Vases: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing and Styling Vases in Your Home

Vases: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing and Styling Vases in Your Home

Vases are one of the most versatile decorative pieces in any home. Whether holding flowers, greenery or displayed on their own, the right vase can add texture, height and balance to a room while helping tie your decor together.

This guide explains how to choose the right vase, where to place it, and how to style vases beautifully throughout your home — from coffee tables and consoles to dining spaces and bedrooms.

Browse Vases collection


Why Vases Matter in Home Styling

Vases are often small details, but they play an important role in decorating because they:

  • add structure and height to surfaces

  • introduce texture through ceramic, glass or stone finishes

  • work with flowers, greenery or alone as sculptural decor

  • help anchor styling arrangements

A thoughtfully chosen vase can instantly make a space feel more balanced and intentional.

Ceramic vase with embossed lily of the valley design with green plant against a wooden background


How to Choose the Right Vase

Consider Size and Scale

A vase should match both:

  • the surface it sits on

  • the stems or decor inside it

Examples:

  • tall vases suit consoles or floor styling

  • medium vases work well on coffee tables or sideboards

  • small vases are ideal for shelves or bedside tables

Too large can overwhelm a surface, while too small may feel lost.


Think About Shape

Different vase shapes suit different styling purposes:

  • Narrow-neck vases help support fewer stems and keep arrangements neat

  • Wide vases create fuller displays and suit larger tables

  • Tall vases add vertical interest and balance long surfaces

Choosing the right shape makes arrangements easier and more natural.

Floral arrangement in a white vase on a surface with books and another vase.Grey ribbed vase with white flowers on a textured surface with decorative rabbits and a framed picture in the background.


Choose a Finish That Complements Your Decor

Neutral tones and textured finishes often work best because they:

  • blend easily with different styles

  • highlight flowers or greenery rather than competing with them

  • remain timeless across seasons

Ceramic, stone-look or softly glazed finishes are particularly versatile.


Where to Style Vases in Your Home

Coffee Tables

A vase with faux flowers or greenery adds softness and balance to the centre of the room.

Try pairing it with:

  • a decorative tray

  • a candle holder

  • a small accent object

Read our Coffee Table Styling Guide
Explore our Faux Flowers collection


Console Tables

Vases are ideal for consoles because they help create height and structure.

A common approach:

  • one taller vase

  • layered with candles or smaller decor

  • balanced with a mirror or artwork above

Read our guide on How to Style a Console Table

dark charcoal ridged terracotta vase with faux green hops stemsdark charcoal vase with faux dried brown hydrangea, burgundy eucalyptus bracken with little mini pumpkins on round wooden table


Dining Tables

A vase makes an easy everyday centrepiece.

Choose:

  • low arrangements for easy conversation

  • neutral flowers or greenery for timeless styling


Shelves and Side Tables

Smaller vases work beautifully on shelves or bedside tables.

They can:

  • hold a few stems

  • sit as decorative objects alone

  • balance books or framed pieces


Styling Vases with Flowers and Greenery

Faux Flowers

Faux flowers are perfect for everyday vase styling because they:

  • last all year

  • keep their shape

  • allow you to refresh decor seasonally

Read our Ultimate Faux Flower Guide

ridged raspberry pink ridged ceramic vaseFaux Brown Perilla Autumn Leaves Spray in white ceramic vase


Faux Plants and Foliage

Greenery in a vase creates a softer, more relaxed look and works especially well for neutral interiors.

Read our Faux Plants Guide


Styling Without Flowers

Vases don’t always need stems.

They can also:

  • act as sculptural decor

  • be grouped in different heights

  • sit within a tray arrangement

Read our Rattan Trays Guide


Grouping Vases for a Designer Look

Grouping two or three vases often looks more intentional than using just one.

Try:

  • mixing different heights

  • keeping colours within the same palette

  • spacing them unevenly for a natural feel

This works particularly well on consoles or shelves.

Roman twisted handle crackle glaze vase for home decorPrestbury Cream Ceramic Grooved Vase


Updating Vase Styling Seasonally

Vases are easy to refresh throughout the year.

  • Spring: lighter flowers or greenery

  • Summer: airy, simple arrangements

  • Autumn: richer tones and textures

  • Winter: festive greenery or minimal neutral styling

Read our Autumn Decorating Guide
Find inspiration in our Christmas Decorating Guide


Final Thoughts

Vases are one of the most versatile and timeless decorating pieces you can own. By choosing the right size, shape and placement — and pairing them with flowers, greenery or decorative styling — you can effortlessly add balance, texture and personality to your home.

Browse Vases

For more inspiration:


Vase FAQs

What size vase should I choose?

Choose a vase that suits both the surface and the stems you plan to use. Larger surfaces suit taller or wider vases, while smaller tables or shelves work best with compact styles.


Can vases be used without flowers?

Yes — vases can act as decorative objects on their own or be grouped together to add height and texture to a surface.


Where should vases be placed in a home?

Vases work well on coffee tables, console tables, dining tables, shelves, bedside tables or sideboards.


How many stems should go in a vase?

This depends on the vase size. Smaller vases often suit a few stems, while larger vases need fuller arrangements to feel balanced.


Are neutral vases better for decorating?

Neutral tones are often easier to style because they complement a wide range of flowers, greenery and interior styles.