The Power of Flowers: How To Decorate Your Home With Vases

There’s something undeniably special about fresh flowers, whether it’s a simple bouquet of flowers from your backyard or an elegant arrangement. Flowers have the ability to boost your mood, brighten a room, and create a welcoming atmosphere. To truly showcase the beauty of fresh flowers, the right flower vase is essential. 

Vases are more than just functional items; they’re versatile décor that offers endless possibilities for creative expression on your tablescapes and throughout your home. Whether used to showcase fresh flowers or decorative fillers on your dining table or are left empty to let the designs speak for themselves, vase decor can add style and personality to your space. 

Why Use Vases in Your Décor? 

The vases in our collection transition seamlessly between spaces, making them perfect for updating your tablescapes and home décor for any season. Whether you keep them filled with flowers for fresh centerpieces year-round or display them as a statement piece on your coffee table, vase décor can add style to any space.  

A large, round ceramic vase can make a striking focal point on your dining table or a living room shelf. Our Signature White Large Cylinder Vase features knobbed handles and a neutral white brushstroke design that stands out in a room. Pair multiple flower vases to bring depth and visual interest to your bookshelves, centerpieces, or even an entryway table.  

Besides their usual role of displaying fresh flowers, vases can also provide a functional solution for organizing other household essentials. Place a vase near your stove for convenient access to kitchen utensils or a small vase on your bathroom counter to keep frequently used products within easy reach. 

Choosing the Right Vase for Your Space 

When selecting your vase, consider the size, color, and type that best fits your home. You should also determine what you plan to fill your flower vase with, as the shape and height of the vase should complement the flowers or other décor you place in it and the space where it will be featured. A well-chosen ceramic vase accentuates both the contents inside and the overall look and feel of the room.   

Consider Vase Size  

Size plays an important role in the functionality and aesthetics of the vase. The one you select should be proportionate to the space you place it in.  

If you choose a flower vase that is too small, it could look insignificant in the space, but a vase that is too large may overpower the room. Choosing the right size ensures balance, complements your other home décor, and enhances the beauty of your space.  

Determine the Correct Color  

Choosing the correct color for your ceramic vase can help create harmony between the vessel and the surrounding space. A neutral vase, like one in white, clear glass, or earth tones, can offer versatility and will blend seamlessly with various styles.  

On the other hand, a bold or patterned vase can serve as an eye-catching statement piece. Selecting the right color ensures your vase décor improves your space rather than clashing with its surroundings.  

Choose the Vase Type 

When it comes to the type of ceramic vase, there are a variety of shapes to choose from. These options include:  

Round vases  

Bottle and jug vases  

Cube vases  

Column vases  

Cylinder vases  

Round vases like our Signature White Ruffle Vase and cylinder vases are our favorites due to their versatility, which allows for numerous bouquet arrangements and styles. Tall, cylindrical vases are ideal for long-stemmed flowers, while bottle and jug or cube vases provide an added dimension for a unique look. Squared styles, like the nesting cubes from our sister brand, Happy Everything! by Laura Johnson, make a darling option for a modern vase.  

Ideas for Displaying Your Vases 

Now that you’ve picked out your vessels, it’s time to create your beautiful vase décor. Mix and match the quantity, size, color combinations, or placement of vases, and play around with different fillers as you create a look that reflects your personality. Easily change décor for the seasons by featuring a cheerful bouquet, rustic branches, dried florals, and festive holiday foliage.  

Vases in Centerpieces  

Flower vases make excellent centerpiece décor as they add height, texture, and a focal point to any table setting. They can be easily customized with flowers, greenery, or other decorative elements to match different occasions and styles. With a number of shapes, sizes, and colors available, vases are a versatile way to enhance your table setting while bringing a touch of nature indoors. 

When throwing a themed party {we love a Havana Nights theme to kick off summer festivities}, the right vases can really pull together your entire tablescape and create a cohesive theme. So, when you sit down to plan your next soireé, don’t forget to consider how the vase will look next to your dinner plates and other serveware.  

