How to Arrange Front-Facing
What’s front-facing arranging?
When we create our arranging guides, we show you how to arrange your flowers to look great from all angles. But when we asked our community how they arrange their own flowers, 49% told us they actually arrange them to face the front - a skill not typically learnt unless you’re a florist. So we’re here to share some of our expert tips to make your flowers pop when you arrange them front-facing, perfect to display on a mantelpiece or side table.
Tip 1: Pick your spot
The starting point then, of course, is picking where your vase is sitting. Is it higher up on the mantel, or lower down on a coffee table? Is it flat against a wall, or in a corner? That helps you determine where the “front” is, i.e. the side you’re looking at it from as well as what angle, so that you can arrange your bunch facing that way.
Tip 2: Plan your shape
When you arrange to the front, you need to think less about the 360 view as you usually would. So, play around a bit to create visual interest for your viewpoint. Use some taller stems in the back for height, and shorter ones at the front to create a feeling of depth.
Play with asymmetry to keep it interesting. And always think about where the heart of your arrangement is, like a centre of gravity, and use your focal flowers there.
Tip 3: Create a grid
As you arrange, you want to make sure to create structure. That means building out a framework and creating a strong stem grid (by crossing stems over in the vase), allowing other stems to sit upright in.
Tip 4: Balance your colours
This one is vital. Don’t spread your colours too evenly or it will look a bit flat. Group some colours together, then balance them out elsewhere in the arrangement. This will make your bunch look more interesting and playful.
As always the arranging guides in our boxes will talk you through step-by-step how to arrange in a 360 style, so we thought it’d be nice to show you what else is out there. Have a go and play around!
Posted on 12th October 2026
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