14 Ways to Decorate With Pampas Grass

Pampas grass—also known by its scientific name, cortaderia selloana—can be a beautiful, yet simple addition to your home decor. These gorgeous waving wheat-toned grasses recall vintage gardens and pastoral pastures. Just one stalk perfectly complements modern decor: minimal white walls look all the better with a stalk of pampas grass adding fluff and texture. For a lush pampas grass arrangement, mix neutral and purple pampas grass stalks. Take it a step further and add in colorful, bold florals in a grand vase for a dramatic arrangement.

pampas grass decor ideas — The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Not convinced? These 12 images will have you running to your closest garden or craft store in search of these stunning botanicals⁠—fresh or dried.

01 of 14

Make It Seasonal

@isha_jimenez / Instagram

Creating a seasonal spread for your entryway helps each part of the year feel special. Isha Jimenez created this stunning autumnal spread that is subdued enough to live comfortably with Halloween and harvest-themed decor. Mimic the look with white-painted pumpkins, ceramic vases, and wicker. And the pièce de résistance? Pampas grass, of course. Not only will it add height to your tablescape, but it feels like waving wheat on an autumnal field.
02 of 14

Go Dark

@marta_kop_home / Instagram

Incorporating black into your home is a surefire way to add intrigue and drama. But pulling off such a dramatic shade requires a careful eye for color and contrast. This black bunny tail pampas grass variation is a perfect addition if you're aiming to create a mystic and moody escape. Marta Kop, blogger and owner of the shop Kiss My Pampas, paired the combination with a unique white ceramic vase to set the mood.
03 of 14

Keep It Simple

@klk.interiors / Instagram

Pampas grass doesn't require much fuss to make a statement, Simply add it to a decorative vase and let it stand on its own like as it does here in this entryway from Kerry of @klk.interiors.
04 of 14

Amplify Neutrals

@_cafeathome / Instagram

In this neutral living room by Yukiko Brandley, a vase of pampas grass adds a lush, gentle texture to a modern and airy space decorated with beiges and soft browns.

Continue to 5 of 14 below.
05 of 14

Make It Maximalist

Herzen Stimme / Instagram

When it comes to decorating with pampas, there is no rule on how much or how little to use, as proven by this relaxing space from Herzen Stimme. The vase on the table boasts a collective bouquet of different florals, including pampas grass. Turn your attention over by the window, and you'll see a luxurious white set make an appearance. Finally, a group of subtle bunny tail pampas makes an appearance in a small vase over on the wooden bench. Like Herzen, you can pair pampas with warm browns and fluffy pillows to play up the soft colors.
06 of 14

Choose Unique Vases

@thetetburyhouse / Instagram

Catherine from @thetetburyhouse transformed her neutral living space into an elegant refuge by scattering vases of pampas grass in varying styles and sizes around the room. The feathery plumes give the space an airy feel.
07 of 14

Turn Your Bedroom Into a Retreat

@houseproject_36 / Instagram

Your bedroom should be a safe space from the wild world outside with every inch and accent intentionally planned. After you've put some feng shui into your space to make it zen, add some pampas grass as a final touch. These cloud-like stalks will bring a smile to your face every morning. Set them beside your bedside, just like Laura of @houseproject_36, to make it feel like you're getting dressed in a fluffy field.
08 of 14

Add Color

@fionasfamilylovesandriots / Instagram

These peach-colored plumes of pampas grass are a perfect match for this eclectic room from Fiona Nicholson. The use of animal prints, bold hues (like that luscious orange dresser), and unique items (like the gold disco ball) seem to meld together, and the colorful pampas grass looks right at home in the bright, creative space.

Continue to 9 of 14 below.
09 of 14

Hang a Wreath

@sumlawrencehome / Instagram

Wreaths aren't just for Christmastime. This pampas grass wreath is a lovely way to celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. Hung on a plain white dining room wall, the natural element adds warmth to the space and is neutral enough to work year-round.
10 of 14

Update Your Mantel

@home.shil.home / Instagram

Picking the perfect decoration for your fireplace mantel can be a challenge, especially if you're aiming for a very dramatic look. Annusree of @home.shil.home added contrast to an onyx mantel with white pampas and golden leaves.
11 of 14

Hang It Up

@supernovaathome / Instagram

This cloud-like pampas grass wall hanging from @supernovahome creates a focal point in a dressing room by adding eye-catching texture to the neutral space.
12 of 14

Add Wintry Touches

@the.home.affair / Instagram

This entryway from @the.home.affair features a rustic wooden console table that showcases small winter-inspired decor items, a holiday wreath, and white vases holding neutral florals, including pampas. But the neutral hue of pampas grass allows you to keep it around for as long as you would like—even throughout the holidays and summertime, too.

Continue to 13 of 14 below.
13 of 14

Layer It Up

Design and Photo by Ajai Guyot for Emily Henderson Design

Vases of pampas grass on the dresser and on the floor are the perfect complement to this serene, sepia-toned bedroom designed by Ajai Guyot for Emily Henderson Design.
14 of 14

Mix and Match

Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Photo by Christy Q. Photo

While a bundle of pampas grass looks lovely on its own, it also plays well with others. In this minimalist San Francisco dining room from Cathie Hong Interiors, pampas grass adds volume to a bouquet of mixed fried flowers arranged in an amber vase on the sideboard.

FAQ

How long does pampas grass last when used for decor?

Cut, dried, and preserved pampas grass can last two to three years if treated with care. Keep the grass out of direct sunlight and don't place the grass in a hot or humid space (it won't last long as bathroom decor, for example). Every so often, take the plumes outdoors and gently shake the dust out of them; shaking the stalks will also fluff the plumes again.
How do you preserve pampas grass for decorating?

Dried plumes tend to shed, so if you give them a quick spray with floral protectant or hair spray every few months, that should help preserve the grass and make it last.
How do you use real pampas grass for decoration?

Dry real pampas grass for decoration by pruning stalks with a clean cutting tool (the stalks are thick), gently tying them together with a rubber band, and hanging them upside down for two to three weeks in a cool, dark, dry spot that has good air circulation. If you have cut fresh pampas grass and want to use the stalks immediately in a vase, go for it! But don't add any water to the vase; pampas is a dry grass.