If you’re anything like me, you probably have a bit of a vase obsession… Growing up with a mum who was flower obsessed – she got this from my Nana – we always had beautiful fresh flowers in our house! I would come home from school with a mason jar of homegrown roses on my bedside table most days. It was seriously such a treat and something I reminisce on fondly as it brought me so much joy and gave me such an appreciation for fresh flowers.
However, mum always had dozens of vases sitting on the bench awaiting to be washed – more vases than dishes! Although this seems like an annoying thing, it was also awesome as it meant she had a different vase for a different occasion; a small homegrown mason jar beside my bed, a single stem in the bathroom, a large bouquet on the dining table and so on. It wasn’t something I thought of much as a little girl as it was annoying always having to clean the vases, but now as a florist, I have so much appreciation, as it really does the flowers justice when they are placed in the right vessel.
Vases aren’t just vessels for flowers; they’re essential decor elements that can transform any space! In saying that, choosing the right vase for your space, and more importantly for your flowers, is an art form in itself. With so many shapes and sizes available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why I’ve put together a list of the 5 must-have vases for your home. Whether you’re an avid gardener, a market flower enthusiast, or someone who loves a touch of greenery, these vases are a must.
(This list isn’t exhaustive… if you love vases and are a collector, keep collecting, my friend!)
The Single Stem Bud Jar
Every home needs a single stem bud jar. This petite vase is perfect for showcasing a solitary, striking bloom like an anthurium or a flower picked from your garden! Its simplicity allows the flower to have its own ‘moment,’ making it an ideal addition to a bathroom counter or bedside table. The minimalist design of a bud jar highlights the beauty of the individual stem, and is perfect for a small space! I bought the sweetest single stem vase when I was travelling in San Francisco last year to attend the Sinclair and Moore flower arranging workshop, and to be completely honest, the tiny little bud jar has brought me so much more joy than some of the large vases of flowers I always have around the house!
The Simple Low and Wide Clear Glass Vase
A staple for those who frequently receive or buy premade flower bouquets. Whether you’re making them yourself (you go girl!) or you love buying flowers from a florist, at around 12cm tall, it’s perfect for arranging a compact bouquet, allowing the flowers to spread out beautifully. The clear glass allows you to regularly check the water level and water quality, so you know when it’s time for a water refresh or stem re snip.
The Humble Mason Jar
The humble mason jar is a versatile vase that’s perfect for a variety of uses! From displaying garden flowers and broken stems to storing herbs in the fridge. Its rustic charm adds a cozy, homely feel to any space. Mason jars are also great for informal settings, like a casual dinner party or a summer picnic, making them a practical and cute addition to your vase collection! Its low profile makes it perfect for table centerpieces, ensuring your guests can easily see each other across the table without obstruction, too.
The Staple Funky Vase
For those who love to fill their home with en masse market style bunches like stand alone tulips, poppies, lilies, roses or bunches of gorgeous foliage, a simple vase around 20cm tall is a must! This vase is gorgeous on a bench or on a kitchen table as an art piece. I love using my handmade pottery vases, thrifted vessels or my vintage blown glass vases to display en masse flowers. I find this is because en masse bunches are super simple and minimalistic, and can complement a rather unique and eclectic vase, compared to a florist made bouquet which has so many different colours and textures, and could compete or clash with your vase. Plus, it’s a way to use what would otherwise be just a very functional vase sitting on a shelf. This slightly taller vase provides ample space for the stems while supporting the blooms, allowing them to be displayed in all their glory.
The Iconic Ikebana Vase
Last but not least, the ikebana vase is a game-changer for DIY floral arrangements. Inspired by the Japanese art of flower arranging, this vase is perfect for creating elegant, minimalist displays. What does it exactly look like? Most ikebana vases are a small or low dish with a flower frog / flower pin stuck to the bottom. It doesn’t need to be a specific or special vase – just a low dish, you can even use a cereal bowl! The flower pin is what holds the flowers up, unlike a normal flower vase where the mouth of the vase is what keeps the flowers upright. It may look a bit complex at first, but once you understand how it works, it’s seriously so fun as you can experiment with dimension like never before! Ikebana arrangements are great for using leftover flowers from bouquets or arrangements that are starting to wilt as the stems don’t need to be long at all, unlike a traditional flower vase. My favourite thing is to add fresh basil (or any herb!), into an ikebana vase or pot to have a gorgeous functional centerpiece for the dining table, that’s alive! The Ikebana vase encourages creativity and allows you to experiment with different floral compositions. It’s definitely something I love to work with to wind down.
Now, I can’t take full credit in this blog post because as mentioned, I was fortunate enough to be exposed to a plethora of bud jars and vases from my mum, but there are a few little tips and tricks I’ve learnt about selecting the right vase for your purpose and your arrangement, in my journey of being a flower lover. I hope this list inspires you to expand your vase collection and experiment with different floral arrangements at home. Remember, the right vase can elevate even the simplest flower or flower bouquet and bring joy to your everyday life!
Here’s a flower quote I’m loving lately: “Be patient with yourself. Nothing in nature blooms all year.” – Lisa Kelly
