Artificial flowers – decoration or kitsch?
Artificial flowers are decorative elements made of synthetic materials. Their appearance, colors and construction details often make them look like live counterparts. They can be produced from many different types of materials – polyesters (cheap production, good susceptibility to glues and paints), papers of various weights, fabrics (especially cotton or satin), delicate parchment, elastic latex or rubber or a combination of dried flowers, plants, fruit and even feathers.
Pros of using artificial, not live flowers
A decisive advantage of artificial flowers is their durability and exposure time. Live flowers wilt after a few or several days. Even if special fertilizers and preparations are used, they only serve the short-term extension of their service life. On the other hand, artificial flowers are durable and resistant to external factors (maybe except for delicate paper versions – although these are also often impregnated with e.g. varnish). Thanks to this, compositions made of flowers, e.g. polyester, rubber or latex, are ideal for decorating balconies, terraces and tombstones. Properly prepared and protected, they are able to survive the most difficult weather conditions.
Artificial flowers made of paper will fit perfectly into the spaces inside buildings. Due to the fact that they do not contain allergens, they can be inserted even in hospital rooms, clinics and other public places. It is only necessary to ensure that no dust settles on them.
Artificial flowers should also be properly impregnated, cleaned and stored. Plastic ones should be washed with mild detergent and water from time to time. Made of fabrics, they should also be gently washed and dried – according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Thanks to this, their shapes and intense colors will please the eye for a long time.
Artificial flowers for reeds
Artificial flowers are most often used for all kinds of Christmas decorations. Both during Christmas and Easter you can find many compositions made of this material. You can choose versions with live undercoats (e.g. pine needles, holly) or entirely made of artificial elements. The first ones are less durable because the needles fall sooner or later and need to be replaced. However, artificial flowers retain their durability for a much longer time.
Artificial flower reeds made entirely of synthetic materials often resemble live equivalents. Placed in baskets or pots (clay, wooden, etc.), they are ideal for homes with allergy sufferers, for the elderly or the disabled, who cannot take care of live flowers on their own, or for busy people, for whom it is a great help in decorating . They can be placed in a central place or complement the whole decor.
Artificial flowers for grave wreaths
Wreaths or bouquets for graves made with artificial flowers are also very popular. As in the case of Christmas decorations, they can be an addition to live compositions or create a whole composed exclusively of synthetic elements. Their advantage over living flowers is that even strong winds, strong sun rays, rainfall and snowfall, as well as frost cannot harm the durability. It is only necessary to properly refresh and maintain before the season is coming. Then the time that the eye will enjoy is significantly extended.
Potted versions with artificial flowers
Many window sills, pedestals or stairs are often decorated with artificial flowers in pots. Manufacturers compete in ideas by developing the smallest details, because the synthetic version was as close as possible to the natural counterpart. The size, shape and structure of individual elements are often deceptively similar to a living flower. Only the absence of a smell distinguishes the artificial version.
The pot in which the artificial flower is placed can also be filled with imitation earth, stones, crystals or moss. Due to the fact that it does not require regular watering, pruning and fertilizing, it is perfect for people who have trouble remembering these “little things”. As with the others, you only need to remember about proper maintenance and cleaning once in a while.
Orchids, tulips, daffodils, roses and cacti made as artificial flowers are very popular. However, nowadays practically every species found in nature is available on the market – on stock or on special order.
What else is possible to use artificial flowers?
More and more often, young couples decide to decorate a church or wedding hall with artificial flowers. Thanks to this, the stress related to the appearance of flying or crawling insects in their vicinity is eliminated, the risk of sensitization of the main characters of the day or their guests is reduced, and the durability of decorations is guaranteed at all times.
Artificial flowers are also used for various types of hair, clothes and shoes decorations. Both the everyday and elegant versions are often enriched with this decorative element.
