Décor Tips for Styling Colourful Vases

Colourful vases are more than just vessels for holding flowers; they are gorgeous statement pieces that can instantly elevate the aesthetic of your room. Whether made from glass, terracotta, or ceramics, these vibrant additions bring a splash of personality to your living space. However, styling them correctly is essential to ensuring they complement your home, rather than clash with your décor. 

We’re taking you through a range of colourful vases - from the translucent beauty of glass to the rustic charm of terracotta - and providing tips on how to style them within your home. Let’s dive in!

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Image credit: @hazelhouseberry | Nat Spada 

1. Styling Colourful Glass Vases

Glass vases are a timeless choice that offers versatility and a touch of luxury. Their transparent nature allows them to reflect light beautifully, making them perfect for brightening up darker corners of a room. Colourful glass vases come in a wide range of hues, from bold reds and oranges to softer pastels like lavender and sky blue. Here’s how we recommend styling them:

Create a Focal Point: Position a single large, colourful glass vase on a table or benchtop to draw the eye. The transparency of glass vases is already so vibrant in itself, so we recommend going with a more refined bunch of flowers or greenery options.

Group Different Sizes and Shapes: When styling multiple glass vases, vary the heights and shapes to add visual interest. A cluster of different-sized vases in complementary colours can create a harmonious yet striking display.

Pair with Neutral Backdrops: Glass vases can easily blend into various décor styles, but they stand out most when placed against a neutral background. Think white walls, natural wood, or soft greys, which will allow the vase’s colour to pop.

Embrace Seasonal Themes: Change the contents of your glass vases according to the season. In spring, opt for fresh flowers in coordinating shades. In autumn, consider filling the vase with dried flowers or greenery.

Image credit: @renovatingmates | Kristian Van Der Beek 

Image credit: @renovatingmates | Kristian Van Der Beek 

2. Styling Terracotta Vases

Terracotta vases exude warmth and earthiness, making them a perfect fit for Mediterranean or farmhouse style interiors. Their natural clay tones often range from soft oranges to deep browns, with so many stunning shapes and sizes. Here’s how to make the most of terracotta vases:

Highlight Texture and Shape: Terracotta vases often have a rough, unglazed finish, which adds texture to a room. When styling, consider placing them on a smooth surface, such as a polished stone table, to create a contrast that highlights their unique texture.

Pair with Greenery: The earthy tones of terracotta vases pair beautifully with greenery. We love pairing terracotta with olive branches for a true Mediterranean vibe. The contrast between the vibrant green and the warm terracotta creates a visually pleasing effect.

Use in Outdoor Spaces: Terracotta vases are durable and weather-resistant, making them ideal for styling in outdoor spaces. Place them on your alfresco or garden with cascading plants to create a natural, inviting atmosphere.

Mix with Modern Elements: To avoid a purely rustic look, mix terracotta vases with modern elements. For instance, place a terracotta vase on a sleek table, or pair it with contemporary art pieces to create an eclectic mix of old and new.

If you’re feeling inspired by the Mediterranean, discover more about the interior design style.

Image credit: AM Interior Studio | Mitchell Kemp Photography 

Image credit: AM Interior Studio | Mitchell Kemp Photography 

3. Styling Blue Vases

Blue vases are incredibly versatile, offering a calm and serene vibe that suits both modern and traditional interiors, but we particularly love blue décor in coastal style homes. Whether you opt for deep navy, vibrant cobalt, or soft pastel blue, these vases can bring a touch of tranquillity to your home. Here’s how to style them:

Create Coastal Vibes: Blue vases are a staple in coastal or Hampton interiors. Pair them with white furniture, light wood, and seaside accents, like gorgeous artwork, to create a coastal-inspired retreat.

Pair with Contrasting Colours: Blue vases look stunning when paired with contrasting colours, such as orange or yellow. Place a blue vase on a side table with a bright yellow cushion nearby to create a vibrant, eye-catching display.

Layer Different Shades of Blue: If you’re going for a monochromatic look, consider layering different shades of blue throughout your room. Mix and match vases in varying tones—from pale sky blue to deep navy—to create depth and interest.

Add White Flowers: Blue vases are particularly effective at making white flowers stand out. Consider filling a blue vase with fresh white flowers for a classic and elegant look.

Love colour? Palm Springs might just be your ideal interior design style. Discover why Palm Spring's interior design will forever be iconic.

Mount Martha mood board created by Flawless Interiors Melbourne on Style Sourcebook.

Brass Gold Kitchen mood board created by Mood Indigo Styling on Style Sourcebook.

4. Styling Pink Vases

Pink vases add a touch of softness and femininity to any space. They range from pale blush to vibrant fuchsia, making them suitable for various décor styles. Here’s our best tips to styling pink vases:

Pair with Metallic Accents: Pink and metallics, especially gold and copper, make a glamorous combination. Style a pink vase on a gold tray or alongside gold-framed mirrors to add a touch of luxury to your space.

