Sometimes, it can be difficult to choose the best vase shapes for flowers you’ve received or picked from the garden. Our general tip is don’t be afraid to cut the stems to better suit the vase or use decorative pebbles or shells to prop the flowers up.
When you’re choosing a vase, always look at the opening of the vase – an opening that is too wide or too narrow can make it harder to work with and change the shape of the overall arrangement.
Have a look below at our introduction to the types of vases and vase shapes to pair with your next bunch of flowers.
Overview:
- Tall cylinder glass vases
- Narrow necked glass vases
- Fish bowl vases
- Square glass vases
- Rectangular glass vases
- Square tank glass vases
6 of the best vase shapes and vase styles for flowers
1. Tall Cylinder Glass Vases
Usually large in size, tall cylinder vases provide structure and are great when paired with flowers with tall stems – such as roses, lilies or gladiolus. This vase shape is also one of the best vases for sunflowers, peonies and hydrangeas! Flowers that feature generous foliage also help to create more volume when placed in tall, round floor vases.
Planning on spoiling your loved one next Valentine’s Day or for an anniversary? You’ve probably asked yourself “what size vase for 50 roses?”. You’re in luck! Tall vases are perfect for big bouquets of roses.
Wondering how to arrange artificial flowers in a tall vase for your home or wedding decor? Pair these floor vases with some vase fillers, like decorative pebbles and water beads, and you’ve got a match made in heaven! Because of their shape and height, any bunch is sure to look controlled and in place.
Image References: 1/ Cylinder Glass Vases2/ Fresh Roses 3/ KI.706
2. Narrow Necked Glass Vases
Due to their narrow opening and long body, narrow-necked/convex vases look beautiful when paired with tall thin flowers, or flowers with thin stems. Because of its shape, this vase isn’t ideal for thick, luscious bouquets.
Instead, choose flowers that you would similarly put in a bud vase. If you want to create a wild and country look, opt for flowers like peonies – with its delicate petals, this flower overflows the opening of the vase but looks subtle and well arranged.
Image References: 1/ Narrow Neck Glass Vases 2/ Peonies 3/ KI.646
3. Fish Bowl Glass Vases
When it comes to choosing flowers for fish bowl vase shapes (or rounded vases), you want to opt for flowers that can spill over the opening of the vase.
Top-heavy flowers, like artificial orchids, roses, chrysanthemums, daisies, carnations, and even calla lilies will look stunning in a fish bowl. To create the perfect round vase flower arrangement, you will need to cut the flower stems to the height of the fish bowl. Flowers with rigid stems work particularly well in this vase style, because they can stand up straight.
Wondering how to arrange carnations in a vase? Gather the blooms together (you can opt for the same colour or match complementary colours), tie the stems with some raffia string and add in some luscious greenery. Just make sure you have enough flowers so they can spread out over the dome shape!
Image References: 1/ KI.836 2/ KI.1050
4. Small Cube Glass Vases
Small cube-shaped vases look easy to fill, but can be tricky. The key is to find flowers that are bulky, but that don’t open too widely, and then to use as many of them as you can.
Delicate flowers like frangipanis, succulents, violets or anemones are good to feature in this vase shape. But when it comes to flowers in square vases, just make sure you cut the stems short and pack them tightly together.
If you feel like the bottom of the glass square vase feels a little empty, try adding some decorative pebbles, like river pebbles, at the bottom! They can fill up any space and they really complement flower arrangements.
Image References: 1/ KI.870
5. Rectangular Glass Vases
Similar to square tank and glass bud vases, rectangular glass vases suit single stemmed flowers. For a contemporary look, try bunching several flowers together using string and create a few small bouquets. We love using tulips for this look! Then place those bouquets into the rectangular glass vase. Alternatively, sunflowers, birds of paradise and native protea flowers look amazing too.
Image References: 1/ KI.956
6. Square Tank Glass Vases
For a standout look, choose tall flowers with strong stems. Square tank glass vase shapes are perfect for both single stem flowers and foliage, quite like a bud vase.
Feel free to prop flowers up with pebbles and use large stems of foliage and tropical flowers for a stately effect. Similar to the cylindrical vase, square tank vases also help to create structure. Plus, paired with the right floral arrangement or bouquet, they look stunning as floor vases.
Image References: 1/ Square Tank Glass Vases 2/ Tulips 3/ KI.704
So, now you know about all the different types of vases for flowers, it’s time to get creative! Mix and match the different vase styles for centrepieces, use them in home decor or even at events. And if you ever feel like something is missing from your vase, then foliage and vase fillers always help!
People also asked:
How to make flowers last longer in a vase?
To make your flowers last longer in a vase, you should make sure your vases are sanitised, that you’re using flower food and hydration mists and that you’re cutting the flower stems on 45 degree angles before placing them in water (it helps with flower hydration).
How to clean vases?
There are 4 common ways to clean vases, these include: using baking soda and vinegar, denture tablets, aspirin tablets, dish washing liquid and rice.
How to store vases?
One of the best places you can store your vase is a China hutch – it will be large enough to store irregularly shaped vases while keeping them on display when not in use. You can also store vases in a large cabinet in your kitchen too.
