How dried bouquets can improve your coffee table styling

Dried flowers and bouquets have had a huge moment in interiors. Pampas grass, natural grasses, baby’s breath – they’re all perfect for drying and using around your home. Plus as an added bonus, they’ll never die!

Whether you’ve recently had a delivery of flowers or you have a beautiful bouquet you don’t want to just bin, or you’ve handpicked some flowers that have slowly dried out, you can use dried flowers to make your home more beautiful.

They add unique textures and shapes that perhaps live flowers just can’t, and there’s the added bonus that you don’t need to keep them alive or water them. In fact, they’ll be the easiest flowers to look after in your home, lasting for years while always looking the same.

In this guide, I’m diving into how to use dried flowers to style your coffee table, as well as which flowers dry out the best. There’s also an additional step-by-step DIY drying guide so you can get crafty at home yourself.

 

How to style your coffee table with dried flowers

A coffee table is really more than just a spot for your coffee mug or TV remote. But equally, for many people, it becomes a bit of a dumping ground. Baby’s bottles? Hair bobbles? Random bits of paperwork? Yep, they all appear on my coffee table.

It sits right in the middle of the living room though, so this clutter isn’t just unsightly, it’s one of the first things your visitors will see.

The good thing though, is you don’t have to spend loads of money to style your coffee table properly. Sometimes, even simple touches, like a well-placed vase of dried flower bouquets, can really change the whole vibe.

Whether you’re in a small apartment or a big house, a coffee table display is about finding that balance between style and practicality. I’m a huge advocat for sustainable interiors, and so it’s not surprising that more people are turning to dried flowers instead of plastic plants.

Why are dried flowers so good for coffee tables, anyway?

If you’re decorating on a budget, dried flowers are great because they’re affordable, flexible, and they last a long time. Unlike fresh flowers, which wilt pretty fast, dried ones keep their shape and colour for months, or even years. It’s a one-time buy that keeps looking good.

A coffee table with a dried bouquet immediately gives some texture and depth. Think of it as layering, a very popular interior design technique. A simple ceramic bowl or stack of books can be the base, and the bouquet gives some height and a nice, natural touch. Instead of buying new flowers all the time, you’ve got something that lasts and just needs dusting now and then.

Styling your coffee table with dried flowers

My main tip? Keep. It. Simple.

You don’t need to be a designer or spend a lot. Here’s how to make your table look great:

1. Use decor of different heights

Varying heights is so important if you don’t want your coffee table decor to look a little flat. Put a small vase next to a modest bouquet next to some stacked coffee table books. Different heights make it visually interesting without feeling cluttered.

 

2. Pick a colour scheme

Go for dried flowers in neutral colors, like soft creams or browns, that match your room. This way, everything feels put-together, not chaotic.

3. Think about the season

Even though dried flowers don’t change with the seasons, you can switch them out. Maybe add some eucalyptus in the winter, or some wheat in autumn to keep it fresh.

 

4. Mix it up

Using different textures really adds an extra design element. Try adding a glass tray, a linen runner, and a more rustic bouquet for some contrasting materials.

 

What’s really noticeable about dried bouquets is how easily they can improve a space or zone. Just one arrangement, placed carefully, can change the whole vibe of your living room. It shows you’re thoughtful and careful, without going overboard.

Even better, it makes you want to get creative with your decor. You could use an old jar as a vase, mix the flowers with charity shop coasters, or play around with trays to frame your arrangement.

It’s this fun approach that makes styling your home enjoyable and affordable.

 

Which flowers dry out the best?

Wondering where to start with dried flowers? Below, you can find the flowers that generally dry out the best so you can try decorating your home with them.

Lavender

Lavender is absolutely one of my favourite smells. It’s classically used to make you feel relaxed, which is why it’s found in pillow sprays, sleep products and bath products. However, it’s a beautiful flower too. The little purple flowers are timeless, and so lavender is a wonderful flower to dry out and use around your home (I always have a bag of it hanging in my airing cupboard too, to make it smell great).

 

Arrange lavender in an old-fashioned mason jar or a sleek modern vase (it’s versatile either way). It can be used in either a living room or a bedroom, a kitchen or a bathroom, and will be a long-lasting addition that keeps your home smelling fresh.

 

Statice

Statice isn’t a flower many people have heard of, but it’s a truly beautiful flower and one that dries really well.

Unlike many dried flowers that fade with time, statice maintains its vivid colours far longer, guaranteeing your decor pops without any additional effort. Its blossoms let you easily personalise your environment with their amazing range of brilliant colours, from deep purples and blues to vivid pinks and whites.

Whether you decide to pair it with other dried beauties like lavender or eucalyptus or let it stand solo, statice creates a gorgeous display that draws the eye. Gather it into an elegant glass vase for a modern look or a mason jar for a rustic touch.

 

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is the ultimate game-changer when it comes to adding a fresh, natural touch to your home. Its silvery-green leaves offer a subdued elegance that accentuates the general appearance of any place. With a clean and peaceful presence that complements many decor types, eucalyptus is like nature’s own decor-accentuating agent.

Whether you’re aiming for a minimalist aesthetic or a more eclectic vibe, eucalyptus fits right in. It’s all about the details—combining eucalyptus with different textures like wooden frames or metal accents can create a layered, sophisticated look that’s sure to impress. Its versatility is unmatched; use it as a filler in bouquets or let its unique foliage shine on its own.

Plus, it smells truly amazing.

 

How to dry flowers yourself at home

So where on earth do you start when it comes to drying your own flowers at home? You can find three techniques below that should serve you well!

1. The air drying method

Step-by-Step Process:

Step 1: Pick your flowers!

Step 2: Bundle your bunch of flowers up by tying the stems together with some string or twine.

Step 3: Hang them upside down, ideally in a dry, dark place that has good airflow. An airing cupboard would be ideal for this.

 

Step 4: Wait around 2 weeks for the flowers to dry out. Check them after this time to ensure they are fully dried, or leave them a little longer if needed.

This is a super easy method. The hardest part is the wait!

The best flowers for air drying include lavender, statice, and eucalyptus. They dry well and keep their shape and colour beautifully.

 

2. The pressing method

Pressed flowers can be framed and hung up on the walls around your home, so it’s a beautiful way to display them.

You will need:

• Heavy books or a flower press
• Parchment paper
• Absorbent material (like blotting paper)
• Your chosen flowers

Step 1: Trim the stems of your flowers to the desired length.

Step 2: Place the flowers between two sheets of absorbant paper and then place that inside a book. Close the book and add some heavier items on top for extra pressure.

Step 3: Wait around 2-4 weeks for the flowers to fully dry out.

 

3. The silica gel method

This method is super quick and great for preserving the vibrant colours and shapes of delicate flowers.

Step 1: Add a layer of silica gel in the bottom of a container

Step 2: Arrange your flowers in the pattern you want, and then gently cover them with more gel.

Step 3: Add a lid to the container and wait for a couple of days for the gel to properly dry.

Step 4: Carefully remove the flowers and enjoy their look!