Looking for creative ways to bring a little summer into the house? Here are tips and inspiration on how to decorate with sunflowers.

A wooden planter with green leaves.

Last year in record-breaking gardening news we had an entire vegetable garden in our backyard.

For the first time ever.

Not to be all about the gardener I’m married to, but it was kind of next level.

There were cucumbers and squash and beans and carrots and cauliflower and every kind of herb you can imagine.

Kind of like Vanilla Ice and Ice Ice Baby….

….the garden was a one-hit wonder.

We didn’t really plant anything this year because we were redoing all the beds in the front yard. So imagine my surprise when I walked into the backyard and saw this. These clusters of green leaves were poking their stems up through the soil and wrapping themselves around the wooden obelisks.

So what do you think returned this year?

Was it the carrots or beans or cauliflower? Or the herbs? Or the squash?

We weren’t sure.

We couldn’t figure it out.

Until we walked outside one day and saw this.

A close-up image of vibrant yellow sunflowers with dark brown centers. The flowers are in focus, revealing the intricate details of the petals and seeds, while the background is softly blurred. Green leaves surround the blossoms, adding a fresh contrast.

SUNFLOWERS.

Can you even believe it?

Somehow, someway we forgot they were planted in the garden last year.

A tall sunflower plant growing next to a white wooden fence in a garden. Several small yellow flowers are blooming on the plant. There is a wooden trellis and a wire basket nearby, with green trees in the background.

And it wasn’t just a couple of sunflowers.

It’s grown and grown and grown and grown until it’s the Jack in the Beanstalk of sunflower plants.

Look at what it looks like now. It’s over seven feet tall and still growing strong.

A commenter mentioned that this particular type of sunflower is called a “Volunteer.” I researched it and it looks like they are called that because they aren’t purposely planted. These sunflowers grew from seeds flown on the wind from past plants and those seeds just “volunteered” to grow again and produce new sunflowers.

WHAT?

I’ve officially decided I’m the president of the volunteer sunflower society. I volunteer and I think my plants should, too.

Another amazing thing about these sunflowers is that grow so tall that they shade other plants which is perfect for our Texas heat.

// battery-operated lamp // polka dot desk blotter // artichoke candle holder //

Yesterday I had my husband cut some sunflowers from our giant sunflower plant and brought them into the office.

Our very own sunflowers from our very own garden.

I added them to this glass vase and added them to my desk.

A close-up photo of a bouquet of sunflowers. The bright yellow petals and green stems stand out against a blurred background of geometric patterns in black and white. The sunflowers are prominently featured, with one flower in sharp focus.

A bright room with large windows covered by white curtains adorned with bold blue geometric patterns. There's a wooden desk with a vase of sunflowers and a white lamp. Two colorful floral paintings hang on the wall above a blue patterned rug.

// battery-operated lamp // polka dot desk blotter // artichoke candle holder // blue and white rug //

Look at how much they brighten the space.

I love a little pop of yellow for summer.

And the best thing about sunflowers? They stay pretty for so long.

A brass table lamp with a white pleated lampshade sits on a wooden table covered with a blue and white polka dot placemat. In the background, there's a colorful floral painting and blue geometric patterned curtains.

// battery-operated lamp // polka dot desk blotter //

The sunflowers are in a vase next to this amazing lamp.

It’s the BEST problem solver.

The challenge with this desk is that if you want to add a lamp to the top, there are cords everywhere that have to wrap around the desk to plug in to the outlet in the back. And then when you want to sit at the desk you have to remember that there are cords there.

Yikes.

I’ve tried several lamps and just gave up.

No hope.

No lighting.

A bright and airy home office with a wooden desk and white chair. The room features blue patterned curtains and a matching area rug. A white armchair, round side table, and bookshelves are present. Colorful artwork and a potted plant add lively accents to the space.

// battery-operated lamp // polka dot desk blotter // artichoke candle holder // blue and white rug // white spindle chair //

This gives you the better idea of the space so you can see the challenge with the desk.

Also—this is my dad’s desk so there was no way that I was going to drill a hole in the top.

That is wood that I would never get back.

// battery-operated lamp // polka dot desk blotter // artichoke candle holder //

And then? I found this battery-operated lamp.

It comes with the shade and you charge it and then it comes on with the push of a button.

I use a portable charger to charge it once a week.

That’s it.

The light is pretty bright for a lamp of this size and the finish looks so high-end and it’s on sale right now for 40% off.

You can see the lamp here.

A brass lamp stand is positioned on a wooden surface. In the background, a blue placemat with white polka dots is visible.

