The Whimsical Item I Hang on My Curtain Rods to Make It Feel Airy

When March comes around, there’s a restless energy that settles in around and within me. Outside, the world’s caught in an awkward transition. Some evenings are chilly; others are warmer. The trees are still bare, and it’s not yet nice enough to have a picnic. I’m ready for summer, but spring hasn’t even started. And meanwhile, it’s too bright to justify the heavy blankets and balsamic-scented candles of winter. I desperately yearn for the lightness and color of the coming season. 

For years, I struggled to bridge this seasonal gap without doing a full decor overhaul. I tried setting out fresh bouquets, but it meant repeatedly spending money on something that’d inevitably wilt in a few days. Then, I discovered the quiet power of dried herbs and flowers. And now, with just a few bundles of dried botanicals, I’m able to bring the feeling of spring indoors (and make my space smell great, too). Plus, by putting them in unexpected places (like hanging from curtain rods, or near stale areas of the home), I can maximize my refreshed vibes.

You don’t need large-scale changes to change the vibe of a room. Instead, you can focus on small curated tweaks that catch the eye and are well-suited to the season. For me, dried flowers and herbs provide that small, but powerful touch. 

They are incredibly versatile; their greens, neutrals, and muted tones play well with any color palette. Plus, they add a layer of organic texture that softens any space. On days that the weather is still cool or gray, these dried bundles serve as a promise that the world is indeed turning green and colorful again. Like fresh plants, they can bring a gorgeous, fresh, floral scent to spaces, depending on what you pick. But they also offer something that both fresh and faux plants, while stunning, simply can’t replicate: a rustic, understated elegance that feels more grounded. 

There are numerous varieties I like setting out for spring. For me, lavender is the gold standard, particularly for its pop of color and stunning subtle scent. I keep long-stemmed bundles in a vase and bundle tinier sprigs with other blooms in smaller vessels like Mason jars. To add a dash of whimsy, I use bunnytail grass. And eucalyptus is always a must. Additionally, I use chamomile, wheat, baby’s breath, daisies, and other wildflowers. 

If you’re feeling crafty and experimental, you can pluck them from your garden or buy fresh flowers or herbs to dry yourself. Otherwise, many local florists sell dried bundles, or you can find them on Etsy or Amazon. Either way, they’ll look especially curated from the countryside. 

I place the dried botanicals in high-traffic areas, such as the dining table, kitchen windowsill, and entryway. But I also like putting them in stagnant corners, on stacks of books, shelves, and display ledges. They create little pockets of spring energy and scent that lift my mood each time they catch my eye or I pass them by. 

In the past, I’ve also placed hanging bundles from curtain rods to draw the eye upward and make a room feel airier. 

Beyond the aesthetics, the act of “springing up” my home with dried herbs and flowers has become a cherished ritual. These light, botanical items remind me to slow down and acknowledge the beauty of the changing seasons. By displaying just a few handfuls of nature with intention, I can invite the renewing energy of spring to take root in my home. By the time the first real buds and blooms appear outside, I already feel like I’m on my way to new beginnings.