The Art of Vases

A Comprehensive Guide to Selecting, Styling, and Displaying Vases Throughout Your Home

By Sarah Mitchell | Senior Home Styling Expert, Guérip

A vase is never just a container - it's a sculptural statement waiting to transform your space

"The most versatile object in home design is the humble vase. Empty, it's sculpture. Filled, it's a living arrangement. Grouped, it's art. No other object offers so much possibility in such simple form." - Sarah Mitchell

Welcome from the Author

Hello, and welcome back to the Guérip Style Library!

I'm Sarah Mitchell, and today we're exploring one of my absolute favorite categories of home decor: vases.

In my fifteen years of styling homes, I've come to think of vases as the Swiss Army knife of interior design. No other object is quite so versatile. A beautiful vase works empty as sculpture. Fill it with seasonal branches and it becomes a living centerpiece. Group several together and you've created an instant collection. Move it from room to room as your needs change. No other decorative object adapts so readily to different purposes, seasons, and settings.

Yet I often see vases relegated to a single role: flower holder. Clients buy a vase, fill it with flowers, and never consider its other possibilities. Or worse, they buy vases that are wrong for their space, too small for impact, too trendy for longevity, or too uniform to create interest.

This guide will transform how you think about vases. You'll learn to select vases for both their empty beauty and their potential when filled. You'll discover how to group vases for maximum impact and how to match vessel to botanical for professional-looking arrangements. You'll understand scale, proportion, and placement. And you'll build confidence to invest in vases that will serve your home for years, adapting to every season and every mood.

Let's elevate the everyday vase to the design essential it deserves to be.

Warmly,

Sarah Mitchell Senior Home Styling Expert, Guérip

Introduction

Vases occupy a unique position in home decor. They exist at the intersection of art and function, decoration and practicality. A vase can be the focal point of a room or a quiet supporting player. It can hold a spectacular arrangement or stand beautifully empty. It can cost hundreds of dollars or be found at a thrift store for a few coins.

This versatility is precisely what makes vases both valuable and challenging. With so many options, how do you choose? How do you know which shape works for which flowers? How many vases does a home need? When should a vase stand alone, and when should it be grouped?

This guide answers these questions and more. You'll learn the vocabulary of vase shapes and materials. You'll understand the principles that make certain vases work in certain spaces. You'll discover styling techniques that professionals use to create those effortlessly beautiful arrangements you admire. And you'll develop an eye for quality and proportion that serves you every time you consider adding a vase to your collection.

Whether you're starting from scratch or editing an existing collection, this guide will help you see vases with new eyes.

Part One: Understanding Vases

The Role of Vases in Interior Design

Vases serve multiple purposes in a well-designed home:

Sculptural Interest

Even empty, a beautiful vase is a three-dimensional art object. Its form, material, and finish contribute to a room's visual landscape. A striking vase on a console or mantel commands attention like a small sculpture.

Vessel for Nature

The traditional role of vases remains important. They bring the outside in, holding fresh flowers, seasonal branches, dried botanicals, or faux arrangements. This connection to nature adds life and freshness to any space.

Color and Texture Introduction

Vases offer opportunities to introduce accent colors, interesting textures, and varied materials without major commitment. A collection of blue glass vases adds color; a rough ceramic adds texture; a hammered metal adds shine.

Vertical Element

In rooms dominated by horizontal surfaces, vases provide essential vertical interest. They draw the eye upward and create dimension on flat tables and shelves.

Flexibility

Unlike most decor, vases can move easily from room to room, surface to surface. They adapt to seasonal changes, special occasions, and evolving tastes. This flexibility makes them excellent design investments.

Personal Expression

Your vase collection reveals your aesthetic preferences, whether you favor sleek modern forms, rustic pottery, colorful glass, or collected vintage pieces.

