7 Ways to Use Dried Lavender for Relaxation & Home Care

Dried lavender in vase
Photo by rocknwool

Lavender has long been cherished for its calming scent, natural beauty, and versatility in everyday life. Whether you want to create a serene home, wind down at bedtime, or add an elegant touch to your gifts and décor, dried lavender offers a simple, natural way to enhance your space and wellbeing.

In this guide, you’ll discover how to make the most of every lavender stem—from display ideas and sleep sachets to herbal oils, air fresheners, cleaning blends, and more. All tips are easy to try at home, and we’ve included ready-to-use options from our farm if you prefer to skip the DIY.

🔎 Table of Contents

🌿 Transform Your Space with the Soothing Aroma of Dried Lavender

Lavender has long been cherished for its calming fragrance and therapeutic qualities. Whether you're seeking a natural sleep aid or looking to elevate your home decor, dried lavender offers endless possibilities. From harvesting to drying, discover how to incorporate this versatile herb into your life with these seven amazing uses.

If you'd like to dry your lavender, simply hang the stems upside down in a dark, dry place to air-dry naturally. Read this article: How to Dry Lavender?

🌸 7 Amazing Ways to Use Dried Lavender

 1. Beautiful Lavender Vase Arrangements

After picking your lavender, you have two great options:

  • Arrange fresh lavender in a vase for an immediate burst of fragrance and color.
  • Air-dry it for future use.

For fresh lavender, add just a small amount of water (about 1 cm) to the vase and change it regularly to avoid mould. If you don't have time to grow your own, our Lavender Dried Flowers are ready to display — hand-harvested from our farm and naturally air-dried for long-lasting fragrance. Simply place the stems in a dry vase to enjoy the rustic charm of real New Zealand-grown lavender.

2. A Calming Bedtime Ritual

Use dried lavender for a soothing bedtime routine:

  • Place dried lavender buds in a sachet and tuck it inside your pillowcase.
  • Enjoy lavender’s calming aroma as it helps you unwind and promotes restful sleep — perfect for those struggling with insomnia or stress.

No time to DIY? Try our ready-to-use Lavender Pillow Sachets — filled with pure dried lavender from our farm, they’re a natural way to support better sleep.

3. DIY Lavender-Infused Oil

Create your own lavender-infused oil at home with this simple method:

  • Combine dried lavender buds with a carrier oil like sweet almond or jojoba oil.
  • Store it in a glass jar and let it infuse in a sunny spot for a few weeks, shaking occasionally.

This aromatic oil is perfect for massages or as a soothing moisturiser — but if you’d like to skip the wait, explore our handcrafted lavender body and massage oils, made right on our farm.

  • Our massage oil offers a fresh, herbaceous scent with a slightly camphourous edge — ideal for deeper relaxation and muscle relief.
  • Our English lavender body oil has a soft, sweet floral fragrance — perfect for calming the senses and nourishing the skin.

Both options are blended with premium oils to deeply hydrate and leave a beautiful, lingering scent on your skin.

4. Culinary Lavender Creations

Lavender isn’t just for relaxation—it’s also a delicious addition to your kitchen!

  • English lavender is edible and adds a gentle floral note to cakes, cookies, and teas.
  • Try baking your own Lavender Shortbread Cookies for a fragrant, homey treat.

Not sure where to start? Try our farm’s favourite Lavender Shortbread Cookie Recipe.

Tip: Not all lavender is edible. If you're unsure which variety you grow at home, check out our guide: How to Tell the Difference Between English and French Lavender — so you can cook confidently and safely.

5. Natural Air Freshener

Keep your home smelling fresh with the gentle charm of dried lavender:

  • Tuck dried lavender buds into cloth sachets or organza pouches and place them in drawers, closets, or even your car.
  • Enjoy a subtle, natural scent—perfect for those who prefer fragrance without synthetic chemicals.
  • Bonus: Dried lavender also helps repel moths and insects!

Tip: Dried lavender offers a soft, delicate aroma—not an overpowering scent. That’s because only a very small amount of essential oil is naturally present in each flower bud. In fact, it takes a large volume of lavender flowers to produce even a tiny amount of essential oil. So while a dried bundle looks full, the actual fragrance released is much more subtle than what you’d experience with fresh blooms or concentrated lavender products.

✨ Looking for a stronger scent option?

