Sometimes, you have to look twice to see whether a flower is real. With Real Touch flowers, something else often happens too: you want to touch them to make sure. Their soft petals, natural shapes and subtle colour variations create a look that comes surprisingly close to fresh flowers.
But what exactly are Real Touch flowers? How do they differ from other artificial flowers? And what should you look for when choosing them for your interior or retail collection? In this guide, we tell you everything you need to know about these lifelike artificial flowers.
What are Real Touch flowers?
Real Touch is a term used for artificial flowers with an exceptionally natural appearance and a soft, realistic feel. When you touch the petals, they feel less hard or smooth than those of many traditional artificial flowers. Depending on the type of flower, the petals may feel supple, slightly velvety or almost waxy, just like fresh flowers.
The term “Real Touch” primarily refers to this tactile experience. It does not describe one specific material or production method. The exact composition and finish can vary depending on the flower and supplier. What high-quality Real Touch flowers have in common is the attention given to their shape, texture, colour and detailing. Short saying:
“Real Touch flowers are lifelike artificial flowers that stand out because of their realistic appearance and tangible texture.”
Why do Real Touch artificial flowers look so natural?
No single detail makes a good artificial flower. It is the combination of several characteristics that determines whether a flower looks convincing. High-quality Real Touch artificial flowers are therefore designed with extra attention to the natural features of fresh flowers. You can recognise a good Real Touch flower by:
- soft and flexible petals
- a natural, often matt surface
- subtle colour variations
- realistic veins and flower centres
- stems and leaves that resemble those of the real flower
- small variations that make the flower less perfect and therefore more natural.
1. Natural colour variations
A real flower is never made up of one flat colour. Its centre may be darker, the edges of the petals lighter and several different shades may appear in the veins. A carefully created colour gradient gives an artificial flower greater depth.
2. A realistic shape
In nature, no petals are exactly the same. Small differences in their position, curve and openness make a flower look authentic. A good Real Touch flower is therefore never perfectly symmetrical.
3. Texture and finish
The tactile finish is what most clearly distinguishes Real Touch flowers from other artificial flowers. When customers pick up a flower or touch its petals, the way it feels matches what they expect based on its appearance. A hard or glossy surface can quickly make a flower look artificial. A soft texture and matt finish reflect light more subtly.
4. Attention to the flower, stem and leaves
The flower head is not the only important element. The shape, colour and flexibility of the stem, together with the detailing of the leaves, also determine how convincing an artificial flower looks. These parts remain particularly visible in a loosely arranged bouquet.
It is the combination of sight and touch that makes the difference. From a distance, a high-quality artificial flower may already look realistic. A Real Touch flower continues to convince when someone takes a closer look or touches its petals.
What is the difference between Real Touch flowers and silk flowers?
The terms artificial flowers, silk flowers and Real Touch flowers are often used interchangeably, but they do not mean exactly the same thing.
- Artificial flowers is the umbrella term for flowers created to imitate fresh flowers. Different materials and finishes can be used to make them.
- Silk flowers has become a common term for high-quality artificial flowers. This does not automatically mean that they are made from real silk. Today, modern materials are generally used because they retain their shape and allow for more lifelike detailing.
- Real Touch flowers are primarily distinguished by the way they feel. Their petals have a soft and flexible finish that comes close to the touch of a fresh flower. Real Touch is therefore not simply another name for every premium artificial flower. It is a specific characteristic within the wider artificial flower collection
| Artificial flowers | Term for manufactured (artificial) flowers | Broad product range |
| Silk flowers | Common name for artificial flowers | Frequently used term for artificial flowers |
| Real Touch flowers | Artificial flowers with a remarkably natural look and feel | A realistic experience you can both see and feel |
None of these terms alone says everything about a flower’s quality. The overall quality is determined by all its characteristics, including the material, finish, colour variation, shape, stem and lifelike detailing.
How can you recognise high-quality Real Touch flowers?
Not every flower with a soft finish automatically looks lifelike. Always look at the complete flower and consider the following points:
1. Gently bend the stem. A flexible stem makes it easier to create a natural-looking bouquet or arrangement.
2. View the flower both up close and from a distance. Up close, you should see refined details; from a distance, the overall silhouette should look right.
3. Feel the petals. They should be soft and flexible while still retaining their shape.
4. Check the colour variation. Several subtle shades look more natural than one flat colour.
5. Look at the centre of the flower. This is often where the quality of an artificial flower becomes most apparent.
6. Look at the stem and leaves. A realistic flower head becomes less convincing when the rest of the stem has a basic finish.
Which flowers are available in Real Touch?
