during the drying process. Deep reds, purples, and blues often maintain their color better than pastels.

Try creating contrast in your arrangements by mixing complementary colors. For example, pair dried lavender with yellow strawflowers for a striking look.

Consider your home decor when selecting colors. You want your dried flower arrangements to enhance your space, not clash with it.

Pro tip: Hold dried flowers against different backgrounds to see where they’ll pop the most. What looks dull against a white wall might shine against a dark bookshelf.

Remember that some flowers naturally change color when dried. Hydrangeas often develop beautiful vintage tones that can add depth to your arrangements.

Sustainability Of Dried Flowers

Dried flowers are a great eco-friendly decor option since they last much longer than fresh flowers. You can enjoy them for months without replacement!

When shopping, look for flowers that are grown locally and dried without chemicals. Many small farmers now specialize in sustainable dried flower production.

Questions to ask suppliers:

• Were these flowers grown without pesticides?
• How were they dried? (Air-drying is the most eco-friendly method)
• Were dyes or preservatives used?

You can also dry flowers from your own garden! This is the most sustainable option and gives you complete control over the process.

Consider biodegradable packaging when purchasing dried flowers online. Many eco-conscious sellers now use paper wrapping instead of plastic.

Growing your own cutting garden specifically for drying can be a rewarding project that provides materials for year-round decorating.

Caring For Your Dried Flowers

Dried flowers can last for years with proper care. The right maintenance keeps them looking beautiful and prevents unnecessary deterioration.

Avoiding Sunlight Damage

Direct sunlight is the enemy of dried flowers. UV rays fade colors quickly, turning vibrant blooms dull and lifeless.

Place your arrangements away from windows that receive direct sun. If you must display them near windows, use sheer curtains to filter harsh light.

North-facing rooms are ideal locations for dried flower displays. These spaces typically receive gentle, indirect light that won’t cause fading.

Remember that even artificial lighting can cause damage over time. Keep arrangements away from lamps or spotlights that generate heat.

Pro tip: If you notice colors starting to fade, move your arrangement to a darker location immediately to prevent further damage.

Keeping Them Dust-Free

Dust is unavoidable and can make your dried flowers look dingy. Regular cleaning helps maintain their beauty.

Use a hair dryer on the coolest setting to blow dust away. Keep it at least 12 inches from the flowers and use gentle bursts of air.

For delicate arrangements, try a soft makeup brush or feather duster. Light, careful strokes work best for removing dust without damaging petals.

Never use water to clean dried flowers! Even a light misting can rehydrate and damage them.

Add a drop of lavender oil to your dried arrangement to naturally repel dust and insects. As a bonus, it adds a lovely scent to your display.