How the Cost of Living Has Changed Flower Buying Habits
Consumers still love flowers—but rising household costs are changing when, why and how they buy them.
Few areas of household spending have escaped the effects of the cost of living.
From groceries and holidays to home improvements and leisure activities, consumers have become increasingly selective about where their money goes.
Flowers are no exception.
The findings from the Best & Bloom Home Styling Report 2026, based on responses from 202 consumers, reveal that while flowers remain an important part of many homes, purchasing habits are changing in response to economic pressures.
Importantly, however, the research suggests consumers are adapting—not abandoning—their love of flowers.
Fresh flowers are being bought less frequently
One of the clearest findings from the research was the effect rising living costs have had on fresh flower purchasing.
- 79% of respondents said rising living costs have reduced how often they buy fresh flowers.
- 43% said they now buy them significantly less often.
- 36% said they buy them slightly less often.
On the surface, these figures might suggest consumers are turning away from flowers altogether.
The wider findings tell a very different story.
Consumers still want flowers in their homes
Although fresh flower purchases have become less frequent, consumers haven't lost their appreciation for flowers.
Instead, many appear to be changing how they achieve the same visual impact.
The research found that:
- 47% of respondents said rising living costs have made them more likely to consider purchasing artificial flowers.
Rather than replacing flowers entirely, consumers seem to be looking for ways to enjoy them over a longer period.
This suggests decorative spending is becoming more strategic.
People still want beautiful homes.
They're simply looking for purchases that continue adding value well beyond the day they're arrive.
Consumers are redefining value
Perhaps the most interesting finding isn't about flowers at all.
It's about what value now means.
Traditionally, value has often been associated with price.
Today's consumers appear to think differently.
Throughout the research, respondents consistently prioritised qualities such as:
- longevity
- realism
- quality
- design
- lasting enjoyment
This suggests value is increasingly measured by what a purchase delivers over time rather than simply what it costs today.
It's a subtle but significant shift in consumer thinking.
Cost isn't the only factor
It would be easy to assume rising interest in artificial flowers is entirely driven by household budgets.
The research suggests that's only part of the story.
Alongside economic pressures, consumers are also reporting:
- improving perceptions of artificial flowers;
- higher expectations around realism;
- greater interest in long-lasting decorative purchases;
- a stronger focus on home styling.
These trends appear to be working together.
The cost of living may have accelerated change—but it doesn't fully explain it.
Every generation has been affected
One particularly interesting finding was how consistent the impact of the cost of living was across age groups.
Whether respondents were in their twenties, forties or retirement, around four in five reported buying fresh flowers less often because of rising costs.
That consistency suggests this isn't a niche behaviour.
It's a broad consumer trend affecting households across different stages of life.
While attitudes towards artificial flowers vary between generations, economic pressure appears to be influencing almost everyone.
Buying fewer—but buying better
One theme emerged repeatedly throughout the report.
Consumers appear to be moving away from frequent, lower-value purchases and towards more considered investments.
Rather than asking:
"Can I afford this today?"
many seem to be asking:
"Will I still be enjoying this in six months' time?"
That mindset can be seen across many areas of home décor, from furniture and lighting to decorative accessories and flowers.
Consumers increasingly want purchases that justify their place within the home.
Flowers still matter
One reassuring finding from the research is that flowers continue to hold significant emotional value.
People still choose flowers to:
- complement their home's décor;
- add colour;
- create a welcoming atmosphere;
- lift their mood.
The desire to make a home feel warm and inviting hasn't diminished.
Instead, people are finding new ways to achieve it within changing household budgets.
Final thoughts
The cost of living has undoubtedly changed flower buying habits.
Consumers are buying fresh flowers less often.
They're becoming more open to longer-lasting alternatives.
And they're thinking more carefully about the value decorative purchases bring to their homes.
Yet perhaps the most encouraging finding is this:
People haven't stopped investing in their homes.
They've simply become more intentional about how they do it.
That distinction is likely to shape home styling habits for years to come.
About the research
This article is based on findings from the Best & Bloom Home Styling Report 2026, an original consumer study exploring changing attitudes towards flowers, home styling and decorative purchasing.
Based on responses from 202 consumers, the report examines how rising living costs are influencing consumer behaviour while revealing broader shifts in attitudes towards home interiors. Read the full report to explore the complete findings.
If you're looking for artificial flowers that look genuinely real, explore the Best & Bloom collection at www.bestandbloom.com. Each arrangement is designed to offer lasting beauty with none of the maintenance of fresh flowers.
