How to Choose a Vase: Shape, Size and Material

A vase is never just a container. Chosen well, it shows off a bouquet, gives structure to a shelf and lends character to a whole room. Chosen badly, it swamps the flowers or fades into the background. Here is what to check before you buy, from the essentials to the finer details.

1. Start with what you'll put in it

The first question isn't "which vase do I like?" but "what am I going to put in it?". Your flowers, and above all the length of their stems, decide the shape of the vase.

• A big bunch of fresh flowers: a tall, wide vase with an opening of at least 8 cm, so the stems have room to breathe.
• Pampas grass and branches: a tall vase with a narrow neck that keeps the stems upright instead of letting them splay out.
• One or two stems: a bud vase or a small-mouthed vase, which gives presence even to a single bloom.
• Nothing at all: a sculptural vase, like the donut vase, that holds its own.

2. Get the proportions right

Florists use a simple rule: the visible part of the arrangement should be roughly one and a half to two times the height of the vase. For a 24 cm vase, aim for stems that rise 35 to 50 cm above the rim. For pampas, a 40 cm vase is perfect for stems of 90 cm to 1.2 m.

Conversely, stems that are too short in a vase that is too tall leave flower heads peeking awkwardly over the rim. If that happens, switch to a lower vase or a bud vase.

3. Choose the right material for the job

Each material has its strengths:

• Ceramic offers a huge range of shapes and finishes. Check that it's glazed inside if you plan to add water.
• Stoneware is denser and copes better with small knocks, which makes it ideal for bud vases that get moved around a lot.
• Glass shows off the stems and the water: lovely for fresh flowers, less forgiving when the water turns cloudy.
• Resin is lightweight and usually intended for decorative use only.

Our matte organic ceramic vase, for example, pairs a sandy exterior with a glazed interior, so it takes a fresh bouquet as happily as dried flowers.

4. Matte or glossy finish?

The finish completely changes the effect:

• Matte: soft and natural, it works with linen, pale wood and Japandi or boho interiors.
• Glossy: more graphic, it bounces the light around and adds a contemporary touch, perfect for a slightly dark room.
• Textured or ribbed: it creates a play of light and shadow, especially striking on a tall vase standing on the floor.

Tip: stick to two finishes at most in the same room to keep the look coherent.

5. Think about where it will go

Before you buy, look closely at the spot where the vase will live.

• Coffee table: go low, under 25 cm, so it doesn't get in the way of conversation.
• Console or sideboard: the perfect place for a medium-height vase or a trio of different heights.
• Floor: a tall vase of 40 cm or more, filled with pampas, fills an empty corner next to an armchair.
• Shelf: play with small sizes and bud vases, which leave room for your books.

6. Match the colours to your home

For a harmonious result, pick up a colour that's already in the room: a terracotta cushion, a sand-coloured throw, pale wood. Neutral tones such as off-white, sand or pebble grey go anywhere and let the flowers do the talking. A brightly coloured vase works best on its own, as an accent.

7. Group several vases together

A single vase can look lost on a large piece of furniture. The stylist's trick: group three vases of different heights in the same colour family. Our set of 3 stoneware bud vases is designed for exactly that, with heights of 10, 14 and 18 cm that create a natural rhythm.

The bottom line

Start with the flowers, respect the proportions, then pick a material that suits water and a finish that suits your style. With these simple pointers, your next vase won't be a random buy, but a piece that really counts in your décor.