Vase Terminology

Understanding these terms helps when shopping and styling:

By Form:

Bud vase - Small, narrow vase designed for a single stem or small bunch

Cylinder vase - Straight-sided vase with uniform diameter top to bottom

Trumpet vase - Narrow at base, flaring wide at top

Urn - Classical shape with handles and often a pedestal base

Ginger jar - Round body with small neck and lid (decorative, often used empty)

Bottle vase - Narrow neck with wider body, resembling a bottle

Globe/Sphere vase - Round body with relatively small opening

Compote - Wide shallow bowl on a pedestal, for low arrangements

Pitcher/Jug - Vase with handle and pour spout

Amphora - Ancient Greek-inspired shape with two handles and pointed base

By Features:

Neck - The narrowed opening at the top of a vase

Body - The main volume of the vase

Foot/Base - The bottom that the vase stands on

Rim/Lip - The very top edge of the opening

Shoulder - Where the body begins to narrow toward the neck

Vase Materials

Different materials offer different aesthetics and practical considerations:

Ceramic/Pottery

Best for: Almost any application; extremely versatile

Glass

Best for: Fresh flowers, modern spaces, showing stems as design element

Metal

Best for: Empty display, dried arrangements, dramatic statements

Stone/Marble

Best for: Empty display, grand statements, formal spaces

Wood

Best for: Dried arrangements, branches, natural-style interiors

Resin/Acrylic

Best for: Children's rooms, outdoor spaces, budget-friendly options

Terracotta

Best for: Casual spaces, Mediterranean style, farmhouse aesthetic

Part Two: Choosing the Right Vase

Shape Selection

Different shapes serve different purposes and create different effects:

Cylinder

Characteristics:

• Clean, modern lines
• Easy to arrange flowers in
• Uniform width accommodates many stem types
• Works well grouped in varying heights
• Contemporary feel

Best for: Modern interiors, grouped arrangements, tulips, roses, tall stems

Bottle/Narrow Neck

Characteristics:

• Classic silhouette
• Narrow neck supports single stems naturally
• Works beautifully empty
• Sculptural presence
• Vintage or contemporary depending on material

Best for: Single branches, minimal arrangements, empty display, bud vases

Globe/Round

Characteristics:

• Organic, soft shape
• Wide body allows loose arrangements
• Modern or traditional depending on material
• Statement piece when large
• Cozy, welcoming feel

Best for: Loose, garden-style arrangements, short-stemmed flowers, statement pieces

Trumpet/Flared

Characteristics:

• Dramatic, expansive shape
• Creates fullness at top
• Traditional elegance
• Supports spreading arrangements
• Often formal feeling

Best for: Large arrangements, formal settings, dramatic displays

Urn

Characteristics:

• Classical, timeless shape
• Formal presence
• Often decorative handles
• Works beautifully empty
• Traditional or updated depending on material

Best for: Traditional interiors, empty display, grand statements

Bud Vase

Characteristics:

• Small and delicate
• Perfect for single stems
• Group for impact
• Intimate scale
• Budget-friendly way to add flowers

Best for: Nightstands, small tables, groupings, single stems, testing new flowers

Compote/Low Bowl

Characteristics:

• Horizontal orientation
• Low, spreading arrangements
• Often on pedestal
• Works for fruit as well as flowers
• Elegant dinner party centerpiece

Best for: Dining tables, low centerpieces, floating flowers, short stems

Size and Proportion

Choosing the right size is crucial for both visual impact and practical function.

Vase-to-Surface Proportion

Vase-to-Arrangement Proportion

The classic rule: flowers/branches should be approximately 1.5 to 2 times the height of the vase.

