Quirky and Unusual Vases for Your Home
Photo credit: Next
Quirky or unusual vases are real showstoppers and definite conversation starters. They can be whimsical, sculptural or completely unexpected, taking the form of anything from a boot, handbag or animal to the human body, like the ever-popular bum vase. You choose them not because they are on trend, but because they are guaranteed to add personality to your interior and create a sense of intrigue wherever you place them. With its strawberry-inspired texture, the unusual vase pictured here by Libra from Next is a perfect example. Its luscious berry glaze and rounded silhouette give it a sculptural quality, adding colour and visual interest to a room.
Organic, textured vases have become some of the most popular accent pieces in recent years, but some novelty designs have also enjoyed their moment in the spotlight - like the bum vase. Originally created by London-based designer Anissa Kermiche for her own home, the design became a huge phenomenon on instagram and was soon reimagined in different forms by many homeware brands. Unusual decorative vessels have always had a place in interiors, but I believe the success of the bum vase also encouraged more companies to create a much wider variety of playful designs.
A quirky or unusual vase doesn’t have to be a novelty shape, either. It may simply have a sculptural form or an artisanal finish that makes it feel more like a work of art than a traditional vase. For me, the best unusual vases are the ones that add personality, while still working with the tones and materials already in your home. If you prefer the more organic-looking modern vases, do head over to my feature:The Modern Vase Trend Defining Organic Interiors.
What can I display in a quirky vase
Photo credit: Ravensburger
Quirky or unusual vases are decorative in their own right. Take these clever 3D puzzle designs by Ravensburger, which create stunning contemporary vases. You can leave them empty like the one on the left, or fill them with flowers. If you don’t want the hassle of changing the water and providing fresh flowers, dried flowers, grasses or branches are a great alternative. They’re also perfect for the narrow-topped bottle-shaped vases and decorative vessels that are not watertight. Don’t forget that faux flowers are now incredibly realistic. Many online stores now offer these convincing artificial alternatives that will last the whole summer long. Look out for my forthcoming feature where I will share with you a whole variety of faux flowers.
I have compiled a list below of different options in each category of dried flowers, grasses and leaves for you. You might also like to read about them in my two articles:
Dried Flowers - how to style, dry and preserve flowers
Dried Grasses, Leaves and Branches: How to Style Your Home with these Natural Elements
Fresh flowers
Most fresh cut flowers look gorgeous in most vases, unless it is not water tight. Many are glazed inside or come with a waterproof lining, like the ones above. Otherwise, if there is room you could pop a container inside to prevent leakages.
Dried flowers
Alliums, Cowslip, Hydrangeas, Statice, Poppy seed heads, Lotus flowers, Elderberry flowers, Fennel flowers, Strawflowers, Nigella, Larkspur, Gypsophila, Scabiosa, Honesty, Achillea.
Dried grasses
Pampas grass, Bunny tails, Miscanthus, Quaking Grass, Copper beech leaves, Wheat grass, Fluffy reed grass, Foxtail millet, Palm spear, Canary grass, Oat grass.
Dried leaves
Eucalyptus leaves, Copper beech leaves, Ruscus, Ferns, Magnolia Leaves, Fan palm leaves.
Quirky vases FAQ’s
Photo credit: Rockett St George
How do I style my quirky or unusual vase so it ties in with the rest of my interior?
This depends on the material, finish and colour. If, for example, your quirky vase is colourful like the pink and red cowgirl boot here from Rockett St George, you might repeat one of its colours as an accent in a cushion, lampshade, artwork or book cover. You could also place it beside simpler objects in the same materials, such as ceramic, glass, brass or rattan, so the display feels connected rather than random.
Where can I display a quirky vase?
Wherever you have a surface, you can display your quirky vase. This could be a console table, shelf, windowsill, sideboard, mantelpiece, dining, coffee or side table, kitchen worktop or island. A particularly unusual vase can also work as a focal point in an entryway or in the centre of a coffee table.
Do quirky vases work in different interior styles, such as a neutral interior?
A bright, colourful vase could stand out like a sore thumb in a calm, neutral-toned room. If you prefer this style of interior, look for a natural-toned vase or one made from rattan. If the shape is unusual, it can still feel quirky and not look out of place in your pared-back scheme.
Are quirky vases suitable for small rooms?
