Request a quote
Dried lavender has long been cherished for its soothing fragrance and timeless beauty. It evokes images of sprawling fields in Provence, quaint countryside cottages, and romantic weddings. Incorporating dried lavender into your decor can instantly bring a touch of rustic charm and vintage elegance to any space. This article will delve into the various ways you can use dried lavender to decorate your home, event, or special occasion with a focus on rustic and vintage styles. We'll explore creative ideas, practical tips, and the cultural significance of lavender, ensuring you have all the inspiration you need to bring this versatile plant into your decor.
1.1 What is Rustic Style?
Rustic style is characterized by its natural, organic elements that reflect the beauty of the outdoors. This style often incorporates raw materials like wood, stone, and metal, combined with earthy colors and textures. The overall look is warm, inviting, and unpretentious, making it a popular choice for homes and events that seek to create a cozy, down-to-earth atmosphere. Dried lavender, with its natural beauty and muted colors, fits perfectly into the rustic aesthetic.
1.2 What is Vintage Style?
Vintage style, on the other hand, is inspired by the past, often drawing on the elegance and charm of earlier decades. This style celebrates nostalgia and incorporates antique or retro items, delicate fabrics, and intricate details. Vintage decor often features soft color palettes, lace, and floral patterns, creating a romantic and timeless look. Dried lavender’s association with classic beauty and its delicate appearance make it a natural fit for vintage-inspired decor.
2.1 Aesthetic Versatility
Dried lavender is incredibly versatile, blending seamlessly into both rustic and vintage styles. Its soft, muted purple tones add a subtle pop of color without overpowering the overall decor. Lavender’s natural, unrefined look complements rustic settings, while its association with historical use in sachets and perfumes makes it a perfect addition to vintage decor.
2.2 Long-Lasting Beauty
Unlike fresh flowers, dried lavender retains its beauty for years, making it a sustainable choice for long-term decor. Its preserved state means it requires minimal care, yet continues to add charm and fragrance to your space. This longevity aligns well with the principles of rustic and vintage styles, both of which emphasize enduring beauty and the value of well-loved, timeless items.
2.3 Fragrance and Symbolism
Lavender is known for its calming fragrance, which can enhance the ambiance of any space. In both rustic and vintage contexts, lavender symbolizes purity, peace, and tranquility. These qualities make it an ideal choice for spaces where relaxation and comfort are prioritized, such as bedrooms, living rooms, and wedding venues.
3.1 Harvesting Lavender
To make the most of your dried lavender decor, it's important to harvest the lavender at the right time. The best time to harvest lavender is in the morning, after the dew has evaporated but before the sun is too strong. The flowers should be harvested when they are just beginning to open, as this is when they are most fragrant and will retain their scent longer once dried.
3.2 Drying Techniques
There are several methods for drying lavender, each suited to different needs:
4.1 Lavender Wreaths
One of the most popular ways to use dried lavender in rustic decor is to create wreaths. A lavender wreath adds a natural, fragrant element to your home, perfect for hanging on doors, walls, or above mantels. For a rustic look, consider combining dried lavender with other natural materials like burlap, twine, or dried wheat. You can also incorporate other dried flowers like baby's breath or chamomile to add texture and interest.
4.2 Lavender Bundles for Wall Decor
Tying dried lavender into small bundles and hanging them on the wall is a simple yet effective way to bring rustic charm to any room. You can use twine or ribbon to secure the bundles, and arrange them in a grid pattern or in a more organic, scattered layout. Hanging lavender bundles not only adds a decorative touch but also fills the room with a subtle, calming fragrance.
4.3 Lavender in Rustic Centerpieces
Lavender makes an excellent addition to rustic table centerpieces. For a country-inspired look, consider pairing dried lavender with mason jars, vintage pitchers, or wooden crates. Fill the containers with dried lavender stems, adding in other elements like eucalyptus, cotton stems, or dried grasses for added texture. This type of centerpiece works well for both everyday decor and special occasions like weddings or dinner parties.
