What you know about artificial plants could be the secret to a stunning interior or the reason your space falls flat. Yes, they’re versatile, timelessly stylish, and highly practical, but like any design element, there’s a right way and, well, some very wrong ways to use them. The truth is, decorating with artificial indoor plants or green walls is an art—and while they may not harshly remind you to water them like their living counterparts, they certainly can still demand a designer’s touch.
If you’ve been feeling less-than-thrilled with your interiors lately or think your faux foliage setup might look a little, shall we say, uninspired, it’s time to investigate. Here are 11 common mistakes people make with artificial greenery—and, most critically, how to avoid them.
Choosing Unconvincing Or Poorly Made Artificial Plants
Fake doesn’t have to look fake. Just because it looks like greenery from afar doesn’t mean that up close, it won’t scream “cheap plastic!” The detail is what sells a faux plant, so you’ll want to look for premium designs that mimic the quirks of real leaves and stems.
Instead of shopping on a whim, look for artificial indoor plants that stand out for their quality. Subtle veins on leaves, a natural-looking colour gradient, and stems that don’t have those tell-tale “plastic shine” are key signs of genuine craftsmanship. Trust your instincts—if it looks fake to you, it’ll look fake to everyone else.
Overcrowding Your Space With An Overload Of Greenery
There’s such a thing as “too much of a good thing,” and artificial plants are no exception. When your home starts to resemble a greenhouse, it can make the room feel cluttered rather than calming.
Instead of cramming every corner with leaves and vines, think about balance. Use one striking artificial green wall to make a statement and complement it with smaller pieces like potted plants on coffee tables or bookshelves. Variety in placement draws the eye without feeling chaotic.
Forgetting To Match The Scale Of The Plant To The Space
If you’ve ever seen a tiny plant lost in the middle of a massive dining table, you’ll know exactly what we mean by this one. It’s all about proportions—too big, and the plant overtakes the room; too small, and it looks like an afterthought.
For large, open-plan spaces, consider bold features like an artificial green wall or tall artificial indoor plants in statement pots. Smaller nooks or side tables? A chic fake plant with subtle charm is perfect. Always consider the big picture.
Placing Them Where Real Plants Obviously Wouldn’t Grow
This might seem like common sense, but you’d be surprised how often people put artificial plants in the most unrealistic locations. Think shaded bathrooms in the corner of the shower or a dim basement where strangers can instantly tell you’re faking it.
The trick is to place your plants in spots where real greenery could plausibly thrive. Bright kitchens, sunny windowsills, and even spots with partial light work wonders to “sell” the effect of authenticity. A pretend plant amidst obvious odds of survival? You’ll lose that magic touch of believability.
Forgetting To Personalise Your Arrangement
Plants don’t grow in uniform rows in nature, so why should your artificial ones? It’s one of the easiest blunders to make—plonking your fake plant straight from the package onto a shelf without thinking twice. While yes, they’re ready to go with zero soil required, they still need a little flair to feel at home.
Experiment with creative ways to arrange your greenery. Add decorative planters or pots that match the room’s aesthetic. Adjust the leaves to add movement or height and introduce variation. Try layering with textures—tie your artificial green wall with woven baskets, sleek ceramic pots, or metallic finishes for contrast. Style is all in the details.
Using The Same Shade Of Green Everywhere
If all your plants are the same monotone hue, your decor risks looking flat and uninspired. Real plants come in many shades—lime, emerald, forest green—so artificial plants should follow suit.
The key is variety. Combine different shades and textures to add depth to your interiors. You could pair a lush trailing vine with smaller, structured succulents or offset dark green foliage with splashes of silvery eucalyptus. The contrast is what gives the overall look energy and dimension.
Neglecting To Dust Or Clean Your Plants
Dust might have nowhere to hide on your sleek artificial green wall, but it certainly loves to settle on textured leaves and stems. People may overlook a proper dusting routine because… well, they’re not real plants, right? But here’s the thing. Dirty plants, real or not, look neglected.
Maintain that fresh-out-of-the-box appearance by giving your greenery a quick wipe-down now and then. A damp microfibre cloth works perfectly. And for trailing pieces, like hang-down vines? A quick shake or light vacuum can keep them looking like they just popped out of a high-end catalogue.
Ignoring Lighting Conditions
Lighting might not seem like a big deal for artificial plants, but it affects their believability in a big way. Harsh overhead lights can give your fake plant an unnatural glare, while dim corners may hide their full charm.
Play with where your plants catch the light. Position them where natural light filters gently through (even if it’s not essential for their survival). Light creates the illusion of liveliness, while well-lit artificial indoor plants become a quiet but confident hero in the overall design scheme.
Sticking Exclusively To Tall Standing Plants
Think beyond floor-standing pots. Styling with artificial plants can include all sorts of innovative arrangements. Whether it’s a creative vertical setup with an artificial green wall or adorning shelves with small accents, diversity keeps the design fresh and inspiring.
Mix artificial indoor plants across different heights, widths, and styles. Suspended hanging pots can create movement, while a cute mini potted plant can add subtle charm to workspaces. Don’t just think big—small additions to unexpected places can be just as impactful.
Forgetting To Integrate Artificial Plants With Other Decor Pieces
Faux plants are not standalone decor items. They’re part of your home’s overarching aesthetic and, when styled well, can lift the mood of a space. When they’re isolated without connection to other pieces, they end up looking random—almost like an afterthought.
Blending is everything. Arrange a cascading faux vine amidst stacked books or frame an artificial green wall with wall art that ties the colour scheme together. Layering greenery within vignettes is an easy way to make the space feel curated rather than chaotic.
Falling Back On The Same Types Of Plants
Having the same faux monstera in every corner isn’t an imaginative use of artificial plants. One recurring look makes your interiors lose that wow factor and risks making the arrangement feel predictable.
Think creatively, both with plant types and placement. Incorporate unconventional arrangements like ferns mixed with sculptural grasses or integrate bold tropical leaves for a more dramatic effect. Whether choosing artificial indoor plants in Melbourne or anywhere else, diversify your choices for a more inspired statement.
Closing Notes
The way you decorate with fake plants has a huge impact on how your interiors feel. Whether it’s creating a striking focal point with an artificial green wall or adding subtler potted options to cosy corners, success lies in the details.
- Always choose premium, realistic-looking designs to maintain authenticity.
- Mix textures, shades, and sizes for a more dynamic effect.
- Integrate faux greeneries into your decor as part of the bigger picture rather than treating them as a standalone.
- Avoid careless placement—keep the arrangement purposeful and realistic.
Artificial plants open up a world of creative opportunities. Avoid these common mistakes, and your interiors will be anything but ordinary. Simple tweaks often yield the most remarkable results. Stylish greenery, made your way, is always the best addition to any space!
If you’re looking to buy artificial plants online that are crafted with care and take the notch of your interiors high, Designer Plants® offers high-quality designs to suit your needs. Start turning decorating blunders into brilliant results today.
Style it like it’s real… because no one needs to know!
