It has taken years for faux flowers to shed the less-than-luxury associations that “fake” once implied - cheap, poor quality and a bit tacky. Today, however, they are anything but, thanks to a new wave of high-end makers and exceptional craftsmanship.

We spoke to Rachel Dunn, Head of Product & Creative at The Faux Flower Company, about how faux flowers have evolved and the many ways they can be used.

What materials are faux flowers and plants typically made from?

High-quality faux flowers are usually made from a combination of:

Polyester fabrics (for petals and leaves)

Latex or PU coatings (to create a more realistic texture and softness)

Injection-moulded plastics or resin (for berries, buds and structural details)

Wired stems (allowing natural shaping and movement).

The difference between high and low quality often comes down to fabric density, print depth, matte versus shiny finishes, and how detailed the moulding is.

How can they be successfully mixed with real flower arrangements?

Faux and fresh can work beautifully together when layered thoughtfully:

Use faux greenery or structural stems as a base.

Add fresh flowers seasonally for fragrance and softness.

Choose faux stems with tonal variation and wired flexibility.

Distribute faux stems evenly rather than grouping them together.

Many clients use faux as a permanent framework and refresh with fresh blooms occasionally.

Who designs them and what does the design process involve?

This is where our approach is quite distinctive. I design every bouquet in-house myself. I have a university degree and background in Fashion Design and Technology, specialising in colour theory. That training heavily influences how I approach faux florals , particularly in tone balancing, contrast, scale and proportion.

Our arrangements are completely bespoke to our company. We do not buy pre-made bouquets. Every composition is developed from scratch.

The process typically involves:

Identifying a concept or palette direction.

Selecting individual stems based on realism, movement and scale.

Testing combinations physically in the studio.

Refining balance - adjusting height, density and negative space.

Finalising colour harmony using principles of colour theory (undertones, saturation balance, complementary contrasts).

Because I work directly with our manufacturing partners, I’m also involved in selecting and approving individual stems before they ever make it into a bouquet. It’s a very hands-on, design-led process.

Why do prices vary so widely?

Price differences are influenced by:

Material quality

Number of components within each stem

Hand-finishing versus fully automated production

Tooling and mould development costs

Production volumes

Brand positioning and curation

Smaller-batch, design-led brands tend to invest more in development and quality control, which is reflected in price.

Where are faux flowers best used?

They’re particularly suited to:

Homes (especially low-light rooms)

Offices

Hospitality settings

Retail environments

Events

Second homes and rental properties

They’re also ideal in allergy-sensitive environments and spaces where maintenance is limited.

Can customers view them in person?

Many premium faux flower companies operate primarily online, but may offer:

Showroom appointments

Trade access for interior designers

Studio visits by arrangement

Detailed imagery and video are increasingly important in helping customers assess realism before purchase.

How long do high-quality faux flowers last?

A well-made faux stem can last many years — often 5–10+ with proper care.

Care advice:

Dust regularly with a soft cloth or hairdryer on a cool setting.

Avoid prolonged direct sunlight to minimise fading.

Store carefully if rotating seasonally.

Unlike fresh flowers, they don’t deteriorate with time.

How sustainable are faux flowers compared to fresh flowers?

It’s a nuanced comparison.

Fresh flowers often:

Are imported by air.

Require refrigeration and water.

Have a lifespan of days.

Faux flowers:

Are petroleum-based.

Have a higher upfront carbon footprint.

But can last for years.

If a faux arrangement replaces weekly fresh flowers for several years, the long-term environmental impact can compare favourably. Longevity is key -buy well, buy once.

We’re also seeing growing consumer awareness around packaging reduction and long-term purchasing rather than disposable décor.

How to distinguish high-quality faux flowers?

Look for:

Subtle colour variation (not flat dye)

Matte finishes

Realistic stem colouring

Wired flexibility

Botanical accuracy in scale and proportion

Density and layering in petals

Lower-quality alternatives tend to look uniform, shiny and overly symmetrical.

Are they suitable for outdoor use?

Standard interior-grade faux flowers are not UV-protected and may fade in direct sunlight.

For outdoor use:

Look for UV-treated stems.

Avoid constant exposure.

Consider wind resilience.

Most premium faux florals are designed primarily for indoor styling.

How do they work for seasonal styling?

This is one of their biggest strengths.

Many customers:

Invest in a neutral base arrangement.

Add seasonal accents (berries, blossom, autumn foliage).

Rotate stems without replacing the full bouquet.

It offers flexibility without ongoing waste.

Are there current trends influencing faux florals?

Yes, we’re seeing:

Naturalistic, looser arrangements

Sculptural branches

Earthy, muted palettes

Larger statement stems

Faux fruit and textured botanicals

“Dried-look” stems with longevity

There’s been a strong shift toward design-led faux florals rather than overly polished, symmetrical arrangements.

Can faux flowers be customised?

Yes, particularly at the premium end.

Customisation can include:

Bespoke arrangements tailored to specific spaces

Colour palette adjustments

Made-to-order installations

Larger hospitality or retail projects

Because our bouquets are designed entirely in-house, we’re able to create arrangements that are specific to our brand aesthetic rather than off-the-shelf combinations.

Who buys faux flowers today?

The market has evolved significantly. Today’s buyers include:

Design-conscious homeowners

Interior designers

Property developers

Hospitality venues

Corporate offices

Event stylists

At the premium end, they’re no longer seen as a compromise but as a deliberate design choice, particularly where longevity and consistency matter.