4.4 Lavender Sachets and Rustic Baskets
Lavender sachets are a practical and beautiful way to incorporate lavender into your rustic decor. Fill small fabric pouches with dried lavender buds and place them in baskets made of wicker or natural wood. These baskets can be placed in various rooms around the house, offering both decorative appeal and the functional benefit of keeping linens, closets, and drawers smelling fresh.
4.5 Lavender-Infused Candles
Candles are a staple in rustic decor, adding warmth and coziness to a space. Create your own lavender-infused candles by placing dried lavender sprigs inside the wax or around the base of the candle jar. When lit, the heat will release the lavender's fragrance, creating a soothing ambiance. These candles can be used as part of a centerpiece, placed on shelves, or given as handmade gifts.
5.1 Vintage Lavender Bouquets
In vintage decor, lavender bouquets can evoke a sense of nostalgia and romance. Create simple bouquets using dried lavender stems tied with lace, ribbon, or vintage fabric. These bouquets can be displayed in antique vases, glass bottles, or even old teacups for a charming, vintage touch. Consider placing the bouquets on a vanity, bedside table, or in the bathroom for a subtle, fragrant accent.
5.2 Lavender in Vintage Containers
For a truly vintage look, place dried lavender in repurposed containers like tin cans, enamel pitchers, or antique teapots. These containers add character and history to your decor, while the lavender provides a fresh contrast to the aged metal or porcelain. This combination is particularly effective in creating a shabby chic aesthetic, blending the old and new seamlessly.
5.3 Lavender and Lace
Lace is a quintessential element of vintage decor, and it pairs beautifully with dried lavender. You can use lace to wrap lavender bouquets, create doilies for displaying lavender arrangements, or as a backdrop for lavender-themed wall art. The softness of the lace complements the delicate nature of lavender, enhancing the romantic and feminine qualities of vintage style.
5.4 Lavender in Vintage Apothecary Jars
Apothecary jars are another staple in vintage decor, often used to store dried herbs, flowers, and other small items. Fill apothecary jars with dried lavender buds and place them on shelves, mantels, or in the kitchen. The jars not only preserve the lavender but also create a visually appealing display that ties in with the vintage theme. You can also add vintage labels to the jars for an extra touch of authenticity.
5.5 Lavender in Vintage Weddings
For a vintage-inspired wedding, dried lavender can be used in a variety of ways to enhance the theme. Consider using lavender in the bridal bouquet, boutonnieres, and corsages. You can also scatter dried lavender buds along the aisle or use them as confetti for the guests to throw after the ceremony. For the reception, incorporate lavender into the centerpieces, table settings, and favors, such as lavender sachets or small bottles of lavender-infused oil.
6.1 Lavender Dreamcatchers
Create a rustic dreamcatcher using a wooden hoop, twine, and dried lavender. Weave the twine into a web pattern inside the hoop, and then attach small bundles of dried lavender to the bottom. This DIY project combines the natural beauty of lavender with the rustic charm of handmade decor, perfect for hanging in a bedroom or living room.
6.2 Lavender-Stamped Fabric
For a vintage-inspired DIY project, create lavender-stamped fabric using dried lavender buds and natural dye. Press the lavender buds into the fabric using a wooden block, and then dye the fabric using a tea or coffee solution for an aged, vintage look. The finished fabric can be used to make pillows, table runners, or wall hangings that fit seamlessly into a vintage decor scheme.
6.3 Lavender Herb Wreaths
Combine dried lavender with other herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage to create a fragrant herb wreath. Use a wire frame to attach the herbs, and finish with a burlap or lace ribbon for a rustic or vintage touch. Herb wreaths not only add beauty to your decor but also fill the room with a lovely, natural fragrance. These wreaths can be hung on doors, in the kitchen, or even used as a centerpiece on a dining table.
6.4 Lavender-Pressed Art
Pressed flower art is a classic vintage decor element, and dried lavender works beautifully for this purpose. Press lavender stems between heavy books or in a flower press, and once dried, arrange them on a piece of vintage-style paper or fabric. Frame the arrangement using an antique or distressed frame for an authentic vintage look. These pieces can be hung on walls, placed on shelves, or used as unique gifts.
