When selling your home, every detail counts—including the fresh flowers you display during showings. A well-chosen bouquet can add elegance, fragrance, and warmth to a space, making buyers feel welcome and at home. But not all flowers are created equal! Below is a ranked list of the best flowers to have in your home when selling, rated out of 10 based on their scent, longevity, aesthetic appeal, and ease of care.
1. Orchids
Scent: 2/10 | Longevity: 9/10 | Aesthetic: 10/10 | Ease of Care: 8/10
Elegant and timeless, orchids instantly elevate any room with their sophisticated look. They don’t have a strong fragrance, which is great for buyers with sensitivities. With proper care, they can last several weeks. Keep them in indirect sunlight and water sparingly—about once a week. Ice cubes can be a great trick to avoid overwatering.
2. Hydrangeas
Scent: 5/10 | Longevity: 6/10 | Aesthetic: 9/10 | Ease of Care: 5/10
Hydrangeas create a lush and full display, adding a pop of color and charm. They require frequent watering, and adding alum to the water can help them last longer. If they start to wilt, dunk the whole head in water for a quick revival!
3. Roses (Neutral Colors)
Scent: 7/10 | Longevity: 7/10 | Aesthetic: 10/10 | Ease of Care: 7/10
Classic and romantic, roses make any home feel warm and inviting. Choose neutral tones like white or soft pink for broad appeal. Trim stems every few days and change the water regularly to extend their lifespan.
4. Lilies
Scent: 9/10 | Longevity: 8/10 | Aesthetic: 10/10 | Ease of Care: 7/10
Lilies bring a dramatic touch with their tall stems and large blooms. Their fragrance is strong, so they work well in larger spaces like entryways. Remove pollen-covered stamens to prevent stains and extend their life.
5. Peonies
Scent: 8/10 | Longevity: 5/10 | Aesthetic: 10/10 | Ease of Care: 6/10
Peonies are lush and luxurious, adding instant charm. However, they don’t last long—usually about a week. Store them in a cool area overnight to help them last longer.
6. Tulips
Scent: 3/10 | Longevity: 6/10 | Aesthetic: 9/10 | Ease of Care: 8/10
Simple and cheerful, tulips bring fresh energy into a space. They continue to grow after being cut, so trim the stems often and place them in cold water for longevity.
7. Sunflowers
Scent: 2/10 | Longevity: 7/10 | Aesthetic: 9/10 | Ease of Care: 9/10
Bright and cheerful, sunflowers bring warmth to any room. They last well with fresh water and sturdy stems, making them easy to maintain. Just ensure they’re placed in a well-lit spot.
8. Carnations
Scent: 4/10 | Longevity: 10/10 | Aesthetic: 7/10 | Ease of Care: 10/10
Carnations are affordable, long-lasting, and available in many colors. They can last up to two weeks with fresh water changes and occasional trimming.
9. Chrysanthemums
Scent: 6/10 | Longevity: 9/10 | Aesthetic: 7/10 | Ease of Care: 8/10
Chrysanthemums add texture and vibrancy to a bouquet. They thrive in clean water with regular stem trims. Keep them away from direct heat to maintain their freshness.
10. Eucalyptus (Bonus Greenery)
Scent: 8/10 | Longevity: 10/10 | Aesthetic: 8/10 | Ease of Care: 10/10
While not a flower, eucalyptus is a fantastic addition to floral arrangements. Its fresh, clean scent creates a spa-like feel. Plus, it dries beautifully, making it a no-maintenance option!
Best Placement for Flowers in Your Home
Choosing the right placement for flowers can make a significant impact on the overall feel of your home. Here are the best spots to showcase your blooms:
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Entryway: The first impression matters! A stylish bouquet on a console table or a potted orchid by the door sets an inviting tone.
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Living Room: Place a large, elegant arrangement on a coffee or side table to make the space feel warm and polished.
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Dining Table: A centerpiece with neutral or pastel flowers keeps the space fresh and refined without overwhelming the senses.
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Kitchen: A small vase of flowers on the counter or island adds a lively touch without cluttering the space.
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Bathrooms: A single-stem flower in a sleek vase or a small potted plant on the vanity creates a spa-like ambiance.
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Bedrooms: A soft, calming arrangement on a nightstand enhances relaxation and comfort.
Avoid placing flowers in high-traffic areas where they might get knocked over or in rooms with strong competing scents, like the laundry room or near the garbage bin.
Vase vs. Potted Flowers: Which Is Best for Showings?
When staging a home, choosing between vase and potted flowers depends on your goals. Cut flowers in a vase provide an instant visual impact and can be switched out easily, but they require regular water changes. Potted flowers last longer and add a more natural, lived-in feel, but they require sunlight and ongoing care. If using potted plants, opt for low-maintenance choices like orchids or peace lilies.
Allergy-Friendly Flowers for Sensitive Buyers
When staging a home for showings, it’s important to consider buyers with allergies. Strongly scented or pollen-heavy flowers can trigger sensitivities, creating discomfort instead of a warm welcome. Opt for hypoallergenic blooms such as orchids, roses, tulips, hydrangeas, and peonies, which have low pollen counts and minimal fragrance. If you still want a floral scent, choose light and fresh-smelling flowers rather than overpowering ones like lilies or hyacinths. Keeping flowers in a clean, well-maintained vase and regularly changing the water can also help minimize allergens in the home.
Matching Flowers to Your Home’s Style
Flowers should complement the overall aesthetic of your home, enhancing its natural charm rather than clashing with the décor.
- Classic or Traditional Homes: Opt for timeless flowers like roses, hydrangeas, and peonies in soft, neutral tones such as white, blush, or cream.
- Modern or Minimalist Spaces: Stick to sleek, structured flowers like orchids or calla lilies in monochrome or bold, striking hues.
- Rustic or Farmhouse Interiors: Choose sunflowers, lavender, or wildflower-style arrangements in natural, earthy tones.
- Bohemian or Eclectic Spaces: Mix and match vibrant flowers like dahlias, ranunculus, and proteas for a lively, artistic display.
Color coordination also plays a role—matching flowers to accent colors in a room can tie the space together, while soft pastels or whites create an airy, spacious feel.
DIY Floral Arrangements vs. Professional Bouquets
Deciding whether to arrange flowers yourself or purchase pre-made bouquets depends on your budget, time, and skill level.
- DIY Arrangements: Cost-effective and allows for customization. Stick to simple arrangements using flowers like tulips, carnations, or eucalyptus for an effortlessly elegant look. Use odd-numbered groupings and varying heights for a natural, polished display.
- Professional Bouquets: Ideal for those who want a refined, high-end appearance without the hassle. Florists can design arrangements that complement your home’s style and ensure freshness for showings.
A great compromise is purchasing a store-bought bouquet and slightly rearranging it at home—trimming stems, removing excess foliage, and using a stylish vase can elevate the look without the florist’s price tag.
How Flowers Affect Mood and Buyer Perception
Flowers aren’t just decorative—they can influence emotions and create a positive atmosphere during home showings. Different flowers and colors evoke different moods:
- White & Neutral Flowers (Orchids, Roses, Hydrangeas): Convey elegance, cleanliness, and sophistication.
- Yellow & Orange (Sunflowers, Tulips, Marigolds): Create warmth, happiness, and a welcoming energy.
- Pink & Red (Peonies, Carnations, Dahlias): Evoke feelings of love, comfort, and charm.
- Purple & Blue (Lavender, Irises, Delphiniums): Promote calmness and a sense of luxury.
Strategically placing flowers in key areas of the home can subtly enhance the buyer’s experience, making them feel relaxed and more connected to the space.
10 Flowers to Avoid in Home Staging (and Why)
Not all flowers are suitable for home staging. Some can trigger allergies, have overpowering scents, or drop petals and pollen, creating a mess. Here are ten flowers to avoid:
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Daffodils – Emit a strong scent that some find unpleasant.
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Hyacinths – Overpowering fragrance that may be too intense for some buyers.
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Lilacs – Short lifespan and heavy scent.
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Gardenias – Very fragrant but wilt quickly.
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Poinsettias – Associated with holidays and can be toxic to pets.
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Delphiniums – Highly toxic if ingested.
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Foxgloves – Also toxic and drop a lot of petals.
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Gladiolus – Require significant upkeep.
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Freesias – Strong fragrance and short lifespan.
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Wisteria – Messy with falling petals and a strong scent.
The right flowers can create an inviting atmosphere, helping potential buyers envision themselves in your home. If you want to impress during showings, go for long-lasting blooms with a fresh, neutral scent and minimal upkeep.