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7 Tips for Choosing the Best Vase for Your Flowers

Written by J. Morris Flowers | Oct 9, 2024 10:15:00 AM

Creating a beautiful floral arrangement is more than just picking the right flowers. The vase you choose plays a pivotal role in elevating the entire display, turning it into a stunning centerpiece.

Today we're taking a closer look into practical tips for choosing the best vases for flowers, as well as some accompanying flower arrangement tips!

Why the Right Vase Matters

If the vase clashes with the flowers or the room it's in, it can take away from the beauty of the bouquet. The vase sets the tone for the display and helps create a lasting impression.

While a vase should look good, it also needs to serve its purpose. A vase that's too small or unstable can cause the flowers to bunch up or tip over. The best vases offer enough space for the flowers to open naturally, with room for water and support.

1. Consider the Shape of the Vase

The shape of a vase can dramatically impact how your flowers look once arranged. Different shapes pair well with certain flower types, creating either a balanced or awkward presentation.

Vase shapes play a key role in supporting and showcasing your flowers. For instance, tall cylindrical vases are great for long-stemmed flowers like lilies.

They need that extra height to prevent them from drooping. Flared vases, on the other hand, allow for fuller arrangements, giving flowers like peonies or hydrangeas more room to open up and spread out.

Some flowers simply look better in certain vase shapes. Tulips, with their slim stems and soft petals, do well in narrow vases that hold them upright.

In contrast, roses often fit beautifully in a classic round vase. The round shape allows the blooms to spread naturally, making them the focal point of the arrangement.

2. Pay Attention to Vase Size

There are two main size ideas to consider when choosing floral containers. First, you want to make sure there's enough room for the flowers to spread out without overwhelming the vase.

A good rule of thumb is that the vase should be about one-third the height of the flowers. It helps create a balanced look that is pleasing to the eye.

And consider the fullness of your arrangement. If your flowers are spread thin, a wide vase may make the arrangement look even more sparse. A narrower vase can bring the flowers closer together, making the arrangement look fuller and more vibrant.

3. Choose the Right Material

Glass vases are a popular choice because they're versatile and work well with a wide variety of flowers. The transparency allows you to see the stems, adding a natural and simple beauty to the arrangement. Glass vases also offer a clean, modern look that fits in almost any setting.

Ceramic vases, on the other hand, bring a more traditional or rustic vibe. They come in many colors and finishes, which gives you the chance to match the vase with your room's décor or the style of the flowers.

Metal vases offer a unique and bold choice, often giving off a more industrial or contemporary feel. While not as common as glass or ceramic, metal vases can create a striking contrast when paired with softer flowers. 

4. Think About the Color

The vase's color can change the mood of the arrangement, making it feel calm and subtle or bold and striking.

If you want the flowers to be the focus, a neutral vase like clear glass or white ceramic is often the best choice. Clear glass, in particular, works well with most arrangements since it's simple and doesn't draw attention away from the flowers.

On the other hand, you can choose a vase that creates contrast. A darker vase, like deep blue or black, can make lighter-colored flowers stand out. Brightly colored vases, such as red or yellow, can add energy to a room and pair well with bold arrangements. 

5. Match the Vase to the Room's Décor

The vase you choose shouldn't just complement the flowers, but it should also fit the room's overall style. A vase that blends with the décor helps create a cohesive look that enhances the room's atmosphere.

In a minimalist room, a sleek and simple vase in neutral tones can keep the look clean and elegant. A rustic room, on the other hand, might benefit from a more textured or earthy vase, like ceramic with natural tones. If your space has a bold or eclectic style, you might choose a colorful or uniquely shaped vase to match the lively feel.

6. Vases for Flowers - Think About the Occasion

Elegant vases work well for special events, adding a sense of sophistication and class to the arrangement. Something more simple or rustic is better suited for casual settings, where the flowers feel like a natural part of the environment.

For seasonal events, you can get creative with vase choices. A glass vase filled with autumn leaves or a ceramic vase with a winter theme can enhance the seasonal vibe.

For more personal occasions, like a birthday or anniversary, consider using a personalized vase that adds an extra touch of thoughtfulness.

7. Consider the Practicalities

You want a vase that's simple to fill and clean, especially if you plan to use it frequently. A vase with a wide enough opening makes it easier to arrange the flowers and change the water.

Stability is also a factor. The vase needs to be sturdy enough to hold the flowers without tipping over, especially if the arrangement is tall or heavy.

Lastly, the right vase can help extend the life of your flowers. A good vase will hold enough water to keep your flowers hydrated for days, while also offering enough space for the stems to spread out.

Vase Selection Guide: Flower Display Techniques

Choosing the right vases for flowers can elevate your floral arrangements and enhance the beauty of any space.

At J. Morris Flowers, we're proud to offer great personalized service and local delivery in Northern Virginia and the greater Washington DC area. We're your go-to business for floral guidance and a personalized shopping experience.

Get in touch today to find out how we can make your vase choice easier!