  • Explore our Lavender Wardrobe Sachets — perfect for keeping clothes, drawers, and linens delicately scented.
  • Or refresh your space instantly with our Lavender Room Spray, crafted with real lavender essential oil for a more concentrated, soothing fragrance.

6. Lavender-Infused Cleaning

Want a natural way to freshen your space? Dried lavender isn't just for beauty—it can help with cleaning too!

  • Mix dried lavender buds with baking soda and sprinkle it over carpets. Let it sit for a few minutes before vacuuming.
  • This leaves behind a gentle floral scent while acting as a natural deodoriser.

🌿 Prefer something ready-made?
Try our All-Purpose Lavender Enzyme Cleaner—a plant-based, non-toxic solution infused with real lavender. It's perfect for wiping down kitchen counters, bathroom tiles, and more, while leaving your home smelling refreshingly clean.

7. Creative Gift Wrapping

Enhance your gift wrapping with lavender:

  • Add dried lavender buds and flowers inside the package.
  • The recipient will enjoy a delicate floral scent long after unwrapping.
    A thoughtful and aromatic touch!

🌾 How to Arrange Dried Lavender in a Vase

Try these styling tips to showcase your dried lavender:

  • Loose Arrangement: Place stems loosely in a vase for a rustic look.
  • Mix with Other Dried Flowers: Pair with roses, statice, or yarrow for a timeless bouquet.
  • Add Decorative Accents: Use ribbon, twine, or lace for an elegant finish.

✅ Dos and ❌ Don’ts of Dried Lavender

✅ Do:

✔ Store your dried lavender in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to help preserve its beautiful colour and delicate fragrance.
✔ Make sure the lavender remains completely dry to avoid any risk of sogginess or decay.
✔ Display it in a dry vase—no water needed! Dried lavender doesn't require hydration and introducing moisture may cause mould.

❌ Don’t:

✖ Avoid storing dried lavender in humid environments like bathrooms—moisture leads to mould.
✖ Don’t use lavender that looks discoloured or smells musty—these are signs it has deteriorated.
✖ Never use lavender that has been treated with pesticides or chemicals, especially if you plan to use it in culinary or skincare applications.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Dried Flowers & Lavender

1. How long do dried flowers last?

Dried flowers can last from 6 months up to several years when kept in a cool, dry, and shaded environment. In New Zealand, their lifespan may be affected by seasonal humidity levels—drier air preserves them better.

2. Why do dried flowers get mouldy in winter?

During winter, indoor humidity can increase due to closed windows, damp laundry, and limited ventilation. This moisture buildup can lead to mould growth on dried flowers, especially if they’re near bathrooms or kitchens.

3. How can I prevent mould on dried flowers?

To prevent mould:

  • Use a dehumidifier to maintain indoor humidity between 30–50%.
  • Avoid placing flowers in humid areas like bathrooms.
  • Add silica gel packets near storage areas to absorb excess moisture.

4. How can I remove mould from dried lavender?

If you spot mould:

  • Gently brush off mould using a soft paintbrush.
  • Allow the flowers to air out in a ventilated space.
  • Lightly mist with 70% isopropyl alcohol (spot test first).
  • Brief exposure to indirect sunlight can help eliminate spores.

5. What are dried flowers also called?

Dried flowers are also known as everlastings, preserved flowers, or dried botanicals—sought after for their durability and natural aesthetic.

6. What is the most common dried flower?

Lavender is one of the most beloved dried flowers, prized for its soothing scent, insect-repelling properties, and decorative beauty.

7. What is the 3-5-8 rule in flower arrangements?

This rule refers to grouping flowers in odd numbers—like 3, 5, or 8—to create a balanced, natural-looking arrangement. It’s a popular design technique for both fresh and dried floral displays.

🌸 After Your Lavender Harvest: What’s Next?

Here’s how to enjoy your lavender:
✔ Create a beautiful dried lavender arrangement.
✔ Use it in bedtime sachets for relaxation.
✔ Make lavender-infused oil for skincare & massage.
✔ Experiment with culinary lavender in baking.
✔ Freshen up your space with lavender sachets.
✔ Add lavender to your cleaning routine.
✔ Elevate gift wrapping with a fragrant touch.

🌿 No time to harvest your own lavender?
Order online today and bring the beauty of dried lavender into your home! 

Click here to place your order today!

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