Household Hints: Artificial Flowers

Windows

• Place a floral garland along your curtain rod to add dimension to your windows, suggests Family Corner.com. For example, a deep brown suede curtain can be complemented by a strand of faux black-eyed Susans, while peach curtains might benefit from a strand of pale blue lilacs draped gently over the curtain rod. Take white string lights and attach them to the garland using florist tape or wire to add gentle lighting to any room.

Niches

• Many older homes and newer classical homes contain small niches in the walls, which might only contain room for one small item. Dress them up by placing a few brightly-colored silk tulips in a stone, metal or wood vase or urn. The reason not to use real flowers or glass vases is simple; niches tend to be placed between shoulder or hip level, and it is easy to brush past one in such a way that you knock over what is inside. Real flowers crashing to the floor---spilling water and shattering the vase---are not images you want in your mind at three o'clock in the morning, when you are making your way to the bathroom. Fake flowers in a break-proof vase will prevent future messes. Stay away from adding greenery, such as ivy to your arrangement, as these can snag on clothing as you walk by them.

Ceiling Alcoves and Tall Shelves

• Some homes have ceiling alcoves or shelves six feet tall or more built into the walls. These spaces are great, if you know how to decorate them. Real flowers are not practical for these spaces because you would have to climb a ladder or step stool to water them every other day. You also have to worry about water and soil leakage damaging your walls, not to mention the lighting requirements for real plants.

  Faux flowers are a great way to accent the space without the hassle. Fill a crystal vase with colorful glass beads, which can be purchased at any craft store, then place several long and colorful dahlias in the vase. Use a color that is the opposite of your wall color on the color wheel. Since these spaces are high you want to create visual interest, and flowers that fade into the background will not work. Be sure you use silk flowers that feature large eye-catching blooms, such as dahlias, sunflowers, peonies or hydrangeas. A light blue alcove could feature a vase of orange dahlias, while a lavender room could host a vase of bright yellow sunflowers.

  If you would rather use a metal urn, feel free to add vine-like greenery that spills out of the urn, to peek over the wall.

Tables

• According to Silk Flowers.net, you should not choose a flower arrangement that is too tall or wide for a dining room table. If it is too wide you will not be able to lay plates and other items on the table. If it is too tall you will not see the guest sitting across from you. For your dining room, subtle color is the key because the arrangement is close to you. Choose colors that blend with your wall color, and choose flowers that meld well, such as pink gerbera daisies with white peonies or lavender foxglove paired with purple poppies in a medium-sized embossed metal urn.