6.5 Lavender Sachet Garlands
Create a garland using small lavender sachets and rustic twine or lace ribbon. The sachets can be made from vintage fabrics, such as linen or cotton, and filled with dried lavender buds. String the sachets together and hang the garland over a fireplace, on a headboard, or across a window. This garland adds a touch of both rustic and vintage charm while also providing a pleasant fragrance.
7.1 Protecting from Sunlight
To maintain the color and fragrance of your dried lavender, it’s essential to protect it from direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the lavender to fade and lose its vibrant purple hue. Place your lavender decor in areas where it won’t be exposed to harsh sunlight, such as in shaded rooms or on walls away from windows.
7.2 Dusting and Cleaning
Dried lavender can collect dust over time, which may dull its appearance. To keep your lavender looking fresh, gently dust it with a soft brush or feather duster. Alternatively, you can use a hairdryer on a cool, low setting to blow off any dust. Be careful not to damage the delicate flowers and leaves during the cleaning process.
7.3 Refreshing the Fragrance
Over time, the fragrance of dried lavender may diminish. To revive its scent, you can gently crush the flowers or spritz them lightly with lavender essential oil. Be sure to spray from a distance to avoid saturating the lavender and causing it to become brittle. Refreshing the fragrance periodically will keep your decor smelling fresh and inviting.
7.4 Preserving Longevity
To maximize the lifespan of your dried lavender, store it in a cool, dry place when not in use. Humidity and moisture can cause the lavender to become brittle or moldy, so it’s important to keep it in a stable environment. If you plan to store lavender for an extended period, consider wrapping it in tissue paper and placing it in a cardboard box to protect it from damage.
8.1 Spring and Summer Decor
In the spring and summer, dried lavender can be used to create light, airy decor that celebrates the season. Combine lavender with other dried flowers like daisies, chamomile, or baby's breath to create cheerful bouquets and arrangements. For a rustic look, place these arrangements in mason jars or wooden crates. In a vintage setting, display them in antique vases or teapots.
8.2 Fall and Winter Decor
In the fall and winter, dried lavender can be paired with seasonal elements like pine cones, cinnamon sticks, and dried oranges to create warm, cozy decor. Use lavender to make wreaths, garlands, or centerpieces that incorporate these elements. For a rustic touch, add burlap or twine, and for a vintage look, incorporate lace or velvet ribbons. These seasonal decorations will bring a touch of warmth and nostalgia to your home.
8.3 Holiday Decor
Dried lavender can also be incorporated into holiday decor for both rustic and vintage styles. Create lavender ornaments by filling clear glass baubles with dried lavender buds or by tying small bundles of lavender with festive ribbon. Lavender can also be used in holiday wreaths, garlands, and table settings, adding a fragrant and elegant touch to your celebrations.
9.1 Lavender in Rustic Traditions
Lavender has been used in rustic traditions for centuries, particularly in rural communities where it was grown for its medicinal and aromatic properties. In these settings, lavender was often used to scent linens, repel insects, and create soothing herbal remedies. Incorporating lavender into rustic decor not only adds beauty but also connects to these time-honored traditions and the simple, natural lifestyle they represent.
9.2 Lavender in Vintage Culture
In vintage culture, particularly during the Victorian era, lavender was a symbol of elegance and refinement. It was commonly used in sachets, perfumes, and potpourri, and was often associated with romance and femininity. Using lavender in vintage decor evokes this sense of history and sophistication, adding a layer of depth and meaning to your decor.
Decorating with dried lavender in rustic and vintage styles offers endless possibilities for creating a warm, inviting, and timeless atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of rustic charm to your home or infuse it with vintage elegance, dried lavender is a versatile and beautiful choice. Its natural beauty, soothing fragrance, and cultural significance make it a perfect addition to any decor.
By understanding the different ways to use and care for dried lavender, you can create stunning, long-lasting decor that reflects your personal style and the ambiance you wish to create. From simple lavender bouquets to intricate DIY projects, there’s no limit to how you can incorporate this beloved plant into your rustic and vintage-inspired spaces.