Flowers have a singular ability to brighten a room, but the vase they're arranged in often gets treated as an afterthought. Which, if you ask us, is wildly unfair.
These vessels don't just hold stems upright – the right designs double as miniature works of art, capable of transforming a coffee table or mantelpiece into something more elevated.
Some are sculpted from swirling glass, others carved from marble or shaped into gloriously odd silhouettes. Whether filled with extravagant flowers or standing proudly empty, these designs prove that vases are every bit as worthy of admiration as the blooms they cradle.
Unusual vases for flowers
-
Hand-blown glass vase, David Valner
Proof that nature and contemporary design make excellent bedfellows, David Valner's hand-blown glass vase is inspired by the forests and rock formations of his homeland, the Czech-Moravian Highlands. It’s available in smoky grey or luminous yellow.
Price
$2,220
-
Penny-swirl glass vase, Martyn Thompson Studio
Designed by Martyn Thompson in collaboration with master glassblower Tom Rowney, this opaque, one-of-a-kind creation takes its cues from a 600-year-old goblet housed in London's Wallace Collection.
Price
$5,380
-
Arvasia ceramic vase, Liang & Eimil
If you prefer abstract design, look to this style by Liang & Eimil. With a generously wide neck, it’s ideal for oversized flower bouquets and will look worthy of being placed in a gallery.
Price
£660 (approx. $886)
-
Mostro VIII vase, MMOOS.
This limited edition design by MMOOS. has been crafted from stone and marble, and is inspired by sculptural symbolism and the idea of embracing the non-ordinary. It features not one, but two places to display your blooms.
Price
$9,886
-
Aurelia glazed stoneware vessel, Studio Zeina Bacardi
Punchy in color and form, this high-gloss orange vase will radiate personality in any home – because why settle for neutral? Place it somewhere that feels a little flat and watch it instantly inject vibrancy.
Price
$1,000
-
Fungus glass vase, David Valner
Mushrooms have enjoyed something of a design renaissance, and David Valner's playful interpretation feels wonderfully unexpected. Inspired by the colors, textures, and forms of fungi, each hand-finished vase has an otherworldly quality. Its shape lends itself to minimalist arrangements – a single lily or dramatic orchid.
See also: How To Bring Regencycore Into Your Home
Price
$1,715
-
1930s Karl Palda cut crystal vase, Abask
As an original vintage piece from former Czechoslovakia during the mid-century, expect this to be snapped up soon. Hand-cut and hand-faceted, this 1930s piece has slight imperfections that only add to its charm and history. There's only one available on Abask's website, so act quickly.Price
$1,550
-
Spadillo vase by Elena Salmistraro, Lithea
Handcrafted in Italy with a 8-9 weeks lead time, this Spadillo vase combines multicolored marble employed using an intricate inlay technique. The geometric composition blurs the line between decorative object and artwork.
Price
$4,335
-
1970s sterling silver nautilus shell vase, Abask
With slight imperfections, this 190s sterling silver vase takes the form of an ancient nautilus, a fossil that has existed for over 400 million years. Style it with a single stem for maximum impact.Price
$3,910
How we chose the most unusual vases for flowers
Each item featured is independently selected by Elite Traveler’s editors and contributors, informed by first-hand reviews where possible and in-depth research where not. Our curation spans the world’s most luxurious brands, chosen for their uncompromising quality and exceptional craftsmanship.
