December 03, 2019
14 Vase Shapes + How to Choose
Floral bouquets make the perfect gift for the special person in your life however, it can be tricky to pick a vase shape that perfectly complements your blooms. With so many shapes, styles and materials, selecting a vase that won’t distract from the arrangement can be difficult.
Whether you’re selecting flowers for your own home, an upcoming event or giving a gift to lighten someone else’s day we are here to help with our guide to choosing different vases for every arrangement.
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Types of Vase Shapes
We’ve rounded up the 14 most common vase shapes and their materials, a guide to the perfect DIY arrangement and the best places to feature them around your home. Our hope is to answer the question “What are the different types of vases?” as well as offer tips on how to arrange a few of our best selling bouquets using your own vases.
When selecting a vase shape, the first thing to keep in mind is where you will display the arrangement.
Vase Locations
Between the table, floor or hanging on a wall, you can show off your bouquet just about anywhere.
Table vases are commonly smaller and hold a bouquet or a few flowers. They are usually lighter types of vases and can be made from different materials.
Floor vases are much larger and commonly are bottom-heavy to support a larger bouquet. They tend to be located as a focal point in a spacious room and should specifically complement the decor since they are such a large presence. Floor vases should have a wide opening to hold top-heavy flowers so they won’t fall over or be knocked over easily.
Wall vases can be a great way to add some depth and personality to a home, especially if there are children or pets who could knock over vases on tables or the floor. This modern twist works great with minimalist decor or to leverage wall space when floor space is limited. Glass is a common material used in making wall vases and is often paired with gold or metal commonly seen with air plants in trendy coffee shops and boutiques.
Vase Shape Materials
When selecting a type of vase shape, materials can also dictate their use and arrangement style. Popular materials span from glass, metal, and aluminum to brass, steel and wood however we outline the most common vase shape materials and when to use them below.
Glass
The most common material for elegant and timeless vase shape styles is glass. They allow light to travel through the vase to the flower’s stem and water. Specifically for glass and crystal vase shapes, it is especially important to keep the water clean by changing and trimming the stems to enhance the beauty and freshness of the bouquet.
Crystal
Crystal vases are well known for holding romantic long stem roses and are the perfect gift to say “I love you”. Crystal vases are commonly used to elevate the appearance of a bouquet and demonstrate luxury and elegance.
Metal
Metal vases can be a contemporary and break-proof option. Due to their durability these are great for outside entertainment and come in many different finishes and textures.
Wood
For a more natural look, a wooden vase will also send focus to the head of the bouquet since you cannot see the stems of the flowers. You will want to make sure, however, that the wood quality is waterproof as to maintain the quality of the vase.
Once you have decided the location and material of your vase you can move forward with selecting your vase shape.
1. Mason Jar
Mason jars are a cost-effective vase shape and pair well with rustic or farmhouse decor. They can fit many different themes like vintage and modern depending on the way you style them. Try painting your mason jar, embellishing with ribbon or twine or just letting its classic shape accompany your arrangement and let it be a centerpiece on your dining table.
How to Arrange Flowers in a Mason Jar
Inspiration: Proflowers Sunlit Meadows Bouquet
You’ll Need:
Pink carnations
White daisy pompons
Yellow sunflowers
Light yellow spray roses
Myoporum flowers
Dagger/sword Fern
Pro Tip: Cut all your stems at an angle so they can get more water and last longer!
Begin by placing the sunflowers into the mason jar one at a time creating a triangle shape around the edge of the vase. Add the daisies to the vase by spinning the base of the vase to make sure each side is correctly balanced. After that, add the carnations and roses wherever there is abundant space to build the shape of the bouquet. Lastly, add in the myoporum flowers stem by stem to add whispiness to the arrangement and tie in all the colors together.
2. Milk Bottle
Due to milk bottle’s long neck and wide mouth brim, bouquets with plenty of foliage and filler stems shine. Whether you are arranging a lush bouquet for that rustic wild look or highlighting one or a few flowers for a more delicate style the shape of this vase will be complimentary. Milk bottle vases work well in sets and can be used to create a tablescape for entertaining. Try arranging milk bottle vase shapes in a metal carrier to create a vintage moment.
