While a sleek, stylish vase is a must, it’s also important to consider its ability to hold plenty of water to keep your freshly-cut flowers thriving. “Vases, which display cut floral bouquets, do not have drainage holes,” says Alfred Palomares, Vice President of Merchandising and Resident Plant Dad at 1-800-Flowers. “Cut flowers rely on that constant access to water in order to bloom and stay fresh for as long as possible – sometimes up to three weeks.” Here are the best vases for displaying your favorite blooms throughout your living space. This vase comes in four different colors, all translucent. The clear glass option is our favorite because it’s so versatile. If you want something more modern, consider the gray. The amber and iridescent options give a softer, romantic look. The major perk of these vases is they’re simple enough to let your flowers be the center of attention, while still imparting a classic look. Each vase arrives packaged in double layers of foam to protect their delicate nature. The glass is thin, especially as you get further away from the wide base. It’s best to hand wash this vase for the best care. Price at time of publish: $15 Whether used as a standalone floral-filled vase or a creative centerpiece, you’ll enjoy the timeless style and sturdy construction of this affordable pick. Its weighty base ensures the vase won’t tip over, and it holds water without worry. However, when you’re ready to change up your decor, swap in a fresh bouquet of flowers, or simply clean this sleek and simple glass vase, washing is a bit unusual. You can’t pop it into your dishwasher or hand wash in the sink; rather, it’s recommended that you only wipe the exterior and interior clean with a damp cloth. Price at time of publish: $6 Available in three sizes, these vases are very expensive and aren’t sold as sets or pairs. You’ll need to purchase each pricey piece individually. Additionally, not every Restoration Hardware store has them in stock; you may end up waiting for delivery. They do need to be hand washed, which can be tricky as the opening of the vase is quite small. Keep in mind that while stunning as a piece of decor, the vases are also heavy and may be hard to move. The weight ranges from 22 pounds for the small vase to 110 pounds for the largest size. Price at time of publish: $920 for small Because it is an openwork vase, this Wade Logan Fogel vase doesn’t hold water. You can put fresh flowers in it, but they will dry out quickly. It’s best for using with faux flowers or stems that don’t need water, such as thistles or some roses. You can tuck multiple stems into the openwork design to create a fuller arrangement. Price at time of publish: $64 Because these glass vases are delicate, they do need to be washed by hand. You may also need to wait for them to ship, depending on demand, because your chosen vase will be made by hand. Fortunately, Pottery Barn shipping information is updated when you order so you’ll know when to expect your new vase. These bud vases look nice on their own or grouped together. They do require hand washing, which can be tedious if you’re using all 10 vases. You may also need to get a small tool to reach inside, as the openings are all less than two inches wide. Price at time of publish: $50 Because it is genuine crystal, you’ll definitely want to wash this vase by hand using a mild soap. It’s also important to store it in a protective wrapping, such as bubble wrap, when not in use. While it is heavy and thick, crystal can also be very delicate and breakable. Ultimately, though it’s more expensive than a similarly-sized glass vase, this Mikasa Blossom crystal vase is still a great value thanks to its stunning design and high-end construction. Price at time of publish: $55 Available in different wood varieties and one size, each vase is ready to hold fake or real flowers. Inside each one is a glass vial that can be filled with water, without causing any damage to the wood. However, because the opening is just around one inch wide, you may want to get a narrow brush to make sure the interior is clean. You should hand wash the vase and avoid submerging it in water. Instead, wipe it clean when needed. These are quite expensive vases, especially given their small size. Price at time of publish: $110 The base is the same on all three vase sizes; only the height varies, stretching between 5 inches for the small and 10 inches for the large. While each vase is watertight, they’re really best for use with faux greenery and flowers rather than fresh ones. They are 100 percent ceramic and may wear faster with water inside. Additionally, ceramic does start to leak if it holds water for more than a few weeks. Price at time of publish: $30 Both vases are the same size, and they are somewhat small, measuring 2 inches wide at the opening. However, you’ll be able to create a personalized floral display anywhere in your home. Hang them individually or as a pair for a larger statement. Because the tubes are so small, it might be necessary to get a narrow-necked watering can to replenish as needed. You can also take the tube out of the holder, fill with water, and arrange your plants as needed. You can also go beyond flowers alone and use this vase to hold spices, roots, or other displays. Price at time of publish: $46
Style
A vase is a vessel for holding flowers, but it doubles as a decorative object whether it’s sitting empty on a shelf or sporting a fresh bouquet. Vases come in a variety of styles, from minimal clear glass to whimsical shapes that mimic everything from fish to human bodies. If you want the flowers to be the main event, choose a plain contemporary style. If you want your vase to function as decor when it’s off duty, choose a vase that works with the style of your home, such as an earthenware vase in a modern farmhouse room, or in a contrasting style such as an antique vase in a contemporary interior to add a sense of history.
Material
Vases come in a variety of materials. Inexpensive everyday glass vases allow glass to disappear and create the effect that the flowers are holding up by themselves. Cut crystal vases add a bit of classical bling. But you can also find vases in a range of materials, including ceramics such as porcelain or earthenware, metals such as stainless steel, bronze, or brass, and even rot-proof woods such as teak.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. To compile this list, she looked for vases that fit a variety of styles, were made with high-quality materials that enhanced the look of flowers or other items, and were the right size for their purpose. She also talked to the experts at 1-800-Flowers, including Alfred Palomares, Vice President of Merchandising, about what people should look for in a vase for cut flowers.
