Our favourite vases
A good vase is one of those things that earns its place in a room all year round — not just when there are flowers in it. The right one adds form, colour and personality to a shelf or windowsill whether it's empty or full. From a tiny single stem vases to a floor-standing statement piece, here are some of our favourites right now.
Bjørn Wiinblad Ceramic Eva Vase
For something with a bit of personality, look no further than Bjørn Wiinblad. The porcelain Eva vase draws on the Copenhagen-born artist's fairy-tale world of illustrated women — rosy-cheeked, floral-dressed and completely charming. It looks wonderful and cheery whether there are flowers in it or not, it's the kind of piece that prompts people to ask where it came from. This is the blue version, it comes in other colours, too - and there are other characterful styles as well.
Lindform Bottle Vase
Sometimes less is more. This small bottle vase from Swedish ceramicists Lindform is a lovely simple thing — a single stem, a sprig of something from the garden, or just sitting quietly on its own on a windowsill. The sand grey glaze is warm, earthy and tactile and the bottle shape is beautifully organic considered. A brilliant tasteful low-cost gift for someone (or an affordable treat for yourself). We've a whole selection of mini vases - see them here for more options.
Iittala Aalto Vase
If there's one vase that defines Nordic design, it might be this one. Alvar Aalto's iconic undulating form has been in continuous production since 1936 — inspired by the movement of waves, and originally considered quite revolutionary. It's now one of the most recognised glass objects in the world, and rightly so. Every piece is still mouthblown at the Iittala factory in Finland. Available in a range of sizes and colours, this one is probably our favourite.
Lyngby Tura Vase
If you want something timeless, this is it. The Lyngby Tura vase in white porcelain is an architectural piece — clean, considered, and with a quiet confident elegance that works in almost any interior. Like the rest of the Tura range, it's both a modern statement piece and a wonderful interpretation of the timeless Scandinavian design classic. One of our most popular ceramic vases, and it's easy to see why.
Kähler Signature Vase
Kähler has been making distinctive ceramics in Denmark since 1839, and the Signature vase is a good example of why they've lasted. The organic shape and hand painted design feel very much of the moment — earthy, warm and perfect for spring. It works beautifully with a few stems of something simple (there's a removable ceramic frog to help you arrange your blooms, or you can take it out for a fuller display), but it's just as pleasing empty.
Broste Liva Mouthblown Glass Vase
Broste Copenhagen continues to bring in pieces that feel genuinely fresh, and the Liva is a lovely example. Mouthblown glass in a two-tone hunter green and cream — contemporary in feel but with the warmth and character that only handmade glass has. The striking colour combination and flowing form work all year round, sitting just as beautifully with spring flowers as it does with branches or dried grasses.
Kosta Boda Crackle Vase
Kosta Boda's glassworks in Sweden have been running since 1742, so they know a thing or two about glass. This Åsa Jungnelius crackle vase is designed to invoke frosted ice, but each piece owes its unique colour to its construction from circular glass — meaning talented glassblowers (literally) breathe new life into offcuts and waste material from the glassworks that would otherwise be discarded. Beautiful, statement art glass with a conscience.
Orrefors Squeeze Vase
For a genuine statement piece, it's hard to look past this 50cm tall Squeeze vase in a rich, deep inky blue blue — a centrepiece that commands attention. The pinched, organic form (created while the glass is still molten) gives it a sculptural quality that makes it a piece of art as much as a vase. Orrefors has been creating Swedish art glass of the highest quality since 1916. We love their votives and midsummer mini vases, but this is the piece you buy for a room that needs a focal point.
Broste Thyra Metal Vase
This big beauty is Broste Copenhagen's Thyra floor-standing metal vase, 50cm tall, with a hand-applied enamel coating that means every one is completely unique. The warm, muted colour palette of the Light Mix makes it feel luxurious without being showy. Equally beautiful with a dramatic arrangement of pampas grass or dried botanicals, or left completely empty as a sculptural object in its own right. We've one on display in the shop, with Gry & Sif felt branches in it, and it always attracts compliments. There's a smaller version, too.
Ready to find your favourite vase?