How to Arrange Flowers in a Milk Bottle Vase
Inspiration: Proflowers Heart’s Wishes
You’ll Need:
Red roses
Hot pink Mokara orchids
Pink roses
Light pink spray roses
Lush mixed green foliage
Create a lush foundation by adding the foliage into vase. This will create the wild, wispy look prior to adding in the focal stems. Next add the pink rose stems in one by one, circling the vase to maintain balance. Next, add in the red roses and Mokara Orchids making sure the taller stems are located towards the middle of the bouquet and the shorter ones are closer to the outside and bottom so they are able to get water. Lastly, add the light pink spray roses to balance the pink tones from the other bold flowers.
3. Rustic Vase
The rustic vase is known for its rounded bottom and narrow opening. Since the bottom of the vase shape is so wide this style can support top-heavy flowers and won’t be easily knocked over. This vase shape works well placed in the kitchen or on a window sill due to its informal and playful shape.
How to Arrange Flowers in a Rustic Vase
Inspiration: Proflowers Irreplaceable Luxury Bouquet
You’ll Need:
Seeded eucalyptus
Snapdragons
Bupleurum
Pink, peach, and green roses
Green and pink hydrangea blooms
Mixed foliage
Begin by laying the foliage foundation at the base of the vase and working in the green and pink hydrangea blooms. To create balance, next add in the seeded eucalyptus so they peek out from below. Add the pink, green and peach roses and lastly add in the Bupleurum and snapdragon wherever filler is needed to balance the entire bouquet.
4. Cylinder Vase
Cylinder vases are simple and beautiful with their timeless shape and varied sizes. They pair nicely with taller stems like red roses and orchids to accompany a luxurious flower shape. Lush or single flowers look beautiful as well! Due to the height and shape of the vase, cylinder vases can be displayed as a decorative part of your entryway table, book shelf or in your guest room. Placing a cylinder vase arrangement on your dining table can make a beautiful statement as well, however, it may need removal to allow your guests to talk to and see each other.
How to Arrange Flowers in a Cylinder Vase
Inspiration: Proflowers Always & Forever Bouquet
You’ll Need:
Pink roses
Asiatic lilies
Lush greens
Begin by breaking apart the green stems and laying the shorter bottom pieces closer to the bottom of the vase to get water. Save the top taller pieces to be added into the head of the bouquet at the end. Next, add the Asiatic lilies into the vase to make a balanced triangle shape. Then add the pink roses where needed and finish by adding the top pieces of the foliage to the head of the bouquet wherever there is space for some additional depth and texture.
5. Bouquet Vase
When only the best will do a bouquet vase is best to hold your most lush bouquet. Due to their bottom-heavy shape these types of vase shapes work well with a larger head of flowers similar to the milk bottle to balance the look of the centerpiece. Keeping that in mind its best to use flowers that are at least seven inches tall to ensure the vase does not overshadow the blooms.
How to Arrange Flowers in a Bouquet Vase
Inspiration: Proflowers Only The Best Bouquet
You’ll Need:
Hot pink roses
Orange spray roses
Pink double lisianthus
Pink Matsumoto asters
Ivy vines
Variegated Pittosporum
Pro Tip: Strip all rose branches that will be under the water line so no extra bacteria or material gets into the water. It will keep the bouquet fresher for much longer!
The most important part of arranging a bouquet vase is spiraling around and working from the outside in to evenly balance and highlight all points of the flowers. This classic floral design begins by weaving the hot pink roses into the foliage base as well as incorporating the ivy vines and pittosporum to add volume to the bouquet. Next sprinkle in the orange spray roses, pink lisianthus finishing with a few last vines to add a wispiness to the bouquet. You can either create the bouquet in your hand and tie the stems off with twine to reinforce its shape or create this look inside the vase. Bouquet vases look stunning as a centerpiece and can add a bit of romance to any table.
6. Square/Cube Vase
Square or cube vases make great centerpieces on coffee tables, side tables or outside entertainment areas. They become an elevated focal piece when accompanied by books or large candles and can be styled seasonally or to complement the room’s decor.