When to Go Larger:

• Vases in prominent positions (entry, mantel)
• Statement pieces meant to command attention
• Floor vases
• Vases for branches or large arrangements

When to Go Smaller:

• Nightstands and small side tables
• Groupings (collection of small can equal one large)
• Intimate spaces
• Bud vase applications

Color Selection

Neutral Vases (White, Cream, Black, Gray)

Advantages:

• Work with any color scheme
• Never clash with flowers
• Timeless, won't date
• Easy to group with other colors
• Safe investment pieces

Best for: Building a foundational collection, those who change flowers frequently

Colored Glass

Advantages:

• Adds color without commitment
• Beautiful light effects
• Works empty or filled
• Can coordinate with room palette
• Artistic quality

Best for: Adding accent color, modern spaces, displaying in windows

Bold Ceramic Colors

Advantages:

• Statement-making
• Expressive personality
• Can be focal point
• Works well empty
• Specific aesthetic impact

Best for: Empty display, when flowers coordinate with vase color

Natural Materials (Terracotta, Wood, Stone)

Advantages:

• Earthy, organic feel
• Works with natural color palettes
• Textural interest
• Timeless appeal
• Often works across styles

Best for: Casual spaces, natural interiors, dried arrangements

Metallic (Gold, Silver, Brass, Copper)

Advantages:

• Adds warmth and shine
• Elevates any arrangement
• Works empty as sculptural object
• Creates focal point
• Reflects light beautifully

Best for: Formal spaces, adding glamour, mixed-metal interiors

Investment vs. Budget Pieces

Investment Piece Characteristics:

• Timeless shape
• Quality material
• Beautiful empty
• Proper proportion
• Versatile color

When to Invest:

• Statement vases for prominent positions
• Pieces you'll display empty
• Core collection foundations
• Vases from artisans you want to support
• Heirloom-quality pieces

Budget Piece Characteristics:

• Trendy shapes or colors
• Seasonal use only
• Background grouping pieces
• Testing new styles
• High-risk locations

When to Save:

• Experimenting with style
• Seasonal decorating
• Children's rooms
• Outdoor spaces
• Building quantity for groupings

Part Three: Styling Vases Empty

The Power of Empty Vases

Empty vases are not waiting to be filled. They're complete objects in their own right. Many of the most beautiful vases are specifically designed to be displayed empty as sculptural elements.

When to display empty:

• When the vase itself is the statement
• To add height and form without arranging flowers
• When fresh flowers aren't practical
• As part of a curated collection
• When the shape is more interesting than any arrangement

Choosing vases to display empty:

Look for:

• Interesting silhouettes
• Beautiful materials or finishes
• Unusual proportions
• Textural interest
• Sculptural quality

Grouping Empty Vases

Grouping vases creates more impact than single pieces and allows you to build collections over time.

The Rule of Odds

Groups of 3, 5, or 7 vases create more dynamic arrangements than even numbers. Odd numbers feel more natural and visually interesting.

Height Variation

Every successful grouping includes height variation. Include:

• One tall piece
• One medium piece
• One short piece

This creates visual rhythm and interest.

Material Cohesion

Grouped vases work best with some unifying element:

• Same material, different shapes
• Same color, different materials
• Same shape, different sizes
• Same style, different colors

Spacing in Groups

Grouping Arrangements:

Triangular Grouping Place vases to form a triangle when viewed from above. Vary heights so the tallest is at the back.

Linear Grouping Arrange vases in a line along a surface (shelf, mantel, windowsill). Vary heights for rhythm.

Clustered Grouping Cluster vases tightly together as a single unit. Works well as a centerpiece or focal point.

Single Statement Vases

Sometimes one vase is all you need.

Choosing a statement vase:

• Scale: Large enough to command attention
• Form: Interesting silhouette
• Quality: Worthy of solo spotlight
• Material: Beautiful finish or texture

Placement for impact:

• Centered on mantel
• On console table as focal point
• At end of hallway
• On pedestal as art
• In empty corner on floor (large vases)

Supporting elements:

A statement vase can stand completely alone or be accompanied by:

• A few small objects at its base
• Art behind it
• A lamp nearby
• Books stacked beside it

Part Four: Styling Vases with Botanicals

Fresh Flowers

Fresh flowers bring life, color, and fragrance to any space.

Matching Vase to Flower:

Stem-to-Vase Ratio:

• Cut stems so arrangement is 1.5-2x vase height
• Stems should be trimmed to proper length
• Remove leaves below water line
• Recut stems at angle every few days

Water Considerations:

Clear glass:

• Water level visible
• Requires frequent changing
• Stems become part of display
• Shows any debris

Opaque vases:

• Hides water line
• More forgiving of water changes
• Stems not visible
• Check water more frequently (not visible)

Dried Flowers and Botanicals

Dried arrangements offer longevity and seasonal interest.

Best vases for dried arrangements:

• Any material (no water concerns)
• Narrow necks support delicate stems
• Opaque materials work well
• Consider complementary colors

Popular dried options:

• Dried grasses (pampas, wheat)
• Dried flowers (hydrangea, roses, statice)
• Seed pods
• Cotton stems
• Preserved eucalyptus
• Dried lavender
• Lunaria (money plant)
• Billy balls

Styling dried arrangements:

• Can be more sculptural
• Last months or longer
• Dust periodically
• Replace when faded or damaged
• Work well in less-used spaces

Branches and Greenery

Branches offer drama and seasonal connection.

Branch types by season:

Vases for branches:

• Tall cylinders
• Floor vases
• Heavy bases (branches are top-heavy)
• Wide mouths for multiple branches
• Sturdy materials

Branch arrangement tips:

• Use fewer branches than you think
• Allow natural movement
• Vary heights
• Consider branch direction
• Secure in vase with stones or floral foam if needed

Faux Florals

Quality faux flowers have improved dramatically and offer permanent beauty.

When faux works well:

• Allergies in household
• Spaces you don't visit daily
• Vacation homes
• Difficult-to-maintain areas
• Budget constraints over time
• Consistent appearance needed

Choosing quality faux:

• Natural-looking colors
• Realistic stems and leaves
• Some imperfection (real flowers aren't perfect)
• Quality materials
• Avoid obviously fake textures

Styling faux arrangements:

• Treat exactly like real flowers
• Don't overfill
• Allow natural movement
• Dust regularly
• Update seasonally
• Mix with real greenery for realism

Single Stems and Minimalist Arrangements

Less can be dramatically more.

The single-stem approach:

• One perfect bloom
• One sculptural branch
• One dramatic leaf
• One interesting seed pod

Best vases for single stems:

• Bud vases
• Narrow-neck bottles
• Small cylinder vases
• Slim test-tube style vases

Why minimal works:

• Clean, modern aesthetic
• Budget-friendly (one stem costs little)
• Easy to maintain
• Highlights individual bloom beauty
• Works in small spaces
• Changes quickly

Part Five: Room-by-Room Vase Guide

Living Room

The living room offers the most opportunities for vase display.

Coffee Table:

• Low to medium height vases
• Clear sight lines for conversation
• Consider spill risk with fresh flowers
• Stable base essential

Recommended: Low compote, small round vase, bud vase grouping

Console Table:

• Can accommodate taller vases
• Statement opportunity
• Pair with lamp if needed
• Consider what's above (art, mirror)

Recommended: Tall cylinder, sculptural urn, statement piece

Side Tables:

• Small to medium vases
• Don't compete with lamps
• Functional surface needed
• Single vase or small grouping

Recommended: Bud vase, small cylinder, single bloom

Mantel:

• Can be dramatic height
• Consider fireplace use (heat)
• Balance with other objects
• Single statement or grouped

Recommended: Tall statement vase, grouped collection, sculptural piece

Bookshelves:

• Vary heights across shelves
• Mix with books and objects
• Don't overcrowd
• Consider dried or faux for high shelves

Recommended: Small varied collection, bud vases, sculptural pieces

Dining Room

Dining Table:

• Low profile essential (sight lines)
• Easy to clear for meals
• No tipping hazard
• Consider width of table