In small spaces or on small surfaces, one distinctive quirky vase can often have more impact. So, keep it to one special piece rather than styling it amongst lots of small accessories.
Alternative items to use instead of a vase?
Look around you, especially in the kitchen, and think of different vessels that could make an interesting alternative for a quirky vase. These could be jugs, teapots, glass bottles, jam jars, carafes, decorative tins, bowls and plant pots, which can all be used as alternatives. Just place a watertight container inside any vase that is not designed to hold water.
Fig ceramic vase
This sculptural fig vase has been inspired by Mediterranean forms and is handcrafted from porcelain. Its rich green glaze and the beautifully textured detailing of each fig give the vase an artisanal feel, creating a bold yet refined statement. I think a vase like this, which is particularly special, can be displayed as a standalone piece, but as you can see, it also looks striking filled with delicate branches or tiny flowers which pick out the soft pink tones of the figs.
Test tube flower vase
I’m a big fan of bud vases and often display several grouped together. This unusual design takes a similar idea but links together a series of glass test tubes to form a chain, turning it into a unique decorative object. You could fill each tube with a selection of blooms, repeat the same flower throughout, or intersperse them with foliage.
Photo credit: Annabel James
Whimsical cow head vase
Meet Hamish, the head vase which also doubles as a planter. Styled here on a windowsill with gypsophila flowers and glasses, it comes with a removable glass insert - perfect for real or artificial florals. Crafted with gold detailing that accentuates its sophisticated sculptural design, this vase from Next is a real focal point for any corner of your home.
Photo credit: Next
Create your own unusual vase with paint
If you have a vessel or vase and you don’t like the colour or finish, it can be surprisingly easy to transform it into an eye-catching vase. Paint it in a shade that complements your interior scheme or as that pop of colour to tie in with another element in the room. Depending on the material, you may need a primer first. This vase, painted in Annie Sloan Capri Pink, would make a striking statement and instantly brighten up any interior. For a softer look, you could choose a neutral shade or textured paint for a more natural, aged finish.
Photo credit: Annie Sloan
Rattan vase
Rattan has become a real styling staple, and what better way to bring natural texture into your room than with a vase? This rattan urn-style vase from Next adds a stylish decorative touch and can be paired with other rattan pieces to create a cohesive scheme. Its warm, woven texture works particularly well with dried flowers and grasses, like in the vase pictured here, giving a room a relaxed, natural feel.
Photo credit: Next
Silver handbag vase
I was surprised to come across a selection of handbag-style vases. This decorative silver vase by Rowen has been crafted to resemble a designer handbag, giving it a wonderfully whimsical feel while still adding a touch of glamour. And, its generous size and wide opening allow for full floral arrangements. Personally, I think it works best with fresh flowers and foliage, although a bunch of dried grasses would also be suited to its shape.
Photo credit: Rowen
Waving arms vase
When you first glance at this vase, it’s the beautifully textured surface with a rich golden finish that catches your eye. Look again, though, and you notice the little arms waving at you, giving this vase a playful, slightly surreal twist that is sure to make people do a double-take. It feels like a work of art in its own right, although I think it looks best with a few simple stems or a bunch of one type of flower, such as the tulips pictured here.
Photo credit: Rockett St George
Butterfly vase
This is an elegant ceramic vase with a smooth cream-glazed finish, but it’s the gold butterflies that make it completely unique. Their raised, three-dimensional design creates a lovely sense of movement and gives the vase a decorative quality. I like the way the display has been kept simple with just a couple of white hydrangea heads so the flowers complement the overall look without distracting from the intricate butterfly detailing.
Photo credit: Rowen
Peacock vase
Here, a rich blue fluted vase with elegant gold accents is finished with a beautifully detailed peacock perched on the edge. It looks more like a sculptural piece of art, but it’s practical too, as it comes with a removable glass insert for displaying fresh flowers. I particularly like it styled with peacock feathers. I have a bunch in a vase in my own home, and they make a striking alternative to fresh or dried flowers, adding height, colour and a touch of drama to a display.
Photo credit: Next
Swiss chard jug-style vase
Embossed with a Swiss chard design, this jug vase by interior designer Nina Campbell is perfect for displaying your favourite blooms. Its reflective glaze, with hand-painted green leaf details, gives it a wonderfully decorative feel. You could also display it on its own in the kitchen, or even use it as a water jug to add a decorative touch to your indoor or outdoor table setting.
