How to choose and style vases

Vases as style statement

More than just vessels for flowers; vases are statements in style. Vases are a centrepiece, a pick-me-up, a beautiful gift and a showcase for your freshly picked, store-bought or faux blooms.

In this guide, we’ll help you navigate the world of vases and vessels, so you can make a choice that will bring you joy, something to admire daily for years to come.

Pairing style and space

Selecting a vase involves more than just picking one that looks pretty. Your home is a place with many surfaces that could be home to a new vessel. Here are our top tips for choosing the right vase for a particular space.

Consider the purpose as well as the placement: Is it to hold flowers or to serve as a standalone decorative piece? The placement will also influence your choice. A floor vase can make a bold statement in an entryway, while bud vases are perfect for a delicate touch on a coffee table, windowsill or vanity. In your kitchen, they can hold fresh herbs or vibrant citrus fruits.

Protip: In grand spaces, bigger is better; to create height or volume.

Material and finish: you may have a personal preference when it comes to the type of material you prefer: glass, ceramic, crystal, and terracotta. Each material offers a distinct look and feel. For a sleek, modern vibe, opt for a glass vase or a glass cylinder vase. For a more rustic or earthy appeal, a terracotta vase or ceramic plant pots might be ideal.

Size and shape: The size and shape of the vase should complement your space and the type of flowers you plan to display. A large vase or tall vase can be a striking focal point, while a large floor vase can add drama to a corner. Consider the proportions of the vase relative to the surrounding furniture and decor.

Protip: Check that terracotta and ceramic vessels are glazed and water-safe if you plan on using them for fresh flower arrangements.

Which vases for which florals

Choosing the right vase for your floral arrangement is key to creating a striking display. There is a vase for every bouquet, here's how to pair them.

Glass Vases

Ideal Flowers: Roses, tulips, orchids, and peonies.

Arrangement Tips: Glass vases are perfect for showcasing the beauty of the simple stems and work well with both single-stem displays and fuller arrangements.

Floor Vases

Ideal Flowers: Branches, tall stems like gladiolus, and pampas grass.

Arrangement Tips: Floor vases are best for larger, more dramatic arrangements. They add height and can fill empty spaces effectively.

Bud Vases

Ideal Flowers: Single stems like a rose, orchid, daisy, or small wildflowers.

Arrangement Tips: Perfect for minimalist and delicate displays. Use bud vases to highlight individual flowers and place them in smaller spaces.

Terracotta Vases

Ideal Flowers: Dried flowers, wildflowers, and succulents.

Arrangement Tips: Terracotta vases bring a rustic, bohemian charm and work well with natural and earthy floral arrangements as well as dried blooms.

Caring for your vases

To ensure your vases and floral arrangements stay beautiful for longer, here's what you can do:

Regularly clean your vases to prevent residue buildup. Use mild soap and water for glass vases and a soft cloth for crystal vases to avoid scratches. A little bit of liquid bleach works well to remove residue if you soak your vases over night.

Take care with adding water to faux stems if these stems have metal parts that can stain the inside of your vase.

If using fresh flowers, change the water every few days to keep it clean and odor-free. Trim the stems regularly to ensure they can absorb water efficiently and keep them from disintegrating into the water.

Keep your artificial flowers in vase looking fresh by dusting them regularly with a soft brush or cloth.

Add rubber or felt feet to the bottom of your vases and vessels to prevent scratching the surfaces of your furniture.

Check your vases regularly for crack and chips that may result in water leaks and damaged furniture.