Height guideline: Under 12 inches for everyday, including flowers

Recommended: Low compote, small round vases, floating flowers in bowl

Buffet/Sideboard:

• Can go taller and more dramatic
• Often paired with other objects
• Statement opportunity
• Consider lamp pairing

Recommended: Tall cylinder, paired vases, statement urn

China Cabinet/Display:

• Smaller scale for shelves
• Coordinate with dishes
• Mix with other pieces
• Empty display often best

Recommended: Small collectible vases, colored glass, ceramic pieces

Bedroom

Nightstand:

• Small, stable vases
• Calming colors
• Fresh flowers lovely here
• Don't crowd limited surface

Recommended: Small bud vase, compact cylinder, single bloom

Dresser:

• Medium statement piece
• Part of larger vignette
• Can be taller
• Works empty or filled

Recommended: Medium ceramic or glass, sculptural piece, tray with bud vases

Vanity/Desk Area:

• Small, delicate scale
• Pretty detail
• Shouldn't impede function
• Often best with single bloom

Recommended: Tiny bud vase, porcelain piece, glass bottle

Kitchen

Kitchen Island/Counter:

• Must be stable
• Easy to move for cooking
• Low profile
• Wipeable surface

Recommended: Small pitcher, low cylinder, herb container

Windowsill:

• Small bud vases
• Enjoy light through glass
• Herb cuttings work well
• Groupings effective

Recommended: Small glass bottles, bud vase collection, herb containers

Open Shelving:

• Part of overall display
• Coordinate with dishes
• Mix functional and decorative
• Consider dust exposure

Recommended: Pottery pieces, vintage finds, colored glass

Bathroom

Countertop:

• Waterproof materials
• Easy to clean around
• Small scale
• Single bloom often sufficient

Recommended: Small ceramic, glass bud vase, stone vase

Tub Area:

• Safe placement essential
• Spa-like feeling
• Small scale
• Coordinate with toiletries

Recommended: Small bud vase, single orchid, simple ceramic

Entryway

Console Table:

• Welcoming first impression
• Statement opportunity
• Can be dramatic
• Coordinate with mirror above

Recommended: Tall statement vase, paired cylinders, sculptural piece

Small Entry:

• Scale to space
• Don't impede traffic
• Wall-mounted options work
• Single impact piece

Recommended: Wall pocket, slim console vase, grouped bud vases

Home Office

Desktop:

• Minimal footprint
• Shouldn't distract
• Single bloom concept
• Easy to reach and maintain

Recommended: Small bud vase, tiny cylinder, single stem holder

Bookshelf/Credenza:

• Integrate with other objects
• Can be empty sculpture
• Professional appearance
• Not distracting

Recommended: Simple ceramics, sculptural pieces, neutral colors

Part Six: Seasonal Vase Styling

Spring

Color palette:

• Soft pastels (pink, lavender, pale yellow)
• Fresh greens
• Clean white
• Gentle neutrals

Vase choices:

• Clear glass (shows stems)
• White ceramic
• Soft colored glass
• Light colored pottery

Botanical suggestions:

• Tulips
• Daffodils
• Hyacinth
• Ranunculus
• Cherry blossoms
• Pussy willows
• Forsythia branches

Styling approach:

• Fresh, airy arrangements
• Celebrate new blooms
• Garden-gathered feel
• Mixed spring flowers
• Branches showing buds

Summer

Color palette:

• Bright whites
• Ocean blues
• Sunny yellows
• Coral and peach
• Natural greens

Vase choices:

• Blue and green glass
• White ceramics
• Natural terracotta
• Rattan-wrapped glass
• Clear glass

Botanical suggestions:

• Peonies
• Garden roses
• Hydrangeas
• Sunflowers
• Dahlias
• Zinnias
• Fresh greenery
• Herbs

Styling approach:

• Lush, abundant arrangements
• Garden-style looseness
• Outdoor gathered feeling
• Single variety impact
• Floating flowers in low bowls