Vases on Shelves  

Whether displayed alone as a statement piece or grouped in various heights and shapes for a curated look, ceramic vases make stylish and sophisticated shelf décor. If you choose to group your vases, it’s important to remember the rule of three and use odd numbers to make the look feel more organic and visually appealing. Using decorative vases in a complementary color palette, like crisp whites or deep blues, can bring a more cohesive look to your shelves.  

A tall cylinder vase will provide height, while a round vase with decorative knobs like the Iris Blue Large Round Vase with Decorative Knobs can add softness and dimension to your shelves. Bold, sculptural vases can make a statement even when they do not have any flowers in them. Pairing vases with books, art, framed pictures, or other décor like our Signature White Candle Holders can build a dynamic shelf display. 

Best Ways to Display Your Vases by Room  

Vases can be used as décor in every room of your home. Add an empty flower vase in the living room as a decorative accent, or place fresh blooms in a small vase on a windowsill in the bathroom. If you want some inspiration to get started, try out these suggestions by room: 

Dining room – As discussed above, these are great in centerpieces on the dining room table {one or multiple}, but you can also place ceramic vases on your sideboard or buffet table with a floral arrangement for a pop of color.   

Living room – For a stylish accent to your living spaces, add one to your coffee table, place a few mini vases on an empty bookshelf, or set a large vase atop a piano.   

Kitchen – Vases make a beautiful decorative accent for flowers or storage next to your sink, in a garden window, or on your counter.   

Bedrooms – Treat yourself with a floral arrangement in your bedroom on your nightstand (one on each side table gives a balanced look).  

Bathrooms – Place a vase on your vanity for a subtle yet tasteful touch, or set one on the windowsill for a decorative element that doesn’t take up counter space. Vases with fresh blooms are the perfect way to spruce up the guest bathroom before your guests arrive.  

Office – A vase on your desk adds a refreshing touch to a room where you spend much of your time. Placing a vase on a bookshelf or floating shelves can bring natural beauty to the office without interfering with your workspace.  

What Should You Fill Your Vase With? 

Filling a ceramic vase with a conveniently pre-arranged bouquet of fresh-cut flowers is a classic, go-to option {Trader Joe’s springtime bouquets, anyone?}. Getting creative with your vase bouquet may feel like a large task; however, with a few ideas to get you started, you’ll be able to curate a stunning arrangement for everyday décor and special occasions like a serene Garden Party. 

Our Favorite Floral Vase Fillers 

The right floral vase filler can elevate your arrangement by adding substance, depth, and a unique touch to your display. From classic greenery to unexpected decorative elements, here are some of our favorite florals to enhance your vases: 

Fresh clippings from your yard – Flowers aren’t the only clippings you should grab from your yard; we love twisty vines, knotty branches, bold leaves {think palm fronds or monstera}, and bushy grasses, too.  

Fresh-cut florals from an expert grower – We love the beautiful roses from Grace Rose Farm.  

Farm-fresh bouquets shipped to your door – Floral subscription, anyone?   

Bulk flowers to arrange yourself – Make your own bouquet with seasonal bulk flowers from Trader Joe’s or a site like Fifty Flowers.  

Orchid plants – The perfect fit for a cylindrical flower vase. The beauty of the orchid makes it a timeless and radiant centerpiece with easy maintenance.  

Dried florals or faux greenery – Dried hydrangeas from your yard paired with some eucalyptus make a beautiful addition to a mantel.  

Potted plants – Philodendrons and some other plants can grow in water for a verdant display.  

5 Tips for Styling Fresh Flower Arrangements 

When creating your own floral arrangement, whether with bulk flowers or picks from your backyard, a few thoughtful techniques can take your floral display from ordinary to extraordinary. The key is to consider the decorative vase shape, quantity of vases, flower variety, and placement to create a balanced, eye-catching bouquet. 

Tip 1. Select the correct flower vase. 

The shape and size of your vase should complement your flowers. Tall stems, like lilies or roses, look best in our cylinder vases, while our round vases are ideal for fuller arrangements with hydrangeas, peonies, or mixed wildflowers. If using a bud vase, opt for single stems with a more minimalist appeal. 

