How to Choose the Right Dried Pampas Grass for Every Room

It’s natural for everyone to want to purchase the perfect bunch of pampas grass. Sadly, buying online can be tricky since an arrangement could look amazing in photo, only for it to arrive too short or too full for the vase you already own. As an interior designer myself, I always ensure to check where the pampas will be placed before choosing an arrangement for my clients. In this blog, I’ll walk you through all the factors that make a difference when it comes to choosing the right dried pampas bunch for your home.

What to Consider Before Choosing Dried Pampas Grass

Room Size and Ceiling Height

Taller Arrangements - Works best in big, open spaces with high ceilings, i.e. entryways.
Shorter Arrangements - Works best in rooms with low ceilings, i.e. shelves in sitting rooms, bedrooms, dressing tables etc.

Plume Length and Fullness

The fluffy, top part of pampas grass is called plumes. While it largely varies based on your preference, a general rule I follow depends on the space where the arrangement is placed:

Fuller Plumes - Since fuller plumes tend to occupy more space, I’d suggest going with these for floor-length vases or empty corners.
Slimmer Plumes - Since they occupy less space, they can be a decor piece to add textural dimension to your bookshelves or bedside tables.

Color and Texture

Natural Pampas - Available in cream, beige and off-white, natural pampas colors make it easy to pair with a wide variety of spaces, from warm, wooden furniture to modern, neutral rooms.
Colored Pampas - Colored pampas is something you opt for when you want your decor to match a particular color palette. Keep in mind that dyed varieties fade faster when exposed to sunlight so placement of the arrangement is crucial here.

Choosing Pampas Grass for Different Rooms

Living Room

Large arrangements usually suit living rooms. Start with a few tall stems in a floor vase, maybe beside the sofa, console table or in an empty corner with a plain wall behind. Don’t add too many plumes at first. Keep in mind that we can always buy more and add later if it looks too sparse.

Bedroom

A bedroom is a place of rest. Thus, the arrangement here shouldn’t take up much of your attention but instead add to the comforting atmosphere. A shorter arrangement on your dresser or console table works best here. I’d also suggest sticking to natural pampas (beige or off-white) since the colored varieties attract a lot of attention.

Dining Room

Since it’s a place where everyone sits down to eat, you need to choose a low vase with a shorter arrangement like this.

Entryway

Entryways have a lot of vertical room. A tall vase arrangement can fill in the space without getting in anyone’s way here. However, if you have a narrow entryway, ensure the arrangement you choose won’t make everyone squeeze their way into your home.

Home Office

Design research has shown that contact with natural elements like dried flowers can positively impact attention and stress levels in people. Since this arrangement is not meant to distract, a smaller pick in a short vase would suit this space best.

How Vase Size Changes the Overall Look

Wide-Mouthed Vase: Stems spread out in wide-mouthed vases can make the arrangement look sparse, requiring you to buy more pampas to fill the space.
Narrow-Mouthed Vase: These vases hold the stems closer together, making a smaller bunch look fuller and fluffier.
Vase Height: Always choose stems with length that extend well above the rim of your vases. This will make sure that there’s enough room for your plumes to open.
Vase Stability: Since most arrangements are top-heavy, use a sturdy vase with a solid base for tall arrangements.

Matching Pampas Grass to Your Interior Style

Modern and Minimalist Homes

The key here is to keep it simple. Just a few long pampas plumes in a plain vase made of ceramic or matte black can look good, especially in a minimalist room that’s neat and not crowded.

Rustic and Bohemian Interiors

Fluffy pampas grass works great in Bohemian spaces that are usually populated with materials like wood, rattan, woven fabrics and terracotta. Place your arrangement in a textured vase or a basket-style container for best results. I'd also suggest opting for fluffy, feathery and neutral colored pampas arrangements for these spaces.

Coastal and Contemporary Spaces

Choose cream or off-white pampas arrangements and place them in light ceramic or glass vases. These shades work great with pale, wood and neutral-toned furniture like the image above.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Pampas Grass

Always Measure Your Stems Before Purchasing: Product photos can make your arrangement look taller or fuller than they actually are. That’s why you should always check the dimensions listed in the product description and cross-check with the space where you plan to keep your arrangement.
Ignoring The Impact Of Vase Openings: A small bunch will spread out and can look empty in a wide-mouthed vase. That’s why it’s important to check the opening size of your vase and always choose just enough stems to fit in there.
Placing Dyed Pampas Grass In Sunlight: If your place gets a lot of direct sunlight, you must consider if dyed pampas grass is the correct choice to make since they tend to fade quickly when exposed to the sun.
Choosing Larger Arrangements Because You Liked It: A fuller bunch can absolutely look lovely in your living room, yes, but it’ll look out of place in your bedroom and shelves. Always consider the open space around the vase apart from just the room size when choosing an arrangement.

Discover Dried Pampas Grass at Coastal Habitat

At Coastal Habitat, our dried pampas grass is well dried, sustainably sourced and quality checked at different levels to ensure you get only the best plumes for your home. Browse our full pampas grass collection here or get in touch for bulk and event orders.

Final Thoughts

By now, you know that pampas grass can find a place in every room of your home. And since it can change the feel of any place it occupies and is very low maintenance, it is one of the most practical choices you can make for home decor. Just keep the stem length, vase openings, empty space in a room and the feel of the space in mind before you make any decision.