Real Touch finishes are used for many different types of flowers. At Emerald, our collection includes almost 160 different Real Touch artificial flowers, including roses, tulips, orchids, dahlias and hydrangeas. The finish varies between flower types, as every petal has its own shape and texture.
When putting together an assortment, not every stem in a bouquet needs to have a Real Touch finish. Combining Real Touch flowers with lifelike leaves and branches, other high-quality artificial flowers and greenery creates a layered bouquet with a variety of shapes and textures.
Variety is essential for a commercial collection. Our extensive choice of flower types, colours, sizes and price points makes it possible to build a versatile assortment. From accessible basics and seasonal colours to striking statement flowers, you can offer customers everything they need to create both understated bouquets and bold arrangements.
How to style Real Touch flowers naturally in a bouquet
A lifelike bouquet is not created by the quality of the individual flowers alone. Its composition also plays an important role. Begin with several flowers that determine the direction and height of the bouquet. Then add flowers at different stages of bloom, such as a fully opened flower, a smaller bloom and a few buds. Alternate large flower shapes with airy branches or delicate greenery. Position the stems at different heights to create a loose and natural rhythm.
The shape of the vase matters too. A narrow neck brings the stems closer together and makes it easier to create a compact bouquet. A wide vase requires more volume and a stronger base. Gently bend the stems instead of cutting them straight away. This allows you to reuse the flowers later in a different vase or display.
For retail presentations, it works well to display individual stems alongside a complete example bouquet. The bouquet shows customers the finished result, while the loose stems invite them to create their own combination. You can also find inspiration in our collection of hand-tied artificial bouquets. Would you like to see how to create a beautiful bouquet step by step? Watch our video: How to create a beautiful bouquet.
How to clean Real Touch flowers
Dust is often the main reason artificial flowers start to look less fresh over time. Cleaning them regularly and carefully helps preserve their colours and textures. We recommend using:
- a soft feather duster;
- a clean make-up brush or soft brush for smaller details;
- a dry microfibre cloth for larger leaves;
- cool air from a generous distance and on the lowest setting.
Support the flower while cleaning it and work from the inside out. Do not pull on the petals or automatically use water or cleaning products. The most suitable method depends on the material and finish of the specific product. When in doubt, gentle dry cleaning is the safest option.
Can Real Touch flowers be used outdoors?
Although Real Touch artificial flowers often have a different finish from other artificial flowers, they are not automatically UV-resistant. A Real Touch finish tells you how a flower looks and feels. Products used outdoors need to have been developed specifically for that purpose, for example with a UV-resistant or UV-treated finish.
If you want to use artificial flowers or plants outdoors, choose products that are genuinely intended for outdoor use. Discover our specially developed UV Collection for artificial flowers and plants suitable for outdoor settings. Even with UV products, their position, the amount of sunlight and the weather conditions can affect their lifespan. An open terrace presents different conditions from a covered entrance or veranda.
Buying Real Touch flowers from Emerald
Emerald specialises in importing and exporting artificial flowers and plants for professional customers. Our assortment ranges from individual stems and hand-tied bouquets to green plants and large artificial trees.
Our collections include Real Touch flowers in a variety of styles and price points. This allows you to create an assortment that suits your store and target audience. Our specialists are happy to advise you on product selection, colour combinations, bouquets and retail presentation. Our in-house Value Added Services department can also assemble bouquets and add customer-specific labels to products.
Are you a retailer, garden centre, DIY store, concept store or professional interior landscaper looking to add Real Touch flowers to your collection? Book a visit to our showroom in Eindhoven and discover for yourself just how lifelike they look and feel.
Frequently asked questions about Real Touch flowers
Are Real Touch flowers real flowers?
No. Real Touch flowers are artificial flowers with a lifelike appearance and a soft finish. They have been designed to imitate fresh flowers as convincingly as possible.
Are Real Touch flowers the same as silk flowers?
Not exactly. Silk flowers is a general term used for high-quality artificial flowers. Real Touch specifically refers to flowers that also feel natural. An artificial flower can be high-quality and lifelike without having a Real Touch finish.
How long do Real Touch artificial flowers last?
This depends on their quality, positioning, exposure to sunlight and how they are handled and stored. Keeping them dry, cleaning them carefully and avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight will generally help them remain beautiful for longer.
Can Real Touch flowers be used outdoors?
Only when the specific product is suitable for outdoor use. Real Touch does not automatically mean UV-resistant. For outdoor settings, always choose artificial flowers or plants that have been specifically developed as outdoor or UV products.
Does Emerald sell Real Touch artificial flowers to consumers?
Emerald supplies professional customers, including retailers, garden centres, DIY stores, florists and other businesses. Consumers can find our products at selected stockists and online retailers.
