Making the Most of Different Vases

By Simon Crowther @prestigeflower

Making the most of different vases

Flower vases come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. The most popular shape is usually a wide bottom, a narrowed centre, and a flared rim. This is because it offers both stability and it allows you to arrange your flowers in just the right way. You also won't need to use too many stems to fill the vase up. The wider the vase, the more flowers you'll need to fill it.

Another important aspect is to choose the right colour. While many people agree that clear glass vases are a simple and failsafe option, it's usually better to opt for a neutral, opaque colour. Black vases look great with white or brightly coloured blooms. White vases create more of an old-fashioned appearance when paired with pastel coloured flowers. Green vases that match the colour of the foliage and stems will provide an excellent natural-looking base for any bouquet.

Size is another essential factor. The taller the vase, the longer the stems should be. Shorter vases are best suited for short-stemmed flowers. Think of a 2:1 ratio. If the stems are 50cm long, you will need a vase that's 25cm tall. Take into account the size of the flower compared to the length of the stem. In other words, large flower like a sunflower looks best with a long stem. Smaller flowers, on the other hand, may look better with shorter stems. So, before you choose your vase, you will need to decide if you wish to cut the stems down to a certain length.

If you want a more modern appearance, you should opt for a different type of vase. Perhaps one in the shape of a cube. The top of the cube should be completely open and the best colour to choose would be black. Add white or bright, bold coloured flowers to the vase and you're all set! Use flowers that have more defined shapes (like roses) rather than fluffy-looking ones (like chrysanthemums). Create defined lines rather than bunching everything together.

Remember that vases come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. If you don't have any short vases, you can use almost anything you can find in your home. Teacups, coffee mugs, jars, and bowls can all be used as vases if you're in a bit of a bind. Remember that, if you're not happy with the appearance of the container, you can always decorate it with paper, fabric, or even paint!