Use in a Feminine Space: Pink vases are perfect for adding a feminine touch to spaces. Pair them with soft, neutral tones and plush textiles to create a cosy, inviting atmosphere.

Mix with Bold Patterns: Don’t be afraid to mix pink vases with bold, patterned fabrics or materials. The key is to balance the boldness with softer elements—think a pink vase filled with white flowers placed against a strong stone backdrop, like this kitchen found at North Bondi.

Image credit: SJS Interior Design | Tom Ferguson   

5. Styling Green Vases

Green vases are a fantastic choice for bringing a touch of nature indoors. They exude freshness and vitality, making them ideal for spaces where you want to create a lively, rejuvenating atmosphere. Here’s how to style green vases:

Enhance Natural Light: Place green vases near windows or light sources to enhance their natural, refreshing vibe. The sunlight will reflect off the green glass or ceramic, adding a subtle glow to the room.

Combine with Wood Accents: Green vases pair beautifully with wooden furniture and accents. The combination of green and wood creates a harmonious, earthy feel that’s perfect for your home.

Add an Organic Touch: Green vases are perfect for adding a touch of organicness to a contemporary style home. We also love the combination of green and black which creates a striking visual effect. 

If you love striking black furniture then you’re in the right place. Discover black dining table styling tips. 

Luxury Green Living mood board created by Welda on Style Sourcebook.

Coastal Entry Style mood board created by Carly Thorsen Interior Design on Style Sourcebook.

6. Styling Patterned Vases

Patterned vases are an excellent way to add visual interest and personality to your décor. Whether they feature stripes, polka dots, florals, or geometric designs, these vases can become a focal point in any room. Here’s how we recommend styling patterned vases:

Keep it Simple: When styling a patterned vase, keep the surrounding décor simple to avoid overwhelming the space. Choose solid-colour furniture and neutral backgrounds to let the vase’s pattern stand out.

Coordinate with Other Patterns: If you love mixing patterns, ensure the patterns in your vases coordinate with other patterns in the room, such as in cushions, rugs, or curtains. Stick to a consistent colour scheme to keep the look cohesive.

Create a Statement Display: A large, patterned vase can act as a statement piece on its own. Place it in a prominent position, such as on a mantel or a console table, where it can be admired from all angles.

Fill with Simple Arrangements: Let the vase’s pattern be the star by filling it with simple floral arrangements. Opt for single-colour flowers or greenery to avoid competing with the vase’s design.

Go beyond vases and discover how to embrace pattern throughout your home.

Image credit: @thebeachabode.nelsonbay | Nat Spada 

Image credit: @thebeachabode.nelsonbay | Nat Spada 

Styling colourful vases is all about balance and creativity. Whether you choose the elegance of glass, the warmth of terracotta, or the serenity of blue, green, and pink vases, each type offers unique opportunities to enhance your home’s décor. 

Remember to consider the surrounding elements, such as furniture, lighting, and colour palettes, to ensure your vases complement the space rather than overpower it. To start bringing your décor ideas to life, head to our mood board tool. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the best colour for a vase?

The best colour for a vase largely depends on your existing décor and the atmosphere you want to create in a room. Neutral tones like white, grey, and clear glass are versatile and can complement any interior style. However, colourful vases can add a striking focal point—blue vases bring a calming effect, green vases enhance a natural vibe, and pink vases add a soft, feminine touch. Consider the overall colour palette of your room and choose a vase colour that either complements or contrasts it for the best effect.

Where should I put vases in the house?

Vases can be placed in various spots around the house to enhance your décor. Common areas include mantelpieces, console tables, dining tables, and bookshelves. For a more dramatic effect, position a large vase in an entryway or on a coffee table as a centrepiece. Vases also work well in bedrooms on bedside tables or dressers and in bathrooms on countertops or window sills. Ensure the vase’s colour and style match the room’s overall theme to create a cohesive look.

Can you leave decorative vases empty?

Yes, decorative vases can absolutely be left empty and still make a stylish statement. Empty vases, especially those with unique shapes, colours, or patterns, can act as sculptural pieces on their own. The key is to choose vases that have enough visual interest on their own so that they don’t necessarily need to be filled with flowers or greenery to enhance the space.

What is the rule of 3 vases when it comes to décor?

The rule of 3 in décor is a guideline suggesting that objects arranged in odd numbers, particularly in groups of three, tend to be more visually appealing. When applying this to vases, you can group three vases of varying heights, shapes, and colours together to create a balanced and dynamic display. This rule helps to create a more interesting and asymmetrical arrangement, which can make the overall aesthetic more engaging. Whether on a coffee table, mantel, or shelf, grouping vases in threes can add depth and character to your space.