Decorative Vases

What types of decorative vases are available?

Vases come in sizes for every spot in a room. Floor vases are tall statement pieces that fill an empty corner or frame a fireplace. Table vases are mid sized for consoles, dining tables and shelves. Bud vases are small and delicate, perfect for a single stem or for grouping in clusters.

Shapes range from tall and narrow to wide and rounded, each suited to different arrangements. The right vase depends as much on where it will sit as on what, if anything, you plan to put inside it.

What materials do vases come in?

Material defines the personality of a vase. Ceramic and stoneware feel organic and substantial and suit farmhouse and modern rooms. Glass feels light and airy and shows off stems and water. Metal vases add shine and a contemporary edge, while textured and matte finishes read calm and understated.

Consider the look you want before the contents. A matte ceramic vase makes a quiet sculptural statement on its own, while clear glass is built to display flowers or branches.

How do you style a vase with or without flowers?

A vase does not need fresh flowers to look complete. Many sculptural vases stand alone as decor, especially in groupings of varying heights. For a fuller look, add long lasting faux stems or greenery that keep their shape year round.

When using real or faux arrangements, keep the stems roughly one and a half times the height of the vase for natural proportions. A few branches in a tall vase often look more striking than a dense, crowded bouquet.

Where should you place decorative vases?

Tall floor vases work in empty corners, beside a sofa or flanking an entryway. Mid sized vases anchor a coffee table, console or dining centerpiece. Small bud vases suit nightstands, bathroom counters and clustered groupings on a shelf.

Vary the heights when grouping several together, and give each a little space so the arrangement does not feel crowded. A vase pairs naturally with other tabletop decor such as bowls, candles and books.

How do you choose the right vase size?

Match the vase to its surroundings. On a coffee table or console, the vase should be tall enough to be noticed but not so tall it blocks sightlines across the room. For a dining table centerpiece, keep arrangements low or very tall so guests can see over or under them.

In a large, empty corner, a floor vase of around 24 to 36 inches makes a confident statement. On a shelf, smaller vases grouped together usually look better than one undersized piece sitting alone.