How to Arrange Flowers in a Square or Cube Vase
Inspiration: Proflowers Happy Harvest Garden Bouquet
You’ll Need:
Orange roses
Yellow sunflowers
Butterscotch daisy pompons
Green button pompoms
Pro Tip: Use tape to create grids across the entire vase opening. This grid system will anchor the shape and prevent any top-heavy stems from falling over.
Begin by pouring water to fill more than half of the vase. Add in the lower foliage and sunflowers into the base of the vase to add depth. Then, add in the roses along the four sides of the square to make sure it is a balanced centerpiece. Add in the butterscotch daisy pompons and wherever space needs filler, add the button pompom green flowers.
7. Ceramic Vase
Ceramic vases are a fun way to switch up your style. These vase shapes can range in textures, colors, and styles to match any decor you like. Ceramic vases also work great in decorating bookshelves or outside entertainment areas. They are also known as novelty vase shapes and are best known for their pottery material.
How to Arrange Flowers in a Ceramic Vase
Inspiration: Proflowers Sweetest Hello Bouquet
You’ll Need:
Ivory roses
Orange spray roses
Peruvian lilies
Peach stock
Green button pompons
Mixed foliage
Begin by adding bunches of mixed foliage to the base of the vase. Add in the ivory roses and Peruvian lilies in a triangle shape. Add in the orange spray roses and finish the blend of pinks, oranges and green color scheme with green button pompons.
8. Bud Vase
Bud vases are meant to highlight a single flower or small bouquet and can be a delicate addition to your fireplace mantel, elevate an elegant plate setting or incorporated when styling a bookshelf. Bud vases look great grouped together and can be a great alternative to an actual centerpiece. Another plus of bud vases are that they won’t get in the way of conversion due to their size. Not much effort is required to arrange these small bouquets so they can be easily integrated into an intimate and romantic tablescape. Also due to their simplicity, they pair well with the minimalist style and entirely showcase the bloom.
How to Arrange Flowers in a Bud Vase
Inspiration: Proflowers Perfect Day Bouquet
You’ll Need:
Sweet pea
Fritillaria
Muscari
Brownie tulips
Using different sizes, we begin with the tallest bud vase being paired with the tallest stem. Start with different tones of sweet pea and make sure the stems are even before placing them into the bud vase. Next, select the smallest bud vase and begin your next bouquet of fritillaria and muscari. This bouquet will have great shape and volume and highlight the whispiness of the flowers. Lastly, use the medium sized bud vase and select a brownie tulip to finish your tablescape. Incorporate any textures and additional color palettes by adding candles or a table runner.
9. Bowl Vase
Bowl vases, also known as a “fishbowl vases” are a unique way to highlight your beautiful bouquet and create artistic centerpiece that will be sure to amaze. You will want to have this bowl as a focal point on your table or within your entertainment center.
Pro Tip: Flowers arranged in a bowl vase are known to last longer due to the greenhouse effect the shape makes.
How to Arrange Flowers in a Bowl Vase
Inspiration: Proflowers Faithful Guardian
You’ll Need:
White roses
White button pompoms
Blue BellaDonna Delphinium
Blue hydrangeas
Dusty Miller stems
Lush greens
Begin by placing the foundation greens into vase. Place individual roses circling around the vase and then add the blue hydrangeas wherever there is significant space. Next, add in the white button pompoms to peak out as well as blue BellaDonna Delphiniums more towards the head of the bouquet. Lastly, add the Dusty Miller stems to integrate all colors of the arrangement.
10. Pedestal Vase
Pedestal vases can be incorporated into a luxurious table setting commonly seen at weddings or large dinner parties. Elevated pedestal vases can stand on the floor and lift to table level to break up large halls or row sections. A gorgeous multi-colored glass pedestal vase can be decorated seasonally and be a focal point of your tablescape.
How to Arrange Flowers in a Pedestal Vase
Inspiration: Proflowers Dream Big
You’ll Need:
Orange roses
LA hybrid lilies
White mini carnations
Green button pompoms
Peach hypericum berries
Lush greens
Pro Tip: Drop the floral foam into a bucket and let itself submerge rather than forcing it under the water. This will ensure the flowers remain hydrated and stay in place.
