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Secondary vessels

Choosing and styling with a vase — proportions, bouquets, and arrangements

A successful vase is a dialogue between a container and what it holds. If it's too big, it overwhelms a small bouquet; if it's too small, it causes long stems to tip over. Well-chosen, it elevates a simple branch gleaned on a walk just as much as a festive bouquet. This guide provides the benchmarks for matching vases and flowers, creating harmonious arrangements, placing your vases around the house, and maintaining them so they stay beautiful for a long time — and introduces you to the neighboring world of terrariums.

The rule of proportions: matching vase and bouquet

Florists use a simple rule: the visible part of the bouquet should measure approximately one and a half to two times the height of the vase. This proportion creates a natural balance between the container and the composition. It is not an absolute rule, but it is an excellent starting point.

Which vase for which composition?
  • ✓
    Single stem or small branch — a narrow vase or one with a small opening holds it straight and showcases it like an object.
  • ✓
    Round and generous bouquet — a vase with a wider opening lets the flowers bloom without crowding them.
  • ✓
    Long stems and branches — a tall, weighted vase prevents tipping and emphasizes verticality.
  • ✓
    Dried flowers — an opaque vase hides the stems and provides a texture that complements that of the flowers.
  • ✓
    Small seasonal bouquets — several small vases scattered on a table are better than one large container.

Our florist's tip: for a bouquet that spreads too much in a wide-mouth vase, cross a few strips of clear adhesive tape over the neck to form a grid. Each stem finds its own spot and the bouquet keeps its shape.

Ceramic, glass, or terrarium: three ways to display plants

Our selection brings together three families of objects, each with its own personality. Here is how to distinguish them to choose according to the desired effect.

Criteria Ceramic vase Glass vase Lightbulb terrarium
Visual effect Presence, color, relief: the vase is a sculpture Lightness and transparency, the stems become part of the decor Mini-landscape to observe up close
Ideal compositions Dried flowers, branches, country-style bouquets Fresh flowers, graphic stems, branches in water Small plants, mosses, decorative elements
Decorative asset Works even when empty, as an object Blends into any style Original format that intrigues
In our selection Julia, Cosinus, Circus Smoke glass vase Terra, Etably, Eky

Decorative vase or water vase? Some vases are designed primarily as decorative objects. Before putting water in them, check the product sheet to see if the model is suitable for fresh flowers. When in doubt, place a small watertight container inside: you get to enjoy the vase without risking damage to your furniture.

The vase without flowers: an object in its own right

A beautiful vase doesn't need to be filled to be effective. The ceramic models in our selection were chosen for their shapes and textures: placed alone, they become true sculptures. The Sleepy Head vase, the Paon Ovalis vase, or the Origin Ovālis catch the eye even when empty. The Elementary leans into graphic simplicity.

To create a set, the set of 3 Nordik ceramic vases offers a ready-made solution: three matching pieces, to be lined up on a windowsill or grouped in a triangle on a console. You can also create your own collection by combining vases of different shapes but in the same color, or of the same shape in shades that complement each other.

Arranging throughout the seasons

The same vase can change roles all year round. In spring, it welcomes the first flowering branches and tulips; in summer, country bouquets and wildflowers picked by the roadside. Autumn invites colorful foliage, grasses, and the first dried flowers, while winter highlights bare branches, holly, or a few eucalyptus stems.

This rotation is also an opportunity to move your vases: the light is different in January and July, and a dark console in winter may become the perfect spot in summer. Changing a vase's location is a way to refresh a room's decor in seconds, without buying anything. Just keep in mind that fresh flowers prefer a place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Where to place your vases in the house?

🍽️
Dining table
A low composition so as not to hinder conversation between guests.
🛋️
Entryway console
A large vase with branches for a spectacular welcome.
🪟
Windowsill
A line of small single-stem vases, bathed in light.
📚
Bookshelf
A sculptural vase between two rows of books to add rhythm to the shelf.
🛏️
Bedside table
A small seasonal bouquet or a few dried flowers, for a gentle touch.
🛁
Bathroom
A terrarium or a small dried arrangement that withstands humidity.

For an original effect, the Tibet levitating plant makes a small plant float above its wooden base: a piece that invariably attracts attention on a desk or shelf.

Maintaining your vases and extending the life of bouquets

The right steps
  • 1
    Cut stems at an angle — each time you change the water, to facilitate absorption.
  • 2
    Remove submerged leaves — they decompose in the water and cloud it quickly.
  • 3
    Change the water regularly — clear, fresh water extends the life of the bouquet.
  • 4
    Clean the vase between bouquets — use warm soapy water and a bottle brush for narrow necks, then rinse thoroughly.
  • 5
    Protect the ceramic — avoid abrasive sponges on glazes and sudden thermal shocks.

Precaution: always place your water-filled vases on a stable surface, away from table edges and out of the reach of children and pets. On wooden furniture, a vase coaster prevents water rings in case of condensation.

Giving a vase: ideas and occasions

A vase is a gift that lasts much longer than the flowers it holds. Here are some ideas for different occasions:

💐
With a bouquet
Giving the bouquet and the matching vase: the gift is ready to be displayed, without needing to look for a container.
🏡
Housewarming
A set of ceramic vases to dress up the first shelves of a new home.
🌿
For plant lovers
A lightbulb terrarium or the levitating plant, for a gift that stands out.
🎂
Birthday
A sculptural vase with character, which remains beautiful even without flowers.

Complement your decor

🏺
Decoration
Decorative objects for the whole house
💡
Lighting
Pendant lights and designer lamps
🎨
Paintings
Large-format abstract paintings
🏡
The Home
All our interior worlds

FAQ — Arranging, placing, and maintaining your vases

What size vase should I choose for a bouquet?
Expect the visible part of the bouquet to be about one and a half to twice as tall as the vase. For a round bouquet, choose a wide enough opening; for a single stem, a narrow neck that keeps it straight. Several small vases work well for small bouquets.
Can I put water in all ceramic vases?
Not necessarily: some vases are primarily decorative. Check the product sheet to see if the model is suitable for fresh flowers. When in doubt, place a small watertight container inside the vase to protect your furniture.
How do I keep a bouquet in place in a vase that is too wide?
Form a grid by crossing strips of clear adhesive tape over the vase opening, then slip one stem into each section. You can also tie the stems with a discreet band before placing them, or add foliage to fill the space.
Which vase should I choose for dried flowers?
An opaque vase, made of ceramic for example, is ideal: it hides the stems and its texture complements that of the dried flowers. Since there is no water, you can also use purely decorative vases, such as the Sleepy Head vase.
What is a lightbulb terrarium?
It is a small container shaped like a lightbulb that holds a mini plant or decorative arrangement. It creates a small landscape to observe up close, on a shelf or desk. Discover the Terra, Etably, and Eky models.
How do I clean a narrow-necked vase?
Fill it with warm soapy water, let it sit, then scrub with a thin bottle brush. For stubborn deposits, a bit of diluted white vinegar works well on glass. Rinse thoroughly and let dry upside down before using again.
How do I combine several vases together?
Group them in threes by varying the heights, and keep a common thread: color, material, or shape. A matching set like the trio of Nordik vases simplifies the arrangement. Leave a little space between the pieces so each remains legible.

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