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10 best vases
Whether you use it to display some beautiful blooms or just to jazz up a mantelpiece, a striking vase can go a long way
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Your support makes all the difference.Different types of flowers require different vessels for displaying them at their very best, which means... you can never have enough vases.
You need tiny bud vases to hold single blooms, perhaps spread out in multiples along a mantel piece, window sill or dining table.
Tall vases are for long stems to be framed by a window, add interest to an occasional table in the corner of a room or inject drama into a table setting, while little squat vases come in handy for those smaller stocky blooms, such as short stemmed hydrangeas, that always look lovely in an entrance hallway or as a table centre.
You want some vases that are transparent too, to show off the beautiful architectural structure of some stems through the water; and, finally, you must have at least one bright and beautiful vase that they can be left out on display, even when it’s empty.
Whether you need something to hold a small posy or a giant bouquet, here is the pick of the bunch.
Dartington crystal florabundance narrow vase, H18.5cm: £30, John Lewis & Partners
This medium-sized crystal glass vase is the perfect receptacle for showing off bunches of wild flowers, roses, bluebells, sweet peas, freesias, lilies; you name it suits almost any flower or mixture of flowers. A classic vase that will become your go-to piece that you grab whenever someone gifts you a bunch of flowers. This is a timeless, simple, yet stylishly shaped, all rounder.
Bloomingville grey marble decorative vase, H15cm x D7.5cm: £43, Hurn & Hurn
Made from on-trend grey marble, this smart weighty vase is ideal for holding a short bunch of bright pink or purple anemone on a console table in an entrance hallway or a spray of wild poppies on a window sill. A sweet chic vase, perfect for any little posy of flowers.
River Island white glossy panther ceramic vase, H13cm x D10cm: £18, River Island
You probably don’t associate River Island with homewares, but the retailer has recently moved into this area and it has some lovely quirky pieces. This striking little zoomorphic vase looks great empty or filled with a spray of freesias. An eye-catching vase channelling jungle chic.
LSA International table centrepiece, H30cm x D25cm: £26.95, Annabel James
If you’re looking for a stand-out table-centre piece to start the conversation rolling at your next dinner party, this oversized Champagne saucer ticks all the boxes. The narrow glass stem won’t block anyone’s view and filled with floating scented orchids, small sprays of hydrangeas or roses, it will take any dining table up a gear. A sophisticated statement vase for special occasions.
Bohemia enamel bud vase trio in saffron: £28, Bohemia
Made for showing off the beauty of a single delightful stem, a bud vase should be in everyone’s store cupboard, and this little hand-painted enamelled iron sunny trio is sweet enough to leave on display even when empty. Group them together with one or two stems in each on a coffee table or as a table centrepiece, or spread them out along the mantelpiece or window sill. A cute must have collection.
Abode Living recycled pink glass vase, H25cm x 16cm: £24, Abode Living
Glass vases are incredibly useful as they allow you to see when the water needs changing or topping up and they provide a viewing gallery for stems with a sculptural quality. This dusty pink glass vase is made for showing off hand-tied bouquets. Simply trim the ends of the stems, fill with water, untie the stem and drop into the vase and watch as the flowers naturally find their positions. A pretty practical vase.
Laura Ashley editions round vase, H17cm x D20cm: £10.50, Laura Ashley
Short stemmed, full-bloomed flowers such as roses and hydrangeas always look at their best in a simple globe-shaped vase and you’re unlikely to find one as graceful as this little lilac number. It’s reasonably priced and will look great pretty much wherever it’s placed in your home. A simple but stylish vase.
Habitat pepper vase, H21.5cm x D13.5cm: £30, Habitat
This white speckled stoneware vase was hand-decorated by craftsmen in a ceramic studio in northern Thailand. Keep it filled with bunches of bright yellow daffodils in summer and small-headed roses, which seem to be available in supermarkets year round, the rest of the time. A beautiful classic vase that is destined to live forever on your kitchen table.
Pip Studio Royal rounded porcelain vase, H15 x D7.5 cm: £20, Hurn & Hurn
If you love vintage style and you’re into the latest maximalist, overly-fussy interior trend, this vase has your name written all over it. Featuring hand-painted designs inspired by historic emblems and vintage florals, it is ideal for sprigs of traditional carnations. An eye-catching decorative vase for classic pattern lovers.
M&S spotted ceramic vase, H30cm x D21cm: £19.50, M&S
Tall stems require a tall vase and this cobalt blue contemporary piece is the perfect vessel for lengthy blooms. Handmade in Portugal, this spotty vase looks beautiful filled with simple white or orange lilies or go even more vibrant with a mix of red and amber gerberas. A striking vase that will look at home in any room in your house.
The verdict: Vases
All of these vases are lovely, but the one that lends itself to the largest variety of flowers is the Dartington crystal florabundance narrow vase. It will be the one that you reach for the most often and whether it’s the centre of attention on the dining table or just prettying up the background on a window sill or sideboard, it will never look out out of place.