Fall

Color palette:

• Warm terracotta
• Rich burgundy
• Mustard yellow
• Deep orange
• Olive green
• Copper and brass

Vase choices:

• Amber glass
• Warm ceramics
• Brass and copper
• Dark pottery
• Natural materials

Botanical suggestions:

• Dried grasses
• Autumn branches
• Dried hydrangeas
• Seed pods
• Berries on branches
• Preserved leaves
• Chrysanthemums
• Marigolds

Styling approach:

• Rich, warm tones
• Dried and preserved elements
• Branches with changing leaves
• Deeper, moodier palettes
• Textural interest

Winter

Color palette:

• Deep green
• Classic red (sparingly)
• Metallics (gold, silver)
• White and cream
• Midnight blue
• Natural bark brown

Vase choices:

• Metallic finishes
• White ceramics
• Mercury glass
• Dark dramatic vessels
• Crystal or cut glass

Botanical suggestions:

• Evergreen branches
• Holly and berries
• White amaryllis
• Paperwhites
• Bare branches
• Pine and cedar
• Red berries
• Winter whites

Styling approach:

• Dramatic and elegant
• Incorporate metallics
• Seasonal greenery
• Candlelight pairings
• Spare, sculptural branches
• Holiday touches integrated

Part Seven: Advanced Techniques

Creating Collection Displays

Building a vase collection over time creates beautiful display opportunities.

Collection approaches:

Single Color Collection:

• All white vases in varying shapes
• All blue glass in varying shades
• All clear glass in varying forms
• Unified but varied

Single Material Collection:

• All ceramic in varying colors
• All glass in varying shapes
• All metal in varying finishes
• Material as common thread

Single Shape Collection:

• All bottles in varying sizes
• All cylinders in varying heights
• All round vases in varying widths
• Shape as common thread

Era or Origin Collection:

• All mid-century modern
• All Asian-influenced
• All vintage finds
• All artisan pieces

Displaying collections:

Mixing Vases with Other Objects

Vases rarely exist in isolation. They work within larger styled moments.

Successful pairings:

Vases + Books:

• Stack books horizontally
• Place vase on top or beside
• Coordinate colors
• Mix heights

Vases + Candles:

• Group at varying heights
• Coordinate materials
• Create ambiance together
• Don't block one another

Vases + Trays:

• Corral smaller vases on tray
• Create instant vignette
• Easy to move as unit
• Unifies disparate pieces

Vases + Frames:

• Layer at different depths
• Vary heights
• Coordinate finishes
• Create collected feel

Vases + Plants:

• Mix cut flowers with potted
• Vary living elements
• Create indoor garden feel
• Layer heights

Floor Vases

Floor vases make dramatic statements but require special consideration.

Size guidelines:

• Minimum 18 inches tall
• Up to 36 inches or more
• Proportional to room scale
• Consider ceiling height

Placement options:

• Empty corners
• Beside furniture
• Flanking doorways
• Entry statement
• Beside fireplace

Styling floor vases:

• Often best empty
• Tall branches work well
• Single variety stems
• Dried grasses
• Ensure stability (heavy base)

Material considerations:

• Heavy materials stay put
• Light materials may tip
• Consider children and pets
• Protect floors beneath

Window Display

Windows offer unique opportunities for vase display.

Why windows work:

• Natural light illuminates
• Glass comes alive in sunlight
• Colored glass creates colored light
• Visible from inside and out

Window display tips:

• Use glass vases to maximize light
• Group odd numbers
• Vary heights dramatically
• Consider exterior view also
• Check for sun damage to flowers
• Rotate liquid-filled vases (algae grows in light)

Best windowsill vases:

• Colored glass (most impact)
• Small bottles
• Bud vases
• Propagation tubes
• Clear glass with single stems

Part Eight: Care and Maintenance

Cleaning Vases

Regular cleaning keeps vases looking their best.