A white pleated lampshade sits atop a brass lamp base against a backdrop of a blurred blue and white patterned curtain. The scene includes hints of a floral arrangement in the top left corner, giving the room a cozy and elegant ambiance.

Here’s what the push button looks like.

And here’s what the lampshade looks like.

It comes in eight different lamps with different finishes and lampshades.

You can see them all here.

A bright and airy home office with a wooden desk and white chair. The room features blue patterned curtains and a matching area rug. A white armchair, round side table, and bookshelves are present. Colorful artwork and a potted plant add lively accents to the space.

// battery-operated lamp // polka dot desk blotter // artichoke candle holder // blue and white rug // white spindle chair //

A clear glass vase holds a bouquet of vibrant yellow sunflowers with green leaves, placed on a wooden surface. In the background, there's a blue and white patterned curtain and part of a white chair and lamp, with a colorful canvas partially visible on the wall.

A close-up image of vibrant yellow sunflowers with dark brown centers. The flowers are in focus, revealing the intricate details of the petals and seeds, while the background is softly blurred. Green leaves surround the blossoms, adding a fresh contrast.

A bright room with large windows covered by white curtains adorned with bold blue geometric patterns. There's a wooden desk with a vase of sunflowers and a white lamp. Two colorful floral paintings hang on the wall above a blue patterned rug.

// battery-operated lamp // polka dot desk blotter // artichoke candle holder // blue and white rug // 

Isn’t it amazing that these beautiful sunflowers were waiting for me all winter?

In January and February and March and April they were out there—right under the soil.

And now?

It’s July and they are turning their beautiful yellow faces towards the sun.

The only thing better than a blue and white office?

A blue and white office with a little bit of amazing….

….that volunteered to grow again so my summer would be brighter. 🙂

PS Getting questions about the lamp and here are a couple of specific things to note:
1. It’s smaller than I thought it was going to be (but that ended up being a good thing). I actually love the size for where I wanted to put it.
2. It’s really well made for the price. It doesn’t look cheap at all.
3. The charge holds amazingly well. I’ve had it on for over 8 hours and it was still going strong on one charge.
4. I think the secret is to not let it get uncharged. Every couple of days or so I use a portable charger to charge it (so I don’t have a cord running around the desk). The charger sits on my desk and charges it until the light turns green.
5. The light is surprisingly strong for such a small lamp. It’s a warm light rather than a cool light so it’s perfect for a desk lamp!

Hope this helps! 🙂

A collage titled "Sunflower Decor" showcases how to decorate with sunflowers, including flower arrangements, wreaths, pillows, signs, tableware, a towel rack, candles, welcome signs, and kitchen accents like a paper towel holder and towel. The decor is bright and cheerful.

In case you were inspired and looking for a little sunflower decor of your own?

I put together some of my favorites.

You can see them all in my Amazon shop here.

disclosure: affiliate links are used in this post.

Want to know how to decorate your home for free?
Click here to get my FIVE BEST secrets.

Posted On: July 3, 2024

Written By: KariAnne Wood

Comments

  1. Image for LeAnne LeAnne

    Such a fun, cheerful surprise! And they look so good and happy on your desk. I love that lamp and could use one too. Where did you get that desk pad? Right now I have a woven placemat on my desk (a vintage Queen-Anne style table), and I like the placemat b/c it's the same color as the desk so it disappears. But, it would be nice to have something stylish instead. Happy July 4th, Betsy Ross! ;)

    Reply
    1. Image for KariAnne Wood KariAnne Wood

      It's SO CUTE! I've had it for several years and it's really held up! I got it from a shop called Society 6! You can see the link here (affiliate): https://bit.ly/4ePNfTh Let me know if you have any other questions!

      Reply
  2. Image for Rizae Rizae

    Love the sunflowers! They always brighten a room and make me smile. They're sweet and cheeky in their simplicity. Happy 4th of July to you and yours. Big Hugs

    Reply
  3. Image for Jan Mc Kenzie Jan Mc Kenzie

    Hi, Sunflowers are like bringing the sun inside. A gift everyday you have them. Those plants that come back are called “volunteers”, how cute is that? Have a sun-filled, glorious day. Jan

    Reply
  5. Image for Diana Diana

    I love sunflowers they have a happy vibe and the yellow shines. I tried growing them from seed didn't work out maybe I will try again. Have a fun 4th of July and enjoy the family.