Photo credit: Next
Pinstripe vase
This tall flower vase by Oliver Bonas is made from red-and-white pinstriped glazed ceramic, with a wavy rim in a bold red finish. Its asymmetric shape and strong pop of colour make it a great standalone piece, but it would look equally good filled with fresh flowers.
Photo credit: Oliver Bonas
Gold leopard vase
This gold-toned vase, crafted in the shape of a leopard's head, brings a whimsical touch of elegance to your home and is sure to become a focal point wherever you place it. As well as being a majestic statement piece in its own right, the metallic finish adds a touch of shine that you can echo elsewhere in the room with a metallic frame or brass lamp, for example. If you want to know how adding metallic elements can elevate a space, check out my article: Stylish Interior Elements to Elevate Your Home: from curves and metallic finishes to lighting and foliage.
Photo credit: Next
Quirky duck vase
This vase is quirky at its best. If you are looking to add a real conversation piece to your home, this kitsch design by Rockett St George comes in the shape of a wonderfully realistic male duck strutting his stuff. With his bright yellow beak, green head and feather detailing, he feels like an unexpected little sculpture that also doubles up as a decorative vessel. Fill him with your favourite fresh flowers, a few stems of foliage or keep him empty.
Photo credit: Rockett St George
Delft Blue-inspired Dutch Design
I’m a fan of Delft and, if you are too, this is the perfect vase for you. Pictured here is a blue-and-white tulipiere, featuring the traditional five-pronged Dutch design and finished with hand-painted patterns. This particular vase, by Casa by JJ, would make a striking centrepiece on a dining table or console. Place a couple of flowers in each of the openings or intersperse them with delicate foliage for a looser arrangement.
Photo credit: Casa by JJ
The steel crash vase
This vase definitely creates a sense of intrigue, as it looks as though the base has been crumpled - yet the effect is intentional and part of the design. Known as the Crash Vase by Zieta, its sculptural metal base gives it a real edge. And, as you can see here, it’s quirky yet not too busy and is perfect for showcasing flowers.
Photo credit: Lime Lace
Book spine vase
This ceramic vase is ideal for a shelf, sideboard or console as it’s cleverly designed to look like a beautifully bound stack of vintage books. Three spines in off-white are flanked by two taupe-beige outer books, with delicate gold detailing adding a sophisticated finish. I particularly like the way the vase is styled with a natural arrangement of dried grasses and flowers, including pampas, bunny tails and wheatgrass, mixed with dried gypsophila and yellow billy buttons. The soft natural tones of this display, will work beautifully on any surface.
Photo credit: Next
Fish shaped vases
These three fish vases are a playful and colourful way to bring vessels and flowers into your home. Shaped like fish and finished in bold-coloured stripes, they look as good displayed on their own as they do filled with fresh flowers. Like a shoal of fish, they work beautifully grouped together. Here, the three different colours and varying heights create a balanced display. Using odd numbers is a simple styling trick that feels more natural and pleasing to the eye.
Photo credit: La Redoute
Heart vase
If you are giving flowers to a loved one, what could be more fitting than a heart-shaped vase? Designed by Cath Kidston, this vase can hold a generous bunch of blooms, making it perfect for Valentine's Day, an anniversary or any other special occasion. Here, a loose arrangement of pink tulips keeps the look relaxed and romantic, while allowing the heart shape of the vase to be the standout feature.
Photo credit: Next
LET’S SUM UP
I hope this article has given you an idea of the many different types of quirky and usual vases available. If you would like to read more about other home decor items that can help make a home feel finished, head over to my article Home Decor Essentials. You might also enjoy Interior Styling :What is it and How To Create a Beautiful, Cohesive Home, which is full of styling tips.
I’m Sandra, and this blog is about interior styling for real homes. If you love interiors and want your home to feel stylish, pulled together, yet still personal, you’ve come to the right place. I’ll be sharing styling advice to help you edit, layer, and finish your home with confidence, alongside articles on what’s happening in the interiors world — from design events and colour stories to features on interior gurus - so you get the full picture.
I also take you on tours of beautifully styled homes from around the world, offering inspiration and styling ideas to steal for your own space. Ultimately, I’ll show you how a little bit of styling can be transformational and take your home to a whole new level.
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