Artificial plants have come a long way from the obvious, plastic-looking decor of the past. Today, high-quality fake greenery can look so natural that even the most observant among us won’t spot the difference.
But for some, coming up with ideas for decorating with artificial plants that actually work in the space is a difficult feat. And if done wrong, it won’t do much for your interior.
So, if you’re thinking about decorating with fake plants, you need a strategy in place, and we’re here to help you establish it. With over 2 decades in business, our plant stylists have a wealth of advice ready to share.
Looking to learn more?
Let’s get into it.
10 Best Tips for Decorating with Fake Plants
Below, you’ll find 10 fantastic tips for decorating with artificial plants to liven up your home, office, or outdoor areas that are tried, tested, and loved by interior designers and homeowners all over Australia:
1. Invest in good quality
The secret to beautiful decorating with fake plants is choosing premium, lifelike greenery. Unfortunately, not all fake plants are made equal.
Modern artificial greenery looks natural if you pick the right brand and product. Our RealTex range, for example, uses advanced moulding technology that replicates the texture, colour gradients, and vein patterns of real leaves. This is what separates the good from the great.
Additionally, if you want an outdoor artificial plant, you need to prioritize UV protection. Some brands (like ours) embed UV protection in-leaf, so your plants can stay fresh for years under the sun.
And if you have children or pets in the home, you must vet the safety and materials of the fake plant to ensure it’s certified under RoHS, REACH, and ISO. No matter which way you spin it, you won’t get a high-quality, safe, and realistic artificial plant for $5.
2. Play around with groups of three
Don’t just plop your fake plant in an empty corner and call it a day; put thought into its presentation. For example, designers love the “rule of three,” and it works perfectly for decorating ideas for fake plants, too.
Arranging plants in odd numbers, like groups of three, looks natural, balanced, and effortless. So, we recommend combining various heights and textures to create a visually engaging space.
You can mix a tall faux Phoentix Palm, a mid-sized Fiddle Leaf Fig, and a small Boston Fern or trailing vine. Group them together to create flow and contrast, and see how well they complement each other. You have many choices with trees, vines, and potted plants, so try different combinations until you find three that fit just right.
If you display inspiration, we regularly post decor ideas on our social media pages, so make sure to follow us there.
3. Blend fake plants with real ones
Want your fake plants decor ideas to look ultra-realistic? Blend them with real plants.
This clever trick will ensure your display is seamless while simultaneously cutting down on maintenance.
For example, you could combine an artificial green wall with real succulents. Or, you might add some artificial vines among your live hanging plants. The textures and colours look so real that no one would be able to tell where the real ends and the faux begins.
This technique also means your plant corner will look lush, even during an off week. It’s the best of both worlds: the authenticity of nature coupled with the reliability of faux greenery.
4. Use good-looking pots
Here’s a decorating tip many overlook: don’t use basic black pots for your artificial plants. The right planter can completely transform the look of your space (and your plant).
Opt for beautiful pots that resemble ceramic, terracotta, or woven materials to match your decor style. You can style a Monstera in a ribbed planter for a chic vibe. Or, choose a Bird of Paradise in a woven rattan basket for a coastal feel.
Our design experts can guide you in selecting the perfect pot for your artificial plant, drawing on our comprehensive planter collection.
The goal is cohesion - the plant and pot should feel like one stylish piece. A good pot turns a simple plant into a stunning design feature, but a basic pot waters down the beauty of even the most stunning faux plant.
5. Style utilitarian spaces
You can use artificial plants in unexpected places, so don’t relegate them only to living rooms and patios (although they look amazing there).
Style faux plants in bathrooms, hallways, and laundry rooms, too. These spaces often lack natural light or fresh air, which makes real plants hard to keep. But spaces like these are where artificial greenery shines.
Try these ideas:
- Bathrooms: Add a hanging fern or trailing ivy near the mirror for a fresh, spa-like vibe.
- Hallways: Place a tall faux palm to create a warm welcome at your entrance.
- Laundry rooms: A small succulent pot can instantly brighten shelves and benchtops.
Even the smallest corners of your home can feel alive with the right faux foliage.
6. Layer your lighting
Lighting is key when decorating with fake plants. The right mix of natural and artificial light keeps your plants vibrant and lively.
Take this up a notch and try layering light sources from different angles.
Use floor lamps, ceiling lights, or wall sconces. They create soft shadows and highlights on your plants, which adds a new dimension of “life” for the fauxliege.
You can place a lamp behind an artificial Areca Palm for a glowing outline. Or, let sunlight shine on your artificial vertical garden to add texture.
7. Use mirrors to amplify the effect
Mirrors are a clever design tool that can make your greenery look fuller and your space brighter.
When used right, they amplify the visual impact of your fake plant decor.
Place a mirror behind or beside your plants to reflect both the light and the foliage. Watch it create depth and give the illusion of more greenery without you actually buying more greenery.
We recommend placing a lush faux plant next to a full-length mirror because it will make the room feel larger, reflect the light, and complement the fullness of the plant. This technique is most effective in smaller homes, apartments, or offices.
8. Rotate and refresh seasonally
Even though your plants won’t grow or wilt, your décor should still evolve with the seasons, i.e., your plants “grow” with you. Updating your decorating ideas for fake plants keeps your space feeling fresh and intentional.
But instead of buying all-new plants, move your fauxliege to new corners, swap out planters, or add subtle seasonal accents to signify a change. Think woven baskets and bright greens for summer, or muted tones and warm pots for winter. This rotation brings novelty to your space without asking you to spend more money.
If you emphasize buying UV-resistant artificial plants (and you should), you can move your fauxliege indoors or outdoors without any worries. Seasonal styling becomes fun, flexible, and effortless.
9. Bend and shape the stems
When your artificial plants arrive, don’t just place them straight out of the box. Spend a few minutes fluffing them up - bending and shaping the stems for a natural look.
Real plants grow in organic, uneven ways. But when we package fauxliege for shipping, we need to compress it to protect it from damage during transit. So, spread the branches, bend the stems a bit, and arrange the leaves in different directions.
Our stylists film follow-along tutorials showing you how to shape your artificial plants for the most realistic look. Once fluffed, your faux greenery appears full, soft, and lifelike, like it’s been happily growing in your space for years.
10. Vary heights and sizes
Finally, with styling and decorating ideas for fake plants, variety is everything.
So, don’t hesitate to mix heights, textures, and shapes to add visual interest and avoid your space looking flat.
Start with a statement piece like a tall faux Bamboo Palm. Balance it with medium-height ferns and smaller plants, like succulents or trailing vines.
You can also experiment with wall-mounted greenery or hanging baskets for added layers, which works especially well if you don’t have much floor space. Playing with proportions a bit to determine what will create the lush, layered look you like. It’ll feel natural, balanced, and dynamic, like a real indoor garden.
Finishing Thoughts
Decorating with artificial plants isn’t just about hiding plastic leaves anymore.
It’s about making lively, nature-inspired spaces that feel calm and timeless. You can easily bring nature inside with the right plants and pots, and a few simple styling tips.
Take the next step for your space, and browse our collection of artificial plants that focuses on quality craftsmanship and sustainable materials. Bring your dream space to life with a free quote from our expert plant stylists.
Meta: Check out 10 expert tips for decorating with artificial plants that look natural and realistic. Style your home, office, or outdoor space as easily as it can be.