Flower vases  are one of the most popular decorative items, and their cultural and aesthetic significance has been around for centuries. They are widely used to display fresh flowers - or in case of convenience, even artificial ones - as well as various other filler elements. A flower vase is essentially a container and their designs come in various materials, shapes and sizes. From an ornate vase with intricate illustrations to contemporary abstract forms, vases can be found in both personal and public spaces. They bring an aesthetic cheer to whichever room they adorn, not to mention their use for preserving your greenery for a longer time. They have been historically significant for various other purposes as well, such as ceremonial rites, storing of consumables, even for mourning in some cultures. There are many vases extravagantly prized or even passed down in families to this day, for their rarity and the cultural timeline they represent. Heirloom and auctions aside, however, the modern homeowner definitely has their wide pick of decorative vases to choose from! With the best flower vases complementing your decor,  you can revitalize your rooms and make an elegant, bold statement. 

Checklist To Ensure That You Select Befitting Flower Vases To Lighten Up Your Space

There are a plethora of designs and forms available for vases online that are vying for your attention, ultimately the decision rests with you. A flower vase may seem like it holds a specific purpose or should be in a certain form, but as with any decorative item there is a lot of creative room to explore. Urban Ladder's catalog will not only inspire you, but we also present some tips on how to use your flower vases to their highest potential:

Complementing The Room Decor 

The rule of thumb with any particular decorative item is to ensure they match the overall styling of a room, and a flower vase is no exception. Unless an exception is intended for making a splash in your decor, of course! Sticking to the basics first is still important - if your room has a minimalist style, choose a vase with clean lines and a simple design. A traditional room on the other hand, merits a classic shape like the Greek amphoras, or an earthy material like ceramic. Mixing and matching different vases and flowers can create interesting results as well, and it's not a set rule to only use flowers! Marbles, candy rocks, potpourri - there are countless decorative fillings available today. With the design and filling sorted, arrangement and size remain. You could opt to group multiple vases of different dimensions to evoke a sense of layering and movement. Floor length vases are popular as statement pieces and table vases are excellent for pops of color and texture throughout your space. 

Material Of Flower Vase 

The material of your flower vase has aesthetic as well as practical benefits. A comprehensive guide to the most popular materials for these decor items is presented as follows:

• Ceramic - Ceramic is a sturdy material that can withstand many chaotic home environments, such as being shatter-proof if you have pets or children around. The material itself is highly versatile when it comes to taking on colors, shapes and size. Ceramic flower vases add an opulent, pristine touch to your home decor with their particular shine, and are habitable to both natural as well as artificial elements within. 

• Metal - The durability of metal is always lauded as a prime quality for its usage, but the malleability of the wide range of metals we have out there must not be discounted. The processing of metal is such that it can come in a variety of stunning textures such as oxidized, shined to show reflections, painted and even their engravings hold a lustrous appeal. With metal flower vases in your home, you would add an element of modernity as well as grandeur. Even better, metal can be repurposed and recycled, making them an eco-friendly option as long as you treat their surfaces against moisture.

• Wood - Aesthetically, wood has a natural and rustic look that can add warmth to any space. It can come in different finishes and treatments, and can be used in its solid form or be engineered to enhance the properties of different strains. Wood flower vases are lightweight and easy to move, which makes it easy to rearrange your flower display. They are also ecologically sustainable, making them a practical and environmentally conscious investment. Wood provides a perfect space to preserve natural flowers.

• Glass - Glass flower vases are a popular choice first and foremost for their transparency, which allows the flowers or any decorative filling to be seen clearly. This adds a sleek yet boldly bare aesthetic. Additionally, glass vases can be filled with water as they're typically moisture resistant, allowing the flowers to stay fresh and hydrated. With the variety that the art of glassblowing brings to the table, this material can complement any style of decor as well.

Shape Of The Flower Vase

The shape of your vase can be in accordance with your room decor and help embellish it. Additionally they each have their unique benefits when it comes to housing fillers and flowers:

• Round - Round flower vases are a classically eternal choice that works well for any decor style from old glamour to modern. Depending on size, they can be used to display an overflowing flower arrangement over the rim, providing the stem lengths fit. Their shape is soft yet eclectic, drawing the eye and making them perfect for creating a dynamic atmosphere.

• Oval - Oval flower vases offer an organic shape that can adds a touch of slender elegance to your decor. They are versatile and work well with a wide range of flower arrangements, from small and sweet posies to abundant bouquets. Their smooth curves create a fluidity that evokes a sense of harmony and balance to pull together all aspects of your rooms.

• Rectangle - Rectangular flower vases are a modern, stocky, yet sleek choice that can add a touch of sophistication to any room. Their straight lines and sharp angles provide a striking contrast to the soft natural curves of flowers, making them an eye-catching statement piece. They work well with modern and minimalist decor and can be used to display long-stemmed flowers or textural, branched varieties.

• Triangle - Triangle flower vases are a unique and whimsical choice to adorn your room and your flowers with. They are often used to display single stems or small flower arrangements and work well in eccentric themes. Their gradual, pyramidal shape creates a sense of height and movement and allows a layered piece due to the wide bottom.

Matching Flower Vases With Flower Colour

This is an important aspect of creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing display. When choosing a vase for a specific flower color, it's important to consider the hue, saturation, and even seasonality of the flora. A vase that complements the color of the flower can enhance its beauty, after all. For example, a white or clear vase complements  an entire spectrum of flower colors and creates a classic look. However, you can opt for a vase that matches the dominant color of the flower or choose a contrasting color to create a striking statement. Vases with metallic accents would go well with subtler and neutral flower colors, while a rustic wood would complement more leafy greenery to create earthy tones. Color theory is important to follow here in regards to choosing the palette.

To Summarize

Flower vases have been used as a symbol of love, friendship, status, and even mourning. When they were used to specifically hold flowers in olden times, many cultures even told narratives based on the embellishments on the pottery as well as the language of flowers used. For the modern palate, these meanings can translate over or be transformed to a contemporary interpretation. It all depends on the statement  you want to convey with your home decor and the way you want it to reflect your story, your home's story. With the advent of new materials and technology, the design and function of vases have evolved. With the use of unconventional materials and forms, your vase decor just elevated up several notches - and Urban Ladder is here to help maintain that style elevation for you with a selection and guide to the best flower vases!

FAQ

Which Flower Vase Material Is Best To Keep Flowers?

Traditionally, for their hydration preserving properties, glass flower vases are the most used material to keep flora in. Lately however, wooden options are proving to be an excellent option since they recreate the natural look of plant life.

Are Flower Vases Meant To Be Kept Outdoors Or Indoors?

Depending on the material, durability, and size - as well as the filler elements you choose to display within - flower vases can be kept both outdoors and indoors. Ceramic and lacquered wood for example, shine in bright environments. Glass technically can withstand atmospheric faults, but it would reflect the glare of sunlight too harshly. Metal on the other hand, looks and sustains itself best indoors.

How Many Flowers Can A Flower Vase Hold At Max?

This depends on the size and shape of the vase. For flower vases with a narrow neck, there would be fewer flowers, and those with a wide rim should hold a veritable bouquet - however, the length of the vase also matters especially if you intend to preserve the flowers in water. Those with a tapering design like triangle flower vases can hold a few flowers due to narrow opening, but the wider bottom can be filled with water and even layers of decorative filling.