Tip 2. Trim the stems to set the display up for success.  

Before even placing flowers in water, trim each stem at a 45-degree angle (under running water is best) to help them absorb more. Also, don’t forget to remove any leaves that will sit below the waterline to prevent bacteria growth. 

Tip 3. Vary the heights of the flowers.  

When arranging, start with a structural base of greenery or more “sturdy” flowers and then build outward with focal blooms. Vary the stem heights to create movement and depth. 

Tip 4. Consider color and texture.  

Mix flowers with complementary colors and textures to add interest. Pair delicate, airy stems with bold blooms (think back to our Easter in Bloom dining room table centerpiece), or mix soft pastels with vibrant pops of color for contrast. 

Tip 5. Prune often.  

Change the water every two days, and be sure to trim any wilted stems to extend the life of your arrangement. A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your display looking fresh longer.   

Displaying Dried Flowers 

Dried flowers are another option as a stylish {and low maintenance} way to bring natural beauty into your home with our ceramic vases. Unlike fresh florals, you don’t really need to maintain them, and they generally last for months or even years, making them a perfect choice for effortless, long-lasting décor.   

Whether you prefer the more muted tones of preserved blooms or the earthy feel of dried grasses (like pampas grass during the summer or autumn) and branches (like evergreen branches during the winter), dried florals are great options for any of our flower vases. 

When styling dried flowers, consider the shape and size of your vase. For instance, cylinder vases beautifully showcase pampas grass, dried eucalyptus, or willow branches, while round vases work well for smaller arrangements like lavender, baby’s breath, or dried roses. Plus, since dried flowers don’t shift or wilt, you can carefully arrange them for a structured look that remains intact over time. 

Inspiration for Dried Flower Vase Fillers 

With a little inspiration, you can showcase dried flowers in a unique and stylish way that highlights their delicate textures and muted tones. If dried flowers pique your interest, here are a few design suggestions to help get your arrangement started: 

A single stem, such as a palm frond in the vase.  

Rotate dried flowers with the seasons—warm-toned wheat and sun-bleached florals in the summer, rich berry branches and golden leaves during autumn, or crisp white cotton stems in the winter.   

Combine different dried elements like feathery bunny tails, structured protea, and wispy ferns.    

Arrange multiple small vases with dried florals for a long-lasting tablescape that works year-round.  

Non-Floral Vase Filler Recommendations  

Who says ceramic vases are just for flowers? There are countless non-floral fillers that can lend function as well as color and personality to your space: 

Kitchen utensils – A practical and stylish option for keeping your most used kitchen tools within easy reach.  

Hairbrushes, hair products, and combs – The vase makes a sturdy and accessible holder, preventing clutter and bringing a decorative touch to your bathroom or bedroom.  

Candles – A tasteful way to keep candles organized and protected while adding a chic touch to any room.  

Feathers – Create a unique focal point with this natural display.  

How to Decorate with Empty Vases 

If you don’t have any flowers, plants, or other fillers for your vases at home, display them alone as decorative designs. Let your empty vases serve as sculptural décor, elevating your style even in their simplest form.  

Curate a vase collection that doesn’t get left in storage and instead is part of your functional décor. Our Signature White Ceramic Vases 3 Piece Set is the perfect place to start, as the timeless white color will pair perfectly with any room in your home. Plus, when they’re close at hand, you’re more likely to fill them! 

Mix and Match Your Favorite Vases  

Further elevate your empty vase look and create a beautiful display in your home by mixing and matching ceramic vases. This can be helpful for setting your table by creating a bigger centerpiece or useful for a larger shelf space that needs to be filled.  

 When choosing your vessels, opt for designs with a unifying element – whether you stick with a similar color palette, material, or motif. For instance, our Signature White Knob Vase features a knob design element and can be paired with our knobbed Iris Blue vase for a cohesive look.   

Incorporating decorative vases into your table settings and home décor is a simple yet effective way to add personality and style to any room. With so many shapes, sizes, materials, and fillers to choose from, the flower vase design possibilities are endless. Next time you feel like your table needs a “little something extra,” try out a vase from our collection.