    Reply
    1. Image for KariAnne Wood KariAnne Wood

      It's SO CUTE! I've had it for several years and it's really held up! I got it from a shop called Society 6! You can see the link here (affiliate): https://bit.ly/4ePNfTh Let me know if you have any other questions!

      Reply
  7. Image for Emily L Emily L

    What a gorgeous office! So bright and cheery and welcoming. Your beautiful sunflowers are the perfect addition. You have definitely inspired me to take another look at my office and realize that it's probably time for it to come alive. Love all the bright colors in yours. Congratulations on your vegetable garden insisting on being alive.

    Reply
  9. Image for MaryPat MaryPat

    Aren't volunteers the best? This year I have volunteer black-eyed Susans and oregano. It makes me smile when I walk past them and see how healthy the plants are and think to myself, I didn't have to buy and plant those this year! My yard also has volunteer sunflowers each year, mine are gifts from the birds that visit my birdfeeders. The birds are great at planting, I just wish that I could teach them the correct places to plant their seeds.

    Reply
  10. Image for Debbie Debbie

    I love sunflowers!! They look great on your desk. I love the lamp too just might have to get it! I also love your flower pictures . Your office looks amazing! Your Dads desk is beautiful so glad you didn't paint it. 😀

    Reply
  11. Image for Erin Erin

    A few years after we moved into our house, right by our patio, I found pumpkins growing & what was very cool is there were five of them growing and there is five of us in our family. Mind you, I never planted pumpkins and again, we had been living there for two, maybe three years.

    Reply
  13. Image for Judy Young Judy Young

    Sunflowers are just about the essence of Summer! Bright and happy. I too love the desk pad. Any source fir that available? Stay cool !

    Reply
    1. Image for KariAnne Wood KariAnne Wood

      It's SO CUTE! I've had it for several years and it's really held up! I got it from a shop called Society 6! You can see the link here (affiliate): https://bit.ly/4ePNfTh Let me know if you have any other questions!

      Reply
  14. Image for Kay Siders Kay Siders

    The Sunflowers are bright and cheery! They look great on your desk. I have fallen in love with the two bright prints on the wall behind your desk. Please give me the information about them. Where did you find them? They are perfect for above my bed. Thank you and Happy Fourth!!!

    Reply
  16. Image for MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA) MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA)

    What a surprise you had with that lovely "volunteer" sunflower just waiting to bring you some happiness! Your office is so pretty and your sunflowers in your vase look so beautiful on your desk -- and so does that lamp! KariAnne, you enjoy those sunflowers. I know they will bring you lots of happiness! Enjoy your 4th of July!

    Reply
  17. Image for Karyn Karyn

    Sunflowers are my #2 favorite flower. #1 is Daisy, and for fragrance, I love carnations. All very simple, bright and cheerful. They do add a happy vibe to a room.

    Reply
  18. Image for Michele - vintage home designs Michele - vintage home designs

    Your sunflowers are beautiful! What a delightful surprise to find these in your garden.

    Reply
  19. Image for Pamela Pamela

    Sunflowers….my daughter’s favorite! So pretty and cheerful. Love the lamp too. Did you paint the canvas art? Lovely. If it can be ordered, could you provide the source. Thank you and have a wonderful 4th.

    Reply
  20. Image for Kris Kris

    I love the lamp! It's so nice that many things these days are cordless. It gives so many more options for room setup!

    Reply
  21. Image for BOOTSIE BOOTSIE

    LUCKY YOU !!!! Sunflowers are the best....I love Shasta daisies and daffodils also...I think they are the happiest flowers !!! I had a big patch of daisies come up in a mound of dirt in our driveway this spring...I actually loved it and left it there...

    Reply
  22. Image for B. B.

    If the charging lamp doesn't work out you could always sew a fabric cover for the electric cord ----- something pretty that would coordinate with your other fabrics in the room.

    Reply
  24. Image for Laura Laura

    That is such a great surprise for you! What a treat to find sunflowers growing in your garden. There is nothing better than having a surprise waiting for you! It puts a smile on your face!

    Reply
  25. Image for Michele M. Michele M.

    I so love the earth's Happy Little Accidents! They are gifts from God - and your little sunflowers are just so sweet, KA!!!

    Reply
  28. Image for Leslie Watkins Leslie Watkins

    Perfect flowers for that vase! My zinnias are like that…returning each year to brighten my world. Inside and out. In love with that room, friend! Happy 4th weekend!

    Reply
  29. Image for Peg Peg

    My friend calls flowers that randomly turn up in a garden "bird p**p flowers"! The birds eat the seeds and you know the rest! xoxo

    Reply

Comments are closed.