There’s something about olive trees that gives off an easy kind of elegance. Maybe it’s the soft, muted green of the leaves or the way their slender branches stretch out with just the right amount of wildness. They have a lived-in, effortless look that feels both relaxed and refined. But keeping a real olive tree alive inside? That’s another story.
That’s where faux olive plants are stepping in and they’re not doing it quietly. These artificial versions have gone from being a niche thing in home staging and model homes to becoming a go-to feature in everyday interiors. You’re just as likely to see one in someone’s cosy flat as you are in a designer showroom. And honestly, there’s a reason for that.
They Look Surprisingly Real
The quality of faux plants has changed massively over the last few years. If you’re picturing a shiny plastic mess from a 90s waiting room, think again. Faux olive trees now come with realistic bark, hand-painted leaves, and even subtle imperfections that mimic nature.
Some are so well done, you’d have to get right up close and maybe even touch them to be sure they’re not real. I had a friend visit my flat and compliment me on how well I was keeping my olive tree alive. I didn’t have the heart to tell her it came from a warehouse shelf and had never seen a drop of water in its life.
No Maintenance, No Stress
Not everyone has a green thumb. Actually, a lot of us don’t. Even people who love plants sometimes forget to water them, or place them somewhere the light isn’t quite right. Olive trees, in particular, are fussy. They need loads of sunlight, dry soil, and room to grow.
Faux olive plants take all that pressure away. You don’t need to think about watering, repotting, or dealing with fallen leaves. There’s no pest problem, no worrying about temperature changes, and definitely no guilt when you go on holiday.
They Fit Just About Anywhere
Real olive trees are lovely, but they get tall. And wide. And they’re not easy to move once they’re settled in a pot. Faux versions are much easier to fit into any space. You can get ones that are tall and narrow for corners, short and full for tabletops, or even tiny little branches to pop in a vase on a shelf.
You’re not tied to light sources either. Want an olive plant in your windowless bathroom? Go for it. Fancy one in the hallway that never sees the sun? No problem. You’re not playing by the rules of nature anymore, which opens up all kinds of possibilities.
They Bring a Softness That Works in Any Style
There’s something about the way olive leaves fall. They’re not harsh or angular. They’ve got a soft, silvery-green tone that brings a bit of calm into a room. And they’re subtle. Not loud or tropical just quietly stylish.
That makes faux olive plants incredibly versatile. They look right at home in a modern, minimal space but also work beautifully in more rustic or traditional settings. You’ll see them paired with sleek black metal furniture just as often as with warm wood and vintage rugs.
I’ve even seen them used in Scandinavian-inspired interiors, where they add just enough greenery without stealing the show. You don’t need to change your whole decor style to fit one in. It adapts.
They’re Great for Renters
If you rent your home, you might not want to spend time and money on something that won’t move with you. Real trees can be heavy, fragile, and temperamental when moved. But a faux olive plant? Wrap it up, take it with you, and it’ll look just as good in the next place.
The Rise of the “Lived-In” Look
For a while, interiors were all about clean lines and cool tones. White walls, monochrome artwork, maybe a cactus on a windowsill. But recently, there’s been a shift. People want homes that feel lived in, layered, and a bit softer.
Faux olive plants are part of that. They add texture, movement, and just a bit of colour without feeling like a bold statement. You can place one in a woven basket, let the branches bend a little naturally, and suddenly the space feels warmer more inviting.
They also pair beautifully with other natural elements. Think linen curtains, ceramic pots, wooden shelves. It’s all about creating a space that feels relaxed and collected over time, not staged or too polished.
Better Than the Real Thing? In Some Ways, Yes
Real plants are lovely, no doubt about that. But not everyone has the time, the space, or the climate for them. Faux olive plants fill that gap. They give you the same visual charm, but without the daily upkeep.
And while it might sound strange, they can actually look better than the real ones in some spaces. Real trees can be sparse, uneven, or even drop leaves constantly. A faux version stays looking good day in, day out. It’s the same soft greenery, without the unpredictability.
They’re All Over Social Media (And Shops)
Scroll through home accounts on Instagram or Pinterest and you’ll spot faux olive trees in nearly every corner. Interior influencers, design bloggers, and even big retailers are on board. But it’s not just a trend for trend’s sake. It’s part of a wider movement towards simpler, more comfortable living. People want homes that feel good to be in. And faux olive plants help with that.