How to Choose the Perfect Vase by Style, Colour & Material for Every Interior

Vases aren't just for holding flowers—they’re expressive accents that spark conversation, reflect your personality, and quietly tie a room’s style together. Whether you’re looking to create a cohesive look or simply add a touch of elegance to your space, choosing the right vase can completely transform the vibe of a room.

With the wide variety of styles, colours, and materials available today, it can feel overwhelming to find the perfect match. This comprehensive guide breaks it all down to help you confidently choose the best vase for your home decor.

Why Vases Matter in Interior Design

Vases play a crucial role in interior design by serving both functional and decorative purposes. They can hold florals, branches, or even stand alone as sculptural elements. But beyond their utility, vases contribute to the atmosphere of a space by reinforcing a design style, introducing texture, and adding visual interest.

The right vase can elevate a simple shelf, console table, or dining setup. It can soften a modern room, add contrast to a rustic space, or bring warmth to a minimalistic setup. That’s why choosing the right style, colour, and material is key to curating a space that feels thoughtful and intentional.

Vase Styles Explained: Find the Right Look for Your Interior

Scandi Vases: Calm, Minimal, and Earthy

Scandinavian design embraces a clean, uncluttered aesthetic, blending practical function with natural, understated beauty. Scandi vases often feature clean lines, muted tones, and natural textures. These pieces blend seamlessly into serene, light-filled spaces and pair perfectly with wooden accents and soft textiles.

Best for: Minimalist, Nordic, and Japandi-inspired interiors.

Pair with: Light wood furniture, neutral linens, and simple floral stems like eucalyptus or pampas grass.

Rustic Vases: Worn-In Warmth

Rustic vases offer a cozy, lived-in feel with their textured finishes, earthy colours, and handmade aesthetic. They can be ceramic, stoneware, or even wood, often with imperfect shapes that add charm and character.

Best for: Farmhouse, boho, or country-style homes.

Pair with: Dried flowers, foraged branches, or wildflowers.

Modern Vases: Sleek and Sophisticated

Modern vases focus on bold shapes, high-gloss finishes, and often asymmetrical or abstract designs. Think clean geometry and artistic silhouettes that double as conversation pieces.

Best for: Contemporary, industrial, or high-design interiors.

Pair with: Monochrome flowers or leave them empty as sculptural décor.

Vintage Vases: Nostalgic and Timeless

Vintage vases bring in an old-world charm. These might include glass, ceramic, or ornate metal pieces with intricate details or patina finishes. A beautiful way to introduce character and a sense of story into any room.

Best for: Eclectic, retro, or traditional interiors.

Pair with: Romantic florals like roses, peonies, or hydrangeas.

Choosing the Right Vase Colour: Tone Sets the Mood

The colours you choose can quietly shape the mood of a space, often influencing how a room feels without you even realizing it. Here’s how different vase colours influence the feel of your space:

White Vases

Crisp, clean, and endlessly versatile. White vases work in almost any setting, providing a fresh backdrop for vibrant florals.

Cream Vases

A softer alternative to white, cream vases lend warmth and a gentle touch to neutral palettes, often ideal for rustic or boho styles.

Grey Vases

Grey strikes a beautiful balance—elegant yet understated, and effortlessly contemporary. It brings a layer of depth to your decor while still letting other elements in the room shine.

Gold Vases

Gold adds a luxe, glamorous touch. These vases are often reserved for accent styling or special occasions, bringing in light and richness.

Coloured Vases

Think blush pink, forest green, cobalt blue. Coloured vases are bold and expressive. Use them to make a statement or tie in other elements of the room.

Material Matters: Texture and Feel

Materials contribute texture and visual weight to your decor. Depending on what you want your space to say, here's how to make a decision:

Glass Vases

Elegant, airy, and timeless. Glass vases—whether clear or softly tinted—naturally catch and bounce light, bringing a bright, airy feel to any space. They work well in modern, Scandi, and coastal homes.

Ceramic Vases

Handcrafted and charming, ceramic vases come in endless glazes and shapes. Perfect for rustic, bohemian, or artisanal decor themes.

Stone Vases

These vases feel grounded and organic. Their matte surfaces and earthy tones make them ideal for natural, minimalist interiors.

Metal Vases

Industrial and edgy, metal vases (brass, copper, iron) can bring a modern or vintage look depending on their finish. They’re durable and often dramatic.

Styling Tips: How to Mix & Match Vases Like a Pro

• Stick to a Theme: Keep a common element—whether it’s colour, material, or height—to unify a group of vases.
• Vary Heights and Shapes: Grouping vases of different sizes and forms creates visual rhythm and avoids monotony.
• Use Odd Numbers: A tried-and-true stylist rule—groupings of 3 or 5 tend to look more natural than even numbers.
• Add Natural Elements: Fill vases with flowers, dried grass, or foliage to soften hard surfaces and introduce life into the room.

Vase Styling Mistakes and Simple Ways to Avoid Them

1. Overcrowding Surfaces – Give your vases breathing room so they can shine individually.

2. Ignoring Scale – A tiny vase on a large table gets lost, while a huge vase on a narrow shelf overwhelms.

3. Mismatched Styles – Be mindful of your overall theme. A sleek, modern vase can feel out of sync in a cozy, rustic space.

4. Using Artificial Florals Poorly – If using faux flowers, ensure they're high quality and styled naturally.

5. Color Clash – Make sure vase colours complement your existing palette instead of competing with it. For example, a stone vase perfectly matches a stone lamp. 

Final Thoughts

A vase might seem like a small detail, but it can have a big impact. By understanding the interplay between style, colour, and material, you’ll be better equipped to choose vases that enhance your space and express your design personality.

Found your vase style? Browse our full range of curated vases at The Bonnie Home and bring your vision to life today.