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Inspiration & Tips/Interior design tips/How to choose the right vase
The Alvar Aalto vase from Iittala stands on a sideboard, the best vase for cut flowers.

How to choose the best vase for your flowers – tips from a florist

Have you ever struggled to find the right vase for your cut flowers? Choosing the perfect vase can make all the difference in how your flowers look and last. We spoke with Malin Brandén, founder of the Swedish florist Blombruket, to get her expert advice on selecting the best vases for flower arranging. Here are her top tips on how to put flowers in a vase for the most beautiful results.
Updated 4th March 2025
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Malin Brandén the founder of Blombruket the florist that sells flowers by subscription.

Malin Brandén is the community planner who became a florist and founded Blombruket. The florist offers sustainable cut flowers on subscription, straight to your mailbox.

What to consider when choosing a vase for your flowers

The first step in flower arranging is selecting the right vase. According to Malin, where you place the bouquet in your home will determine the type of vase you need.

  • For a long stem bouquet a tall vase is essential. This type of arrangement looks best on a side table.
  • For dining tables: A lower, rounder vase works best so guests can easily see each other across the table.

Malin, a former community planner, followed her passion for flowers and founded Blombruket in 2019. Her business delivers sustainable cut flowers in beautifully designed boxes, complete with instructions on how to arrange them and which vase to use for the best effect.

"I believe there is added value in the whole experience—being able to arrange the flowers yourself and create something beautiful at home," she says.

So, what types of vases should you have on hand? Here are Malin's three must-have vases for flower arranging.

A round vase in a shade of green coloured glass. This round vase is from AYTM and holds a bunch of flowers from Blombruket.

The most versatile vase – A simple low round, vase such as the Globe vase from AYTM that works with most cut flowers.

1. A round vase – the most versatile choice

Many people have tall, narrow vases at home, but Malin suggests investing in a round vase with a wide bottom and a slightly narrower opening.

A globe-shaped vase is the most versatile option for flower arrangements. Even if your flowers are tied or arranged loosely, you’ll want to place the stems at an angle to create volume. A round vase helps achieve that naturally."

Florist's tip: A round, globe-shaped vase is ideal for arranging flowers directly in the vase or holding a hand-tied bouquet.

The Urna vase from Marimekko with a bouquet of flowers from Blombruket.

Urna from Marimekko - the perfect rounded vase with a wide bottom & narrow opening to keep your flower arrangement tightly in place.

ROUND VASES

The straight tall Aalto vase from Iittala in a brown coloured glass with a bouquet of flowers from Blombruket.

The Aalto vase from Iittala is a design classic and one of Malin's personal favourites.

2. A tall, straight vase – perfect for long-stemmed flowers

"You should also have a tall, straight vase for flowers like pampas grass, lilies, or amaryllis. This type of vase is great for creating height and structure in your arrangement."

For a timeless classic, Malin recommends the Alvar Aalto vase from Iittala.

If you're only going to invest in a few vases, it's worth choosing a classic. They are still popular because they work well and are easy to use."

Florist's tip: Use a tall, straight vase for long-stemmed flowers such as reeds, lilies, and amaryllis.

The best vase for tall stemmed flowers is a tall narrow vase like this Knabstrup vase from Knabstrup Keramik.

Tall vases work perfectly for flowers with long stems such as lilies and amaryllis.

TALL VASES

The best vases for small individual flowers are small or mini vases, here you see a selection of the midsummer vases from Orrefors.

Mini vases are a must have so you can take care of every little flower.

3. Small vases – for single stems and delicate blooms

"I also recommend having one or two small vases. These are perfect for single flowers that break off from a bouquet or for delicate seasonal blooms like snowdrops."

Malin encourages creativity: "You don’t always need a traditional vase—small glass jars, bottles, or even candle holders can work beautifully."

Florist's tip: Use multiple small vases for single flowers from your bouquet or garden.

SMALL VASES

A bouquet of flowers get a fresh cut to allow them to soak up more water.

Once you have the flowers and the vase, the best way take care of your flowers by giving them a fresh cut - preferably with help from a set of sharp secateurs.

Choosing the best vase for your cut flowers isn't always easy. Here you see the Gry vase from Cooee Design being held by a woman.

Need more care tips to make your flowers last longer? A clean vase. Change water often & wash the vase in between water changes to get rid of bacteria.

How to make your cut flowers last longer – 3 essential tips

Once you've chosen the perfect vase and arranged your flowers, it's important to take care of them so they stay fresh longer. Malin shares her top three tips for extending the life of cut flowers:

  • Cut stems at an angle using sharp secateurs (not a kitchen knife) to prevent clogging and help the flowers absorb water efficiently.
  • Don’t just leave flowers in the same water for days. Change it frequently and wash the vase at least once a week to prevent bacteria buildup.
  • Fruits release ethylene gas, which can cause flowers to wilt faster. Keep your bouquet at a safe distance for longer-lasting blooms.

Find the best vase for your flowers

The right vase can transform your flower arrangement, making it more beautiful and long-lasting. Whether you're displaying a grand bouquet, a simple sprig, or seasonal blooms, having the right vase on hand is key.

Browse our selection of stylish vases to find the perfect match for your flowers.

Photo: Angeliqa Daldorph, Ludvig Gropp, Cooee Design, Broste Copenhagen

Arijana Rosso
Writer

FIND THE BEST VASE FOR YOUR FLOWERS

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