Vases are small, affordable and endlessly versatile. With a few simple rules, you can style them like a pro – with fresh stems, dried grasses or easy-care faux flowers – and make a shelf, table or mantel look professionally styled.

Play with height

Group vases in odd numbers (three is perfect) and vary their heights. Place a tall vase at the back, a medium one in the middle and a small one at the front. This creates a natural, layered shape that draws the eye. A small ceramic ball vase is ideal as the low point of a group.

Mix shapes, keep a common thread

Combine round, slim and wide shapes for interest, but link them with one shared element – a colour, a glaze or a material. Matte ceramics like a wabi sabi ceramic vase look calm and modern together; blue-and-white pieces feel fresh and classic.

Match the stems to the vase

  • Narrow necks – a single stem or two, such as a sunflower or a dried branch.
  • Wide openings – fuller bouquets that fan out naturally.
  • Short vases – keep flowers low so the arrangement does not look top-heavy.

As a guide, flowers should be about one and a half to two times the height of the vase.

Make faux flowers look real

Good faux flowers are a busy person’s best friend: no watering, no wilting and colour all year round. To make them look natural, bend the stems slightly, fluff out the petals and avoid packing them too tightly. A bright artificial sunflower bouquet in a simple vase adds instant cheer to a kitchen bench or entry table.

Let some vases stand alone

Not every vase needs flowers. A sculptural or textured vase can be a decor piece on its own, especially on a bookshelf or beside a lamp. Mix empty vases with books, candles and small objects for a curated look.

Where to style vases

  • Dining table centrepiece – keep it low so people can see each other.
  • Entryway console – one tall arrangement makes a strong first impression.
  • Bedside table – a single bud vase is enough.
  • Bathroom – faux greenery adds life without needing light or care.

Shop our ceramic vases and artificial flowers, or see how vases fit into a styled gallery wall.