General cleaning:

• Wash after each use with fresh flowers
• Rinse thoroughly
• Dry completely before storing
• Clean empty display vases periodically

Removing water residue and mineral deposits:

Method 1: Vinegar solution

• Fill with equal parts water and white vinegar
• Let sit several hours or overnight
• Scrub with bottle brush
• Rinse thoroughly

Method 2: Denture tablets

• Fill with warm water
• Drop in one or two tablets
• Let fizz and sit
• Rinse thoroughly

Method 3: Rice and soap

• Add handful of uncooked rice
• Add dish soap and water
• Swirl vigorously
• Rice scrubs interior
• Rinse thoroughly

Narrow neck vases:

• Use bottle brush
• Pour in cleaning solution
• Shake with rice method
• Special narrow brushes available

Material-specific cleaning:

Extending Fresh Flower Life

Make your arrangements last longer:

Basic flower care:

• Cut stems at angle before placing
• Remove leaves below water line
• Use room temperature water
• Add flower food if provided
• Change water every 2-3 days
• Recut stems when changing water
• Keep away from fruit (ethylene gas)
• Avoid direct sunlight and heat

Flower food alternatives:

• 1 teaspoon sugar + 1 teaspoon bleach per quart water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice + 1 tablespoon sugar per quart
• Splash of vodka + teaspoon sugar
• Commercial flower food (most effective)

Storing Vases

Proper storage prevents damage:

Storage principles:

• Clean and dry completely before storing
• Wrap delicate pieces in tissue or bubble wrap
• Store upright when possible
• Don't nest unless same shape and size
• Keep in climate-controlled area
• Label boxes if not visible

For frequently rotated pieces:

• Open shelving in closet or utility room
• Clear containers so you can see contents
• Easy access for seasonal changes

For occasional-use pieces:

• Wrapped in closed cabinet
• Clearly labeled boxes
• Protected from dust and damage

Part Nine: Building Your Collection

Essential Vases to Own

Build a versatile foundation:

Core Collection (5-7 pieces):

• 1 tall cylinder (12-16 inches)
• 1 medium round vase
• 2-3 bud vases (varying heights)
• 1 low compote or bowl
• 1 statement piece (for special occasions)

Expanded Collection (10-15 pieces):

• Add: second tall vase
• Add: colored glass pieces
• Add: varying materials
• Add: floor vase if space allows
• Add: specialty shapes
• Add: collected/vintage pieces

Where to Find Vases

Investment pieces:

• Design stores
• Art galleries
• Artisan markets
• Ceramic artists directly
• Antique shops
• Estate sales

Everyday pieces:

• Home decor retailers
• Garden centers
• Online marketplaces
• Thrift stores
• Craft fairs
• International markets

Free/found:

• Vintage family pieces
• Repurposed bottles
• Thrift store finds
• Market vendor containers

Budget Strategy

Invest in:

• Statement pieces for prominent display
• Quality materials that last
• Pieces you'll display empty
• Versatile shapes you'll use often

Save on:

• Trend-driven shapes or colors
• Background grouping pieces
• Experimental styles
• Pieces for high-risk areas
• Quantities for collection displays

Part Ten: Troubleshooting Common Problems

"My vase is too narrow for the stems I bought"

Solutions:

• Choose vases after choosing flowers when possible
• Build a collection with varying mouth widths
• Trim stems to fit (shorter works with narrow neck)
• Use rubber bands to bundle stems (helps them fit)
• Transfer to different vase

"My arrangement looks top-heavy"

Solutions:

• Add pebbles or marbles to base
• Use floral frog or tape grid
• Choose heavier vase
• Trim arrangement shorter
• Use wider-base vessel

"Clear vases look dirty quickly"

Solutions:

• Change water every 1-2 days
• Clean with vinegar between uses
• Consider opaque vases for less maintenance
• Remove dying flowers promptly
• Use flower food (reduces bacteria)

"I can't get my vase clean inside"

Solutions:

• Soak overnight in vinegar solution
• Use rice and soap method
• Try denture tablets
• Use special bottle brush
• Accept patina (some vintage pieces have it)

"My single stem won't stay upright"

Solutions:

• Use narrow-neck vase
• Add decorative stones for support
• Use floral tape across opening
• Choose vase designed for bud display
• Try a different stem with more rigidity

"Grouped vases look random, not curated"

Solutions:

• Create unifying element (color, material, shape)
• Vary heights deliberately
• Cluster more tightly
• Use odd numbers
• Add height variation

"My dried flowers look dusty and sad"

Solutions:

• Shake gently outdoors
• Use hair dryer on cool setting
• Replace when past prime
• Store carefully between uses
• Keep away from humidity

"I have vases but never use them"

Solutions:

• Display best ones empty
• Keep one filled with current flowers
• Create permanent dried arrangement
• Rotate seasonally
• Use for other purposes (utensil holder, pencil cup)

"Flowers die too quickly"

Solutions:

• Cut stems at angle
• Use clean vase
• Change water frequently
• Add flower food
• Keep away from heat and fruit
• Buy fresher flowers

Conclusion: The Vessel and Its Possibilities

A vase is simultaneously one of the simplest and most versatile objects you can own. At its core, it's just a container. But that container can hold branches that bring spring indoors, flowers that brighten a difficult week, dried grasses that warm a fall evening, or nothing at all while standing beautifully as sculpture.

Build your collection thoughtfully over time. Start with versatile basics that serve multiple purposes. Add pieces that speak to you personally. Don't be afraid of empty vases or minimal arrangements. Sometimes a single perfect stem says more than a full bouquet.

Most importantly, use your vases. They're not meant to sit in cabinets waiting for special occasions. Fill them with grocery store flowers. Display them empty on your mantel. Group them differently every season. Move them from room to room as the mood strikes. A vase is only beautiful when it's part of your daily life.

Your home deserves the life and artistry that vases bring. Let's fill it with beauty.

This guide is part of the Guérip Home Styling Series by Sarah Mitchell.

More guides in the series:

• The Art of Soft Furnishings
• The Art of Decorative Objects
• The Art of Lighting
• The Art of Mirrors
• The Art of Rugs and Carpets
• The Art of Tabletop Decor
• Window Treatments: From Basics to Beautiful
• Color Theory for the Everyday Home
• Seasonal Refresh: A Room-by-Room Transition Guide

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Vase Shape Quick Guide

Size Guidelines

Vase Height by Location:

Flower-to-Vase Ratio: Arrangement 1.5-2x vase height

Material Quick Guide

Essential Collection Checklist

Starter collection:

• [ ] 1 tall cylinder (12-14")
• [ ] 1 medium round vase
• [ ] 3 bud vases
• [ ] 1 low bowl or compote
• [ ] 1 statement piece

Expanded collection add:

• [ ] 1 floor vase
• [ ] 2-3 colored glass pieces
• [ ] 1 pitcher/jug style
• [ ] Additional bud vases
• [ ] 1-2 vintage or collected pieces

Grouping Guidelines

Always include height variation in any grouping.

Seasonal Quick Reference

About Guérip

Guérip is dedicated to helping you create spaces that reflect your unique style and support your everyday life. Through expert guidance, curated collections, and practical inspiration, we believe that beautiful living should be accessible to everyone.

Visit us at www.guerip.com to explore our full range of home styling resources.

About the Author

Sarah Mitchell is Guérip's Senior Home Styling Expert with over fifteen years of experience in interior design and home staging. She has been featured in leading home and lifestyle publications and is known for her approachable, practical advice that helps real people create beautiful spaces on real budgets. Sarah believes that every home has potential - it just needs the right touches to shine.

Guérip - Designing spaces. Creating homes.

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Happy styling!