How to Design Your Space with Artificial Plants

A recent survey revealed that more and more millennials are embracing artificial plants in their homes, and I totally get why! 

With moving houses over the country with my father’s postings, I spent years wrestling with maintaining real plants in homes, and I’ve discovered that artificial plants can be just as transformative as their living counterparts—minus the guilt of another failed attempt at keeping a fiddle leaf fig alive.

Why I Made the Switch?

Last winter, after watching my third monstera slowly decline despite my best efforts, I decided to experiment with artificial alternatives. But to truly answer the question, “Why did I choose artificial plants?” They’re zero-maintenance. 

No more panic when you leave for vacation or forgetting to water that one plant (we’ve all been there).

But here’s something that surprised me: artificial plants can actually be better for certain spaces. 

Think about rooms with little natural light, like a bathroom or a windowless hallway. Real plants would struggle there, but an artificial beauty will thrive in the same environment.

And the best part? You can go bold with statement plants without worrying if you’ll accidentally kill it two weeks in.

Strategic Placement Tips

After styling all of those dilapidated government quarters, I’ve developed a foolproof approach to incorporating artificial plants. Here is how to design your space with artificial plants.

Height Variation

Create visual interest by mixing different heights. In my living room, I combine a tall artificial fiddle leaf fig with medium-sized snake plants and smaller succulents on the coffee table. This creates a natural flow that draws the eye through the space.

Lighting Considerations

While artificial plants don’t need sunlight to survive, they look most convincing when placed in spots where real plants would thrive. 

Mixing with Real Plants

Don’t be afraid to mix artificial with real plants! I keep easy-care real plants in well-lit areas and use artificial ones in trickier spots. This strategy has transformed my home into a green paradise without the maintenance headache.

Mix Textures

Here’s where it gets fun. When figuring out how to design your space with artificial plants, think beyond basic leaves. Look for plants with different textures—like spiky snake plants, soft ferns, or waxy-looking succulents.

I once layered a shelf with a velvety moss ball next to a prickly cactus (both faux, of course) and it looked so natural and visually interesting. 

Pick The Right Pots and Planters

An important but ignored tip – A killer planter. Even the most convincing artificial plant can fall flat in a boring plastic pot.

I always go for baskets, ceramic pots, or even modern concrete planters—depending on the vibe of the room. For my boho-inspired living room, woven baskets made my faux greenery look earthy and intentional.

How to Choose the Right Artificial Plants

Here’s what I’ve learned about selecting artificial plants that actually look realistic:

1. Material Matters  : The secret is in the materials. Look for silk or polyester blends for leaves – they capture light naturally and move more realistically than pure plastic.
2. Color Variation : Natural plants have subtle color variations, and your artificial ones should too. The best artificial plants I’ve worked with have slightly different shades on their leaves, just like real ones. 
3. Imperfect is Perfect  : Slightly imperfect plants look more realistic. I actually slightly bend some leaves and create minor irregularities in my artificial arrangements. Nature isn’t perfect, and your artificial plants shouldn’t be either.

Maintenance and Care

While artificial plants don’t need water or sunlight, they do need some attention:

• Regular dusting: I keep a small makeup brush handy for weekly leaf cleaning
• Occasional reshaping: Every few months, I readjust stems and leaves to maintain a natural look
• Rotation: Just like real plants, rotating artificial ones prevents fading from direct sunlight

Investment Tips

Quality artificial plants aren’t cheap, but they’re an investment that pays off. I started with one high-quality statement piece (a 6-foot olive tree) and gradually added smaller pieces as my budget allowed. 

The key is to invest in fewer, better-quality pieces rather than filling your space with cheaper options that need frequent replacing.

Final Thoughts

Artificial plants have revolutionized how we approach interior greenery. Figuring out how to design your space with artificial plants is about creating an environment that feels good to you.

Remember, the goal isn’t to deceive but to create a welcoming, vibrant space that brings you joy every day. And trust me, once you master the art of decorating with artificial plants, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner!