Best Dried Flowers for Fall Decor

Fall is a season of rich, warm colors, cozy textures, and a sense of transition as nature prepares for winter. Decorating your home with dried flowers during this season can capture the essence of autumn and bring a timeless beauty to your interiors. Dried flowers, with their longevity and natural charm, are perfect for fall decor. They can be used in various forms—from wreaths and garlands to table centerpieces and wall art. In this article, we will explore the best dried flowers for fall decor, how to use them creatively, and tips for maintaining their beauty throughout the season.

1. Dried Hydrangeas

Colors and Varieties: Dried hydrangeas are quintessential fall decor flowers, with their large, lush blooms that come in shades of deep purple, soft pink, and muted blue. The natural drying process often enhances these colors, giving them a vintage look that fits perfectly with autumn’s earthy palette.
Usage: Hydrangeas are ideal for creating voluminous wreaths, adding texture to mixed floral arrangements, and even as standalone pieces in vases. Their large heads can fill up space effectively, making them a great choice for larger arrangements or statement pieces.
Arrangement Ideas: Combine dried hydrangeas with pampas grass, eucalyptus, and fall foliage for a dramatic table centerpiece. For a softer look, pair them with dried lavender and baby’s breath.

2. Pampas Grass

Colors and Varieties: Pampas grass, with its feathery plumes, adds height and a touch of wild elegance to fall decor. It usually comes in shades of cream, beige, and light brown, which are perfect for the fall color scheme.
Usage: Pampas grass is versatile and can be used in large floor vases, as part of a mantel display, or in oversized arrangements for entryways. Its tall, airy nature makes it an excellent filler for large spaces.
Arrangement Ideas: Create a stunning arrangement by pairing pampas grass with dried sunflowers, seed pods, and fall leaves. You can also use it in boho-inspired wall hangings or mix it with dried flowers in a hanging installation above your dining table.

3. Dried Sunflowers

Colors and Varieties: Sunflowers are iconic symbols of late summer and early fall. When dried, their bold yellow petals soften to a golden hue, and their large, dark centers add contrast and depth to any arrangement.
Usage: Dried sunflowers are perfect for creating cheerful and rustic displays. They work well in wreaths, table centerpieces, and mixed floral arrangements. Their sturdy stems also make them ideal for creating flower garlands.
Arrangement Ideas: Pair dried sunflowers with wheat stalks, corn husks, and dried berries for a classic fall harvest look. They can also be used to create a vibrant fall wreath when combined with mini pumpkins and acorns.

4. Dried Lavender

Colors and Varieties: Lavender, with its soothing scent and muted purple color, adds a touch of elegance to fall decor. While it is often associated with summer, dried lavender can bring a calming influence to the warm, rich tones of autumn.
Usage: Use dried lavender in small arrangements, sachets, or as a fragrant filler in wreaths. It’s also perfect for adding a subtle hint of color and scent to your fall table settings or in a vase on a bedside table.
Arrangement Ideas: Combine dried lavender with darker-hued flowers like dried roses or scabiosa for a moody, romantic fall arrangement. For a more rustic look, pair it with wheat stalks and dried herbs like rosemary and sage.

5. Dried Roses

Colors and Varieties: Roses, especially when dried, take on a timeless, vintage appeal. Their colors deepen, with reds becoming more burgundy, pinks turning into dusky rose, and whites gaining a creamy, antique tone.
Usage: Dried roses are perfect for creating romantic and elegant fall decor. They can be used in wreaths, garlands, or mixed floral arrangements. Their delicate petals also make them ideal for pressed flower art or as a decorative element in potpourri.
Arrangement Ideas: Pair dried roses with dried eucalyptus and statice for a sophisticated arrangement. You can also create a romantic wreath by combining them with dried hydrangeas and baby’s breath.

6. Dried Eucalyptus

Colors and Varieties: Eucalyptus leaves, when dried, maintain their soft, dusty green color with a hint of blue or silver, making them a perfect neutral backdrop for more vibrant fall flowers.
Usage: Dried eucalyptus is highly versatile and can be used in garlands, wreaths, and mixed floral arrangements. Its long stems and delicate leaves add texture and movement to any display.
Arrangement Ideas: Create a simple yet elegant garland by intertwining dried eucalyptus with twine and hanging it across your mantel. For a more lush look, add dried eucalyptus to a fall bouquet with dried roses, hydrangeas, and berries.

7. Dried Wheat

Colors and Varieties: Wheat stalks symbolize the harvest season and are a staple in fall decor. Their golden hue adds warmth and a rustic charm to any arrangement.
Usage: Dried wheat can be used in wreaths, table centerpieces, or as a filler in floral arrangements. Its long stems also make it ideal for creating sheaves to display in baskets or tied bundles for a rustic, farmhouse look.
Arrangement Ideas: Combine dried wheat with dried lavender and small gourds for a harvest-themed centerpiece. You can also create a simple yet impactful arrangement by placing a bundle of wheat in a tall vase and tying it with a ribbon.

8. Dried Amaranth

Colors and Varieties: Amaranth, with its cascading blooms, adds a dramatic, flowing element to fall decor. It comes in shades of deep red, burgundy, and even green, making it a versatile choice for autumn arrangements.
Usage: Use dried amaranth in hanging arrangements, garlands, or as a trailing element in floral displays. Its unique texture and shape make it a standout piece in any fall decor.
Arrangement Ideas: Create a stunning centerpiece by combining dried amaranth with dried hydrangeas, pampas grass, and eucalyptus. For a more modern look, use it as a hanging installation over your dining table, paired with fairy lights for added ambiance.

9. Dried Scabiosa

Colors and Varieties: Scabiosa flowers, when dried, retain their delicate structure and come in shades of deep purple, burgundy, and soft pink. Their intricate, pincushion-like blooms add a unique texture to fall decor.
Usage: Dried scabiosa is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to wreaths, bouquets, and table settings. Their smaller size makes them ideal for use in more detailed arrangements or as accents in larger displays.
Arrangement Ideas: Pair dried scabiosa with dried roses and lavender for a romantic, vintage-inspired bouquet. You can also use them in a wreath, combined with dried hydrangeas and eucalyptus, for a textured and layered look.

10. Dried Marigolds

Colors and Varieties: Marigolds, with their vibrant orange and yellow hues, are perfect for adding a pop of color to your fall decor. When dried, they retain much of their brightness, making them a cheerful addition to any arrangement.
Usage: Dried marigolds can be used in wreaths, garlands, and floral arrangements. Their bright color and compact size make them ideal for adding contrast and interest to more muted fall displays.
Arrangement Ideas: Combine dried marigolds with wheat stalks and dried sunflowers for a bright and cheerful fall arrangement. They can also be used to create a festive garland by stringing them together with dried leaves and berries.

11. Dried Baby’s Breath

Colors and Varieties: Baby’s breath, with its tiny, delicate white flowers, adds an airy and ethereal quality to fall decor. When dried, it takes on a more subdued, rustic appearance, perfect for autumn’s natural vibe.
Usage: Use dried baby’s breath as a filler in bouquets, wreaths, and garlands. Its small size and neutral color make it a versatile addition to any fall arrangement.
Arrangement Ideas: Pair dried baby’s breath with dried roses and eucalyptus for a soft and romantic arrangement. For a more rustic look, combine it with wheat stalks and dried lavender in a simple mason jar vase.

12. Dried Cornflowers

Colors and Varieties: Cornflowers, known for their striking blue color, add a unique and unexpected element to fall decor. When dried, they maintain their vibrant hue, offering a refreshing contrast to the more typical warm tones of autumn.
Usage: Dried cornflowers can be used in wreaths, garlands, and mixed floral arrangements. Their bold color makes them ideal for adding a pop of blue to your fall decor.
Arrangement Ideas: Combine dried cornflowers with dried roses and scabiosa for a colorful and dynamic arrangement. They can also be used in a wreath, paired with eucalyptus and dried wheat for a balanced and harmonious display.

Tips for Using Dried Flowers in Fall Decor

1. Mix Textures and Forms

Fall decor benefits greatly from a variety of textures and shapes. When using dried flowers, consider combining different types of blooms and foliage to create depth and interest. For instance, the fluffy plumes of pampas grass contrast beautifully with the structured blooms of hydrangeas, while the delicate sprigs of dried lavender can soften the boldness of dried sunflowers.
Don’t be afraid to mix different types of plant material as well. Dried flowers, grasses, seed pods, and even dried herbs can all come together to create a multi-dimensional and visually engaging arrangement.

2. Play with Fall Color Palettes

Autumn is known for its warm, rich color palette, but within that spectrum, there's a lot of room to play. You can opt for a traditional color scheme with shades of orange, yellow, and brown, or you can explore more muted tones like dusty pinks, soft purples, and deep reds.
You can also experiment with complementary colors. For instance, pairing the bright yellow of dried sunflowers with the deep blue of dried cornflowers can create a vibrant and unexpected contrast. Alternatively, a monochromatic look with various shades of dried roses can evoke a more elegant and sophisticated atmosphere.

3. Incorporate Natural Elements

In addition to dried flowers, incorporating other natural elements like twigs, pinecones, acorns, and even dried fruit can enhance the autumnal feel of your decor. These items add a rustic touch and complement the earthy tones of fall.
For a cohesive look, consider using these elements in both small and large-scale decor. For example, you could add acorns and pinecones to a table centerpiece featuring dried flowers, or incorporate twigs and dried berries into a fall wreath.

4. Create Layers and Dimension

When arranging dried flowers for fall decor, think about creating layers within your arrangement. Use taller stems, like pampas grass or wheat, as the backdrop, and shorter flowers, like hydrangeas and roses, in the foreground. This layering adds dimension and draws the eye through the arrangement, making it more dynamic.
For wall displays or wreaths, layering can be achieved by overlapping different types of dried flowers and foliage, allowing some elements to peek out from behind others.

5. Consider the Size of Your Space

When decorating with dried flowers, it's essential to consider the scale of your arrangement in relation to the space. Large spaces can accommodate bold, oversized displays like tall vases filled with pampas grass or large wreaths made from a mix of dried flowers. Smaller spaces, on the other hand, may benefit from more delicate arrangements, such as a simple bouquet of dried lavender or a small cluster of dried roses in a decorative vase.
If you have a large space, consider creating a focal point with a dramatic dried flower installation, such as a hanging arrangement over a dining table or an oversized wreath above a fireplace. In smaller spaces, try creating clusters of small arrangements throughout the room for a cohesive yet subtle effect.

6. Use Dried Flowers in Unexpected Ways

While traditional arrangements are always beautiful, consider using dried flowers in unexpected ways to add a unique touch to your fall decor. For instance, you could create a dried flower garland to drape over a mantel or staircase, or use dried blooms to embellish candles, napkin rings, or even place cards for a fall dinner party.
Dried flowers can also be used in more creative DIY projects, such as decorating picture frames, creating pressed flower art, or even making dried flower jewelry. These unique applications can add a personal and artistic element to your fall decor.

7. Enhance the Scent

One of the added benefits of decorating with dried flowers is the potential to incorporate natural fragrances into your home. Many dried flowers, such as lavender, roses, and eucalyptus, retain their scent even after drying. Consider placing these fragrant flowers in areas where their scent can be appreciated, such as entryways, bathrooms, or bedrooms.
To enhance the fragrance further, you can create sachets filled with dried flowers and essential oils, or create potpourri by combining dried flowers with spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. These fragrant touches will add another layer of sensory enjoyment to your fall decor.

8. Care and Maintenance

While dried flowers are relatively low-maintenance, taking a few simple steps can help preserve their beauty throughout the fall season. Keep dried flower arrangements out of direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can cause the colors to fade. Similarly, avoid placing them in areas with high humidity, which can cause the flowers to become brittle or develop mold.
Dust can accumulate on dried flowers over time, so gently dust your arrangements with a soft brush or use a hairdryer on a cool, low setting to remove any buildup. For arrangements that include particularly delicate flowers, consider displaying them under glass cloches or in shadow boxes to protect them from dust and damage.

Conclusion

Dried flowers are an excellent choice for fall decor, offering a timeless and natural beauty that perfectly complements the season. From the vibrant hues of dried sunflowers to the soft elegance of dried roses and lavender, there’s a wide variety of dried flowers to suit any fall aesthetic. By mixing textures, playing with color palettes, incorporating natural elements, and getting creative with your arrangements, you can create stunning fall decor that brings warmth and charm to your home.

Whether you're crafting a dramatic centerpiece, a rustic wreath, or simply adding a few dried blooms to your existing decor, dried flowers offer endless possibilities for celebrating the beauty of fall. With proper care and a little creativity, your dried flower arrangements can last throughout the season, providing a long-lasting reminder of the natural splendor of autumn.