Artificial flowers are nowadays barely distinguishable from real ones and brighten up your home guilt-free, as there are no gas-fired greenhouses, no pesticides, and years of enjoyment from a single bouquet. We have put together a nice list of artificial flower brands that we believe fit on the greener list.
Artificial flowers? Not a bad idea!
Add them to your greener list: artificial flowers. Perhaps you're thinking now: ‘but aren't artificial flowers often made from plastic or scarce raw materials like silk?’ That's true. The production of artificial flowers also has a downside. But behind a fresh bunch of flowers lies a significant footprint too. The cultivation, transport, gas-heated greenhouses, and short lifespan of fresh cut flowers all contribute to high CO2 emissions, water wastage, and the use of pesticides. Phew... suddenly that single bunch feels a lot less innocent. Add to that the fact that such a bunch often only lasts one or two weeks, and we conclude that artificial flowers are actually quite a logical alternative. Especially if you keep them for years or alternate them with a few permanent bouquets. Read more about the environmental impact of flowers here.
Our favourite sustainable artificial flowers
Fortunately, artificial flowers are a great alternative. They stay beautiful for years, don't wilt, and are less of a burden on the environment. This way, you can enjoy a cheerful bouquet at home, without guilt. Just as cosy, but much more sustainable (and low-maintenance). We've put together our favourite discoveries for you.
Blooming Good
Named the best artificial flower brand in the Netherlands. They design amazing bouquets from more sustainable silk: from large, lush bunches to minimalist vases and even a vase full of tulips or a bunch of hyacinths that you'll want to touch to check if they're not actually real. Also nice: within their collection is a series where (parts of) the flowers are made from recycled materials, such as PET bottles and upcycled fabrics. Doubly sustainable then. And do you ever get tired of your bouquet? Then you can trade it in via their re-bloom service and get 25% off a new bunch. The bouquets from Blooming Good you shop through their own webshop and – also good – they are delivered by electric vehicle!
Florever Flowers
At Florever Bloemen, they make felt flowers that bloom forever. The company was founded by Patricia and Nathalie, two creative entrepreneurs from Goeree-Overflakkee. After the birth of their children, they started crafting, and that grew into this colourful and sustainable flower brand. All flowers are handmade, petal by petal, from 100%% wool felt: pure sheep's wool, completely plastic-free. The bouquets are cheerful, playful and remain beautiful season after season. In addition to ready-made bouquets, Florever also offers DIY boxes and organises creative workshops on location, for those who want to get started themselves with felt flowers. You can shop the flowers from Florever Flowers via its own website or at selected outlets.
Odette flowers
At Odette Flowers, you'll find artificial flowers with a distinct signature. Think wildflowers, a bit casual and wonderfully wild. The collection breathes a French feeling: loosely arranged, not too perfect, as if the flowers have just been picked from a sunny country garden. Behind the brand is founder Karin, who combines her love for flowers with a background in the fashion world. You can see this reflected in the stylish, bohemian bouquets that you can change endlessly. Forever Flowers from Odette are made of silk and plastic and remain beautiful for years, providing a sustainable alternative to fresh cut flowers. You'll find them in various arrangements and styles, all available for purchase via their own website.
Reflower
Flower lovers may have wondered: where is it? Naturally, the Netherlands' premier artificial flower library, Reflower, could not be omitted from this list. We've written about it before. Just like before, the concept revolves around a flower subscription: for a fixed amount per month, you enjoy a bouquet with a vase, and you can switch as often as you like. A subscription is available from €20 per month and increases, depending on the size of your vase and bouquet. Founder Elynne has a clear circular mission and wants to change the world of flowers from within. Does this fit Reflower So on your little green list then? There's absolutely no doubt about that.
The Felt Florist
At De Viltbloemist, it's all about ever-blooming flowers made from natural wool felt. Founder Daphne creates bouquets from pure sheep's wool felt. The felt originates from South American sheep breeds, is produced in Europe, and is sustainable and recyclable. Each bouquet is assembled by hand and completely tailored to your vase, interior, or occasion. Whether you opt for small and subtle, or colourful and extravagant, almost anything is possible. In addition to bouquets, the company also makes The Felt Florist Also wedding flowers, funeral flowers, and bespoke arrangements for special occasions. Nice: these flowers are always in season and remain a tangible reminder of an important day. Fancy giving it a go yourself? You can do that too. With the book "Felt Flowers" or a workshop, you can learn to make felt flowers yourself.
Madam Fleurie
Madame Fleurie is built around the idea that a flower only truly shines when paired with the right vase. In Alkmaar, they have a cosy shop (the Madame Fleurie atelier) where you can pick and mix your own artificial silk flowers. What's great about Madame Fleurie is that they also offer a subscription service. You can choose from two options, receiving a new bouquet each quarter – or whenever you fancy – tailored to your style and the season. The flowers and vases are collected, checked, and reused after use. This way, you contribute to a circular economy and always have something cheerful in your home, without any waste. Cool, right? The flowers from Madam Fleurie are for sale on their website or in their shop in Alkmaar.
Botané
Botané is a Danish artificial flower brand with its own shop in Copenhagen. The collection has an understated, Scandinavian look: artificial flowers intended to last a long time and blend subtly into an interior. Sustainability is an integral part of their approach. The production facilities run on green energy, with the aim of limiting their ecological impact. In the Netherlands, the artificial flowers – which are made from various types of plastic – are available from Botané among other places at de Bijenkorf. Prices vary considerably: there are small bouquets starting at a few tens of euros, but also bunches costing over 600 euros.
Regina Floral Feelings
Regina Floral Feelings is the sort of place you'll want to browse. A family business with over 75 years of history, run by brother and sister Jeroen and Mariëlle since 2002. Until 2023, they worked exclusively with fresh flowers for the high-end market, catering to multinationals, SMEs, and government institutions. Since then, they have continued their craft with artificial flowers, under the name Regina Floral Feelings. In their colourful shop in The Hague, you can see – and feel! – all the silk bouquets for yourself. Each bouquet is handmade by artisan florists, using high-quality artificial flowers from brands including: Silk-ka. Always pleasant: if you're stuck on colour or size, they'll simply think along with you. They offer free styling advice, after all. The bouquets from Regina Floral Feelings are for sale in their beautiful shop in The Hague or online.
With which sustainable artificial flowers do you brighten up your home?
From cheerful felt to silk flowers that are almost indistinguishable from real ones: the world of sustainable artificial flowers is bigger and more colourful than you think. We’ve gathered the finest options, but your interior and style will naturally determine what suits you best. And remember: if you opt for artificial flowers, choose bouquets you'll enjoy for years. Do you have a golden tip or a favourite artificial flower that absolutely must be included on this list? Let us know!
You might also find this interesting!
- Also see: The most sustainable Easter branches can be found in the garden (from your neighbours).
- Also see: Do you like flower bulbs? Buy them organically too, and here's why!
- Also see: Recipe for making dandelion syrup yourself!
Photo credits: Main image: De Viltbloemist, Odette flowers & Forever Bloemen. Other: Pim Leenen (Blooming Good), Jeanine Oost Photography (Florever Flowers), Liza Dikkerboom (Odette Flowers), Angela de Vlaming (Reflower), The Felt Flowerist, Anouk Moerman (Madame Fleurie), Botané and Regina Flowers.
