Material Guide for Artificial Flowers That Look Real
Find faux flowers that feel like the real deal.
Faux flowers are an excellent alternative to fresh-cut blooms. Not only do they last longer than fresh flowers, artificial flowers are hypoallergenic, low-maintenance, and always in season. These long-lasting flowers are made from a variety of materials to mimic the look of real flowers. Our guide covers the most popular materials for the best artificial flowers so that you can find fake flowers that look real.
Popular Materials for the Best Faux Flowers
While artificial flowers were traditionally made from silk, some of the best artificial flowers are made from a range of materials. We've outlined six of the most popular materials used for artificial flowers that look real. Keep reading to find out which type of material creates the best and most realistic faux flowers for your home.
Silk
Silk faux flowers are popular for their realistic appearance and delicate finish. These flowers are designed with small details like the look of the petals or the movement of the flower in mind to make them look like real flowers. Silk faux flowers often require more maintenance and frequent cleaning than other materials, so it's best to place these flowers in a spot where they wouldn't get exposed to the elements.
Best for: Low-traffic areas like bookshelves or nightstands
Faux silk artificial flowers are made of synthetic materials, such as rayon or polyester, to replicate the feel of silk flowers while being more durable. Like silk, faux silk has a delicate softness and shine that works well to recreate the look of real flowers.
Best for: Everyday spaces like bedside tables or end tables
As the name suggests, these faux flowers are crafted from a combination of polyester and silk. This blend creates a durable-yet-delicate faux flower that is long-lasting and affordable. Similar to faux silk artificial flowers, polysilk faux flowers are a great alternative to silk faux flowers.
Best for: Dressing up everyday occasions
Polyester is another popular choice for faux flowers. Despite being more durable and malleable than silk, polyester faux flowers still achieve a realistic look. These faux flowers are often cut, dyed, and assembled by hand to mimic the look and feel of real flower petals.
Best for: Adding color to high-traffic spaces like dining tables or coffee tables
Foam faux flowers are durable and weather-resistant, which makes them ideal for outdoor spaces. They are less realistic than other types of faux flowers, so they tend to work best as flowers with small petals or paired with other faux flowers made from different materials.
Best for: Styling in a bouquet of faux flowers to add depth and dimension, or decorating an outdoor space
Similar to foam, plastic faux flowers are durable and long-lasting. The high-quality plastic flowers are able to withstand exposure to the elements, and are more affordable than fabric faux flowers. Because they look less realistic than fabric options, plastic faux flowers are a great option for filler florals or combined with other faux florals to create a beautiful floral arrangement.
Best for: Filling out floral arrangements or adding colorful florals on a budget