Begin by adding in the filler greenery to create a base for the display. Building the bouquet from the inside out will highlight the depth and height of each of the flowers. Add in the orange roses and then the green button pompoms. Next, place the white mini carnations all over the bouquet to soften the bold orange and green hues and then add in the orange Hybrid lilies to make a statement towards the outside of the bouquet. Finish by adding in peach hypericum berries to add additional texture and shape to the display.
11. Trumpet Vase
Trumpet vase shapes are commonly seen at weddings to add another layer of height to a centerpiece or floor vase. They tend to be made of glass or crystal and have a wide top and narrow neck. Trumpet vases are perfect for table centerpieces since they will not be obtrusive to guests views or limit conversation.
How to Arrange Flowers in a Trumpet Vase
Inspiration: Proflowers Mademoiselle
You’ll Need:
Lavender roses
Lisianthus stems
Eucalyptus stems
Violet carnations
Begin by cutting down floral foam to fit the top of the trumpet vase and use a plastic plate as a base for the foam to build out your arrangement prior to putting it in the trumpet vase. First add in the foliage to the floral foam and weave in the lavender roses. Next add in the carnations at the top and the base of the bouquet as well as the lisianthus stems all over the bouquet. Lastly add eucalyptus stems to the top and sides of the bouquet to create a horizontal level and elevate the volume.
12. Pail Vase
Pail vases are used similarly to mason jar or jug vases to create the farmhouse look that is common in home and wedding decor. They are a fun alternative type of vase shape and use metal materials to create a playful more casual piece. They pair well with very wild loosely structured bouquets.
How to Arrange Flowers in a Pail Vase
Inspiration: Proflowers Hello Sun
You’ll Need:
Yellow roses
White daisies
Green button pompoms
Spear fern
Solidago
Lush greens
This sunny arrangement highlights the playfulness of the pail with its yellow and green colors. Begin by adding in the lush greens to the base of the vase as well as the yellow roses. Next, add the white daisies and the green button pompoms to the bottom and towards the head of the bouquet to add volume over the entire bouquet. Lastly, add in the spear ferns and the solidago to the bouquet to create a wispy wild look as well as tie in all of the different colors of the arrangement.
13. Jug/Pitcher Vase
Jug vases are often the main focal point on a kitchen table or can live in on an outside entertainment center. Using a jug as a vase can soften the look while still being a luxurious piece when paired with tall roses or tulips.
How to Arrange Flowers in a Jug Vase
Inspiration: Proflowers All The Frills
You’ll Need:
Rose Juliet
Rose spray Sweet Sara
Rose Mondial
Delphinium Ballkleid
Begin by adding in each of the flowers to the bouquet spinning the blooms to make sure you are balancing from every angle. Start with the delphiniums, then the rose spray sweet sara, rose Juliet and the rose Mondial until you have built up the volume of your bouquet. The bouquet can look more wispy and shouldn’t look perfect to play off the fun nature of the vase!
14. Amphora Vase
The amphora vase is an ancient vessel form that was used as a storage jar and a staple in Greek-pottery. Seen in many decorative pieces it has two handles and a neck that is more narrow than the body.
How to Arrange Flowers in an Amphora Vase
Inspiration: Proflowers Serenity
You’ll Need:
White snapdragons
White roses
Green dianthus balls
Viburnums
Begin by placing roses into the base of the foliage. Add in the dianthus balls and the smaller roses to create depth in the bouquet. Next place the snapdragons to peak out of the top and bottom of the bouquet and finish with viburnums to extend out and add some balance to the shape of the bouquet.
Vase Shape FAQ’s
How Tall Should Flowers be in a Vase?
Flower stems should be no more than one and a half of the height of the vase. For example, if you’re buying long-stemmed roses with 20-inch stems (51 centimeters), you need a vase that’s 10 to 13 inches (25 to 33 centimeters) high, max.
What is a Small Vase Called?
A small vase is called a bud vase. It is small and narrow for holding and highlighting a single or few flowers. We outlined how to arrange a bud vase in an earlier section.
Now that we’ve outlined the different types of vases you are ready to begin arranging and caring for your blooms. For more inspiration explore our entire selection of beautiful floral bouquets today!
Sources: Wirecutter | Encyclopedia Britannica