Part decoration and part container, flower vases serve a dual purpose. They’ve been used around the world for centuries and have become an integral part of the average person’s decor scheme. The evolution of the flower vase has seen it branch out into a wealth of styles that make it easy to find one that complements your home’s decor.
The Marquis by Waterford Sparkle Vase is a good bet if you want a refined, classic and versatile vase that will still be stylish in 20 years. The star-cut pattern in the crystal creates an effect that looks good with many different decor schemes.
What to know before you buy a flower vase
Type of vase
Flower vases are designed in a nice variety of silhouettes. Before you narrow down your options, you should educate yourself on the many different silhouettes available.
Rounded: The shape resembles a fish bowl and is suitable for hydrangeas, peonies, roses and tulips.
Flared: Narrowing towards the top until it flares out at the very top, this shape is good for tulips, long stem roses and lilies.
Cube: One of the most widely available silhouettes, cube vases are a good fit for lilies, hydrangeas and succulents.
Bottleneck: The narrow neck of this silhouette is ideal for stabilizing the stems of hydrangeas, lilies and magnolias ? as well as branches and blossoms.
Centerpiece: Frequently found on the tables at wedding receptions, a centerpiece vase has the space to hold virtually any combination of flowers and other items like branches.
Bud: Typically a miniature size, this type of vase is intended to display one or two flowers.
Hourglass: The curvy shape of this versatile vase is well suited to peonies, hydrangeas and roses.
Column: Tall, sleek and streamlined, the height and slender profile of a column vase makes it perfect for sunflowers, gladioli and lilies.
Decor scheme
The most lovely vase in the world will look out of place if it doesn’t align with your decor scheme. Also known as the style, decor scheme is, put simply, the aesthetic elements of your interior decorations. It’s the theme they, ideally, work together to create. You don’t want them to clash or you’ll find yourself with a less-than-pleasing look. Design styles that have been favored for decades include the following:
Hollywood regency
Tropical
Vintage
Coastal
Transitional
Scandinavian
Modern
Mid-century modern
Rustic
Eclectic
Shabby Chic
Urban
Industrial
Modern farmhouse
Bohemian
Art deco
Minimalist
Flowers that’ll go in the vase
You don’t have to spend a fortune on florals to fill your flower vase — you could grow your own instead. Doing so will not only save money in the long run, but it will also provide you with a therapeutic, rewarding and family-friendly activity. You’ll get to nurture your flowers from the time they’re seeds to the day they bloom. This sense of accomplishment is one of the reasons why gardening is beloved by many people.
Flower vase features
Size
Placing flowers in a vase that’s the wrong size for them causes a number of problems including:
An overflowing, crammed and sloppy effect
Lack of stability for the stems (if the vase is too large)
An aesthetic between the vase and the flowers that’s unbalanced
Intensified competition between the flowers for nutrients from the water
You can avoid this scenario by taking into account the height and circumference/width of the vase, as well as its silhouette. Select a vase that’s appropriate in size for the flowers you plan to place in it.
Material
Flower vases are made of a wide range of materials including crystal, glass, stainless steel, aluminum, ceramics, bronze and brass. The material affects both the durability and look of the vase, making it a major consideration.
Design details
A flower vase’s design details encompass many different elements like the color, shape, patterns or solid color and etchings or smooth surface.
Flower vase cost
The price point of a flower vase depends largely on the material from which it’s made and the craftsmanship, but you should stay in the $38-$125 range to be on the safe side.
Flower vase FAQ
What are the characteristics of a good flower vase?
A. Quality is paramount in a flower vase. If any seams are visible, make sure they line up neatly. The vase should be free of nicks, chips, scratches and scuffs. And it should be symmetrical, with design details that are consistent throughout.
How should you store a flower vase?
A. Most flower vases are made of materials like glass, crystal and ceramics that are prone to breaking if not handled correctly. Taking proper care of your vase includes how you store it when it’s not in use. Start by wrapping the vase carefully in protective material like bubble wrap or tissue paper. From there, place it in a container that will keep it stable and secure.
Which flower vase should I get?
Best of the best flower vase
Marquis by Waterford Sparkle Vase: available at Macy’s
Our take: Designed by Waterford, one of the premiere crystal vase companies, this vase is timeless and elegant.
What we like: The star-cut pattern etched into the fine crystal of this vase is a classic design that’ll never go out of style. You can fit a large variety of flowers in the vase, thanks to the generous nine-inch tall height, and Waterford is widely renowned for creating high-quality vases.
What we dislike: The most frequently made complaint among the few unhappy buyers was the thickness and heaviness of the vase, both of which they felt were substantial.
Best bang for your buck flower vase
Mikasa Palazzo 12-Inch Crystal Vase: available at Macy’s
Our take: The striking basket weave pattern etched into this vase glitters brightly in the light.
What we like: If you’re looking for a crystal vase that has a unique and eye-catching look, consider this pick from Mikasa. The basketweave pattern catches and reflects light perfectly, making it sparkle like a diamond, and can easily hold large bouquets.
What we dislike: At least one buyer reported the vase had some visible seams but added that they blended in with the pattern, which made them less obvious.
Honorable mention flower vase
Lenox French Perle Fluted Vase: available at Macy’s
Our take: This stunning flower vase has a European flair that’ll add Old World charm to any home.
What we like: Resembling a piece you might find in Europe, this stoneware vase has plenty of charm. It’s designed with a French Perle fluted silhouette. Embossed beading adorns the ice blue surface of the flower vase. While it has an antique aesthetic, the design of this vase is timeless.
What we dislike: The traditional style of this flower vase isn’t the best choice for a modern decor scheme.
Megan Oster is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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