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Glass vases, ceramic vases, and everything in between. Fashion Vase
Your home isn’t complete without a vase (or two). A good flower vase has a lifetime of use, providing not only a decorative element to your home but a practical necessity, too.
An understated glass flower vase will be home to unexpected bouquets and handpicked cut flowers fresh from your garden, while a bold ceramic vase will serve as a centrepiece on your dining table and an accent piece for your sideboard.
Decorative vases can create a visual focal point in your interior – choose boldly and place your vase in a prominent position, such as on a coffee table or mantelpiece. You can also elevate a decorative vase further with the addition of dried flowers, or mix with real flowers for extra depth.
We’ve put together an expert guide on how to choose your new favourite flower vase, plus 19 of our favourite designs to choose from.
It's all do with the size of your bouquet. M&S flowers expert, Jane Scott, advises: 'Possibly the most important thing to consider when choosing the perfect vase is size and shape. As a general rule of thumb, aim for a vase around half the height of your bouquet.
'For those graceful long-stemmed flowers like sunflowers and British gladioli, a tall and slender vase will highlight their shape and make them stand out. For shorter-stemmed blooms that are still wonderfully full, choose a rounder vase so the flowers create a domed effect. Thus, they make the perfect centrepiece for a table setting, coffee table or sideboard.'
The material you opt for when selecting a flower vase largely depends on what you want its purpose to be – practical or decorative.
Natalia Wilmott, owner of the eponymous homeware and interiors store, recommends using a glass vase for fresh flowers: 'It is the most waterproof and provided you have dried the bottom of the vase, it will not create rings on your furniture.'
Natalia also suggests considering durability and opting for metal and stoneware if you need something more sturdy. The weight of stone vases makes them less susceptible to knocks, while metal is shatterproof – essential if you want to place your vase on a low surface. Cement vases are also a hardy option.
'Ceramic vases are the best vases to get as purely decorative accessories as they come in many pretty shapes and colours,' says Natalia. But be careful, ceramic vases can be porous and spoil antique furniture and marble. To mitigate this, Natalia suggests adding a hidden plastic bottle inside your ceramic vase if you want it to hold freshly cut bouquets.
Remember, glass and transparent vases will require slightly more upkeep; as the water is visible it can get dirty over time and leave limescale residue.
Jane advises: 'When it comes to matching the colour of your vase to your flowers, it really depends on your personal preference and interior style, so have some fun with it.
'Personally, I like to pair a classic bouquet of red roses with a neutral or clear vase to allow the flowers to pop and it can also give your flowers a more luxurious look. For a mixed bouquet that has lots of different colours, adding further colour is the way forward. You can do this with a coloured or patterned vase. This pairing adds a playful touch and is a great way to tap into the maximalism trend.'
Clean lines and a contemporary silhouette make this a simple yet striking design. Crafted from iron, this vase features a rough, tactile finish.
This fluted glass vase features a handy wide neck, perfect for chunky floral arrangements. The simplicity of the design makes it an incredibly versatile piece.
This chunky terracotta vase is ideal for adding a rustic edge to your home. We love the simple, compact design.
This hand-finished stoneware splatter vase has two playful mini handles for a quirky silhouette. Use it as a flower vase or as a piece of decor in its own right.
This minimalist vase features an abstract, handpainted design in neutral shades of white and brown, complete in a glossy glaze. it's a must-have for minimalist interiors.
This playful vase features a sunny yellow glaze and a rotund silhouette, so it's sure to brighten up whatever room you put it in. The glossy finish helps to bounce light around, too.
A distinctive crackle glaze adds a subtle dose of texture to this petite vase. The perfect addition to neural interiors, we think this would look best styled simply with dried eucalyptus.
A bright pop of turquoise is just what you need to add some personality to your space. Gold glitter adds some extra shimmer, as does the abstract spot glaze.
Simple, but in the best way possible. A popular buy at H&M and still all over Instagram feeds, this circular 'doughnut' vase features a natural hue that makes it perfect for minimalist interiors. The ring-like shape adds extra intrigue.
Designed by Lisa Hilland, this glass vase is inspired by rainbows, hence its shimmering finish. The ribbed texture only adds to its charm.
This decorative vase is handmade, meaning each piece is as unique as it is eye-catching. It features a round base and slender neck and is finished with two curved handles – the result is truly sculptural.
Bursting with bubbles, this glass vase is bound to make a statement. Use it to show off one or two vibrant stems and put it somewhere to be seen.
High-quality crystal glass means this classic vase is a homeware staple that'll last for many years to come. The understated silhouette means this is guaranteed to work in just about any interior.
If you're a lover of all things unique, this is the vase for you. It's crafted from ceramic and features multiple contrast handles on its narrow neck for standout style.
Add a touch of abstract art to your home with this sculptural double bud vase. We love the contrast of the pink design with the matt black glaze.
This ceramic option has a textured finish set against a weathered cream base. We like the softly rounded shape and the vase's playful handles.
This Kiln vase is mouth-blown by skilled glassblowers to give it a funnel-shaped neck. It's best used to display a few choice stems.
We love this vase's unique rounded shape and unusual scalloped texture. Plus, a reactive glaze gives each piece a unique look.
Boasting a bright and vibrant design, this vase is ideal for elevating your home interior. Display it